In the course of my duties as a Pastor, I have the privilege of meeting many wonderful people. Often these people are at the sunset of their lives and are preparing to step into eternity.
I always find myself a little overwhelmed as I consider that the dear soul I am talking to, will be in the presence of God Almighty in a few short breaths.
All the questions that niggle at the back of our minds about death, eternity, and God -- are answered in a moment.
All the worries, cares, priorities, dreams, and aspirations that consumed so much of our thoughts, passions and resources -- are diminished to naught in the light of God's presence.
So the life stories that cling close to my heart, are often those that surpass my expectations and surprise me and restore my faith.
Welcome to "their stories".
During World War 2, a remarkable woman joined the U.S. Coast Guard. I have no contact information for her family, so I have no way to obtain permission to disclose her name.
The young lady was sent to San Diego for Coast Guard training. During her time there, she met a strapping young Navy man that she called, "The Swede".
Over the course of two weeks, the Swede and the young lady fell deeply in love.
If there is any doubt in your mind, as to the strength and authenticity of of "love at first sight", then this story was written with you in mind.
After a couple blissful weeks, the Swede received orders to report to his ship. The U.S.. Navy ordered his ship to sea in an effort to stop the German Navy. His destroyer sailed and never returned. It was sunk by a German U-Boat. There were no survivors.
The Swede's devoted girlfriend served her nation with honor. At the end of the war, she became a very respected management assistant and enjoyed a remarkable career in business.
However, the most remarkable part of the story has yet to be told.
The Swede's girlfriend remained faithful to their love -- for the rest of her life.
Throughout her life, she told stories of her time with the Swede, his character, his bravery, and their love. She faithfully honored his memory and their love.
Her friends commented to me that they always wondered if the Swede was real. Her memories of the Swede sometimes seemed to good to be true. But she clung relentlessly to his memory and their love.
This story gives honor to my favorite Bible passage.
Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love?
Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity,
or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger,
or threatened with death?
No, despite all these things,
overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
And I am convinced that nothing
can ever separate us from God’s love.
Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,
neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow
—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.
No power in the sky above or in the earth below
—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever
be able to separate us from the love of God
that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 8:35-39
