Do Not Go Gentle Into that Good Night

Dylan Thomas wrote…

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Thursday night we put my mom into a memory care facility 

Her dementia has progressed so quickly and severely that her safety now requires 24-hour care.  

Needless to say this has been a very difficult time.  As I laid in my bed Thursday night, tears flooded my eyes.  Although I was certain of my mom’s safety and that the place she was in was topnotch, my mind was flooded with thoughts how she must’ve of been feeling.

For 56 years she had been with the same man.  For 32 years she lived in the same house.  For 21 years she ministered at the same church.  For her whole life she maintained close relationships with her family and friends.

NOW NOTHING SEEMS FAMILIAR

After tossing and turning all night, morning finally came. My phone rang with an unfamiliar number.  “Hello,” I answered. “Joel, it’s mom.  Please, please, come get me.”  She went on to tell me about the place “they” were keeping her in.  I could sense the panic in her voice.  And panic was something she never did.

It’s an understatement to say my mom is a strong woman.  She was able to navigate successfully both in the world and the church, in an era of male chauvinism that treated women like second-class citizens.  She was a published author.  Earned a Master’s Degree in Anthropology.  Was a worldwide conference speaker.  And she was one of the greatest examples of what a godly wife and mother is like.

A powerful reminder

Mom’s strength certainly has roots in her family and upbringing, but the most dynamic and important cause for her strength comes from an uncanny understanding of how God sees people.  This insight gave her confidence in herself.  It also caused her to believe in others when no one else would.  She could encourage and speak life into people who saw no hope, no potential, and had no support.  She was a champion of the underdog.  

Subsequently, there are hundreds, if not thousands of people all over the world who have been able to square their shoulders, believe in God, and themselves because of my mom. 

Now we speak to you Mary Phillips

There was power in whatever mom said because her words were always etched with God’s word. She taught the word, but she also spoke the word, and it was this that caused the listener to begin to feel the lifting and releasing of the Holy Spirit.

Mom, I and all whose lives have been effected by you, now speak God’s word over you…

But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. They will declare, “The LORD is just! He is my rock! There is no evil in him!” (Psalm 92:12-15, NLT) 

Do not go gentle into that good night, but you shall keep producing fruit and remain vital!