...........Arise..........

'"Talitha, cumi,"......."immediately the girl arose and walked'"
I have to tell of this precious memory in the Dyer family's lives.  It is a memory for us of hope and honor to our Creator.   
 

 A few weeks ago, Alma Mae Shannon, 7 months in utero, was delivered.  5 days prior, John and Pauli learned that she went to be with our precious Shepherd and Guardian, Jesus.  Our family has had the privilege to know and love the Shannons' as they have walked through this difficult season that God purposed in their lives.  They have amassed strength, peace and joy from our God that has indeed surpassed all understanding.  Through this couple, God has evidenced to untold many of His provision, love and tender mercies.
     In January, some church ladies held a prayer meeting for Pauli.  At that time, it was hopeful that Alma would be able to be born fully formed and alive.  Pauli explained to us how Alma Mae had some serious mental and physical abnormalities and that her life would be at best only hours long.   Pauli was single minded, functioning for our Lord, bearing the weight and life of a precious child.  Pauli served our Lord as she sweetly obeyed His purpose for John and her over these 7 months.  That morning as the ladies chatted, Pauli shared the Gospel of Christ as it related to Alma Mae.  Most of us were in tears, amazed at Pauli's strength and the peace she conveyed.  All of us were imprinted with God that morning.
      Upon hearing of Alma's death, Jody and I spent a couple of sweet, loving hours with the Shannons'.  While, their toddler, Moses mastered his trucks and drawings we were able to draw upon the Lord, not for understanding, but for complete submission to His Sovereignty and Love.  John shared how Alma Mae had served her Creator even in-utero.  They had been able to share the Gospel of Hope and Deliverance to many people as they trusted in God, even when this life hurt.

        On February 8th, a rainy Monday morning, in a large, warm, "living-room style" delivery room at the hospital Pauli delivered little Alma Mae.  The attentive, caring hospital staff swaddled Alma Mae in blankets and put her in a basket.  Pauli welcomed visitors and enjoyed sharing her precious baby.  John was tender, mindful of everyone in the room at all times, caring for Moses, and loving his adorable wife.  What a Christ-centered couple.    God chose them to fulfill this particular detail for Him and they shared both the joy and the suffering of Alma's journey with their friends and loved ones.
        Friday of that same week, our Church family and friends joined together on a cold overcast  morning at the Osage Cemetery for a service to honor God with Thanksgiving for Alma Mae's short life.  Yes, there was heartfelt sorrow, but that was understated by the joy in knowing Alma is with our Savior, Jesus.  Our pastor Perry comforted all of us by reminding us of David's son who died, 2 Sam 12:23.  David exclaimed to his servants "......I shall go to him...." meaning when he himself dies, he will be united with his son in heaven. 
This was followed by John giving a personal note of encouragement to the crowd and to Pauli.  John shared how Alma Mae although only in the womb, honored her creator.  He ended with reading from the gospel of Mark 5.  Jesus calls all of His beloved to "Arise" and we will walk into His embrace. 

But this is not the end.  Alma Mae will continue to serve her Creator as John and Pauli relate her story down the years.  The story of Our God doing only that which is Good, Good according to His Will for those who know Him, who love Him, who trust Him with their lives, who serve Him, our Savior, Our Redeemer.  What a precious memory and message of Hope.

We love you Alma Mae.  To John and Pauli we dedicate this song, Glory Baby by Selah.  (See playlist on the right)