Three
days after her daughter's wedding at the monthly woman's luncheon at Trinity
Luthern, Rosa was healed of scar tissue that she received on her right leg from
an accident when she was 15 years old. It actually became normal flesh at once!
Only a few members of the church attended the luncheon and healing service by
Roxanne Branch -- a completely new and first time experience for this
congregation. Rosa went out of loyalty to the group, but unexpectanly became a
charismatic Luthern. "Her life changed more than anyone else I have ever known,"
said Mr. Brown, her employer. Other people also could see the change. She was
the sweetest woman to everyone. Life at the Jackson's house was alive again. The
healing was "magic" to Brad; he had never believed in miracles. But he gave
credit to GOD for what had happened. "You're a Saint, Rosa, I love you." --"I
love you too, Brad."
Molly the maid added to the blessings. She did extra
things to make the home special. She would play football, basketball, or
baseball with Chris after school. And while cleaning or cooking would sing "the
most moving gospel songs" that Brad had ever heard.
In September Barbara Ann
entered the University of South Carolina as a freshman. Her husband was already
a Junior there.
Very needed around the Jackson's home had always been a
second car - the wagon was always needed by Rosa and Brad at the same time. Brad
was secretly looking for a car for Rosa as a Christmas surprise. Tragedy always
happens suddenly - it never gives adequate warning. It was so unexpected that
night of December 20th. Rosa had a cardiac arrest; a picture of good health with
no previous ailments, this was a shock to the whole community. Brad found her in
a chair three hours before they were to go to the annual Christmas party at Rock
Hill Retirement Village, where Brad's father stayed. Winter was atrocious.
Bewildered and upset by the presence of death, Christmas activities, busy
stores, lights, decorations, peppermint, holiday excitement, packages, were all
drowned out with many, many tears.
"Someday we'll be together again." The
funeral was very sad. Barbara Ann in a long black dress, Brad in a black suit,
and Chris in a black suit sat on the front pew. Rosa's funeral dress was a pink
gown with printed small crosses. A Cross of pink roses with the ribbon
"Wife--Mother" was carefully placed on her breast. Rev. Underwood's words were
both eloquent and of comfort. And from the time of the funeral the Reverend and
Brad were to become the closest friends. "Time and the Lord are great healers,"
said Dr. Underwood, "We may be too busy to die, but no one lives forever in this
world. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord. Things like this happen -
heaven only knows why life can seem so cruel, but the Lord is in control.
Blessed be the name of the Lord Almighty."
A tall dark hair lady stood in the
pulpit; "My relationship with Jesus began 10 years ago during a coffee in the
home of my neighbor, Rosa Jackson. Her witness as a Christian changed my life. I
want to try to live like her." The adult choir and congregation stood and sang
together "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God," and not one eye was dry - it was so
inspirational. Many pleasant memories of past events - the trips to the lake,
the way she would tickle his feet, all flashed through Brad's mind. Could he go
on without her; it seemed unbearable. Today he was physically and emotionally
sick. "Jesus wept. Surely Jesus must know the cold, lonely feelings I have,"
thought Brad. GOD had been good; Rosa and Brad had a good life; there were no regrets.
The tragedy was it was now temporarily ended, but in a
Christian home there is the hope of another life. Tom's absence flashed into
Brad's mind. "Life must go on no matter what, Rosa would have wanted me to
remember her , but not in sorrow."
Reverend Underwood met with Brad Jackson the next day.
Mr. Jackson asked Rev. Underwood if he could produce a radio broadcast for the church, an
idea that had been suggested in the past, but never started. "I'll do it for
Rosa," with tears in his eyes, but also with a deep inner dedication he said
softly, "Life will not end today! I will continue to trust in GOD -- no
matter what!"
**continue**
