Download - The Perfect Wisdom Web

Be Not Afraid FaithSurprisingly, he was nonetheless lively and spiritedmost of the time.Looking back, it seems that in being forced by hiscancer to take stock of his life, Herman was able to seethe pitfalls of complacency with unusual clarity – andto recapture the enthusiasm he was known for in hisyounger years. And he did not keep the insights thisgave him to himself, but challenged everyone he knewto rediscover their own “first love” for God.A week or so before Christmas, on a Sundaymorning, Herman’s nurses woke him and gave him abath. Afterward his wife, Gertrude, joined him in thesitting room. Suddenly, he removed his oxygen mask,and a radiant look of joy and peace transfixed his face.Sensing that the end was near, Gertrude called the restof the family, including my father and me. Minuteslater Herman stretched out both arms, clasped hiswife’s hands, and looked at her – a last, long, lovinglook. Then he was gone.Remembering that morning, my father later said,“There was something victorious in my brother’s face,and I believe it was the joy of accepting God’s will andknowing that it was God’s hour for him.” I myself havenever seen anyone face death so confidently.11