A tattered Bible testifies to a well-lived life

Last week Heidi and I went to a visitation in another town. We traveled there to give our condolences to some friends of ours who were laying the matriarch of their family to rest. We arrived and greeted our loved ones, who introduced us to other members of their family. As they talked, we listened to stories of faith. We heard about a mother who was tender-hearted and the love she gave was unconditional. Her grown children remember their mother as a woman who had a deep relationship with God. Not many tears were shed at that moment, but rather words of gratefulness because she was no longer suffering.

At most funerals I go to, people speak out in the middle of their grief phrases that comfort their souls — phrases like “They’re in a better place.” or “Now they have their wings.” There are other phrases that bring comfort and that is good. That is healthy. Jesus was recorded speaking in Matthew Chapter 5; “ Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

I have officiated funerals for most of my life now and have supported those who have grieved the loss of their loved ones even longer. Every once in a while you visit with a family who have a certain posture about them in the midst of their heartache. It is the posture of a close knit family that has no regrets. This definitely describes the family that I visited with last week.

On the occasion of this visitation, I had witnessed something I had never seen before. It was a subtle gesture from loved ones that became a testament to a mother’s faith. It was so powerful that when I had seen it, I thought to myself, “Now, this woman here lived a life of godliness. She lived a life of contentment and she had a deep love for Jesus Christ her Lord.”

Over the left shoulder of this beloved lady in the corner of the casket sat the dear woman’s Bible. The Bible was torn and tattered. The cover was coming off of the binding. The Bible itself looked swollen from the pages being so separated from her constant use of it.

Upon my glance of the old tattered Bible, three scripture verses immediately came to my mind. Psalm 119:11 — I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalm 119:105 — Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. And the third verse that came to my mind, also from the Book of Psalms, is Psalm 37:4 — Delight thyself also in the Lord and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

No words had to be spoken. As I set my eyes on that tattered Bible, I knew I was staring at this woman’s greatest material possession. That possession, the tattered Bible testifies to the fruit of a life well-lived in Christ. Furthermore, a life well-lived in Christ leaves a family with comfort because they are left with a special gift: no regrets.

Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ and no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by the faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Have a wonderful week. Blessings upon you and your family. Peace on Earth y’all!

Dave Truncone is the pastor of First Assembly of God Church in Van Buren. He is married to Heidi and they have two daughters, Hannah, and Abigail. They live in Van Buren.