Remembering! - Joanne Greenlaw Searles

Thought For Today - December 14, 2024
Remembering! Joanne Greenlaw Searles  -  March 4, 1934 - December 14, 2018

 By: Robert A. Searles
      I am re-posting this annual remembrance  today in loving memory of my best friend; my helpmate; my partner; and beloved wife for sixty six years - Joanne Greenlaw Searles

It seems that only yesterday we were making  preparations for the celebration  of our Lord's birth at Christmas- trimming the tree; wrapping gifts; mailing cards - together, Today  Joanne is safe in the arms of Jesus, face to face with her Savior.  All of us who know and have accepted Christ as Savior will soon  join them.

 
     Six  years ago today, on December 14, 2018, at approximately 9:05 AM, I had to say goodby to the dearest on earth to me.  On that day, and even now sometimes I, in my own  heart have asked the question as the song writer - Frank E. Graffe  has so beautifully written - "Does Jesus care when I've said goodby to the dearest on earth to me?"

 
     "Does Jesus care when my heart is pained too deeply for mirth and song  As the burdens press, and the cares distress, and the way grows weary and long?  Does Jesus care when my way is dark with a nameless dread and fear?  As the daylight fades into deep night shades, does he care enough to be near?  Does Jesus care when I've tried and failed  to resist some temptation strong, when for my deep grief, I find no relief, though my tears flow all the night long?  Does Jesus care when I've said goodby to the dearest on earth to me, and my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks - is it aught to him,does he see?" - Frank E. Graffe

 
      Then the answer comes flowing back as the fresh breath of spring - " Oh yes he cares; I know he cares.  his heart is touched  with my grief.  When the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares" - Franke E. Graffe

 
      She, being afflicted with that horrible disease known as dementia, daily, and constantly had a longing and craving to "go home",whether it was for the home she had known as a child on earth, or if it was for her eternal home that was prepared and promised to her in heaven by our Lord Jesus Christ, only the Lord knows.

 
      Because of the severity, and super aggressiveness related to her condition, no nursing home  could be found that would accept her for long term care, but Jesus cared, and he mercifully called her home to her mansion in heaven that he had been preparing for her

 
      Jesus said:  " Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.  In my Father's house are many mansions.  If it were not so I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am  there you may be also." John 14: 1,2,3

 
      Joanne believed this promise, and spent much of her lifetime teaching this, and the rest of God's word to children and others.

 
      So, four  years ago, Jesus kept his promise, and took her home to heaven to live with him forever.  There he healed her.  No more dementia;  no more pain; no more longing to go home.  She is now at home rejoicing around the throne of God.

 
      My comforting thought and hope is that .... I know that Jesus is alive and cares.  And Joanne and I will meet again one day in heaven.  When I see her again, I believe she will be young again and beautiful,and have a brand new glorified body, and be like Jesus with perfect youth, health, and knowledge and eternal life.

 
      What a blessed hope that Jesus has offered to all who will believe him, and confess our sins, ask for his forgiveness, and accept him as Savior and Lord.. I pray that whoever reads this memorial for Joanne has accepted Christ as Savior and has the blessed hope of reunion when you have to say goodby to the dearest on earth to you.

 
      Good night! Sweetheart! I'll see you in the morning.  Together we will worship around the Throne of God, and together with Jesus we will stroll around heaven forever.