In memory of my step-daughter, Mindy – who passed from her earthly tent into His presence, June 20th. She was courageous in life and victorious in death.

So what do you do when the phone rings in the wee hours of the morning and the unwanted news of the death of a beloved family member comes to pass?

It was expected but still a surprise.

My first reaction was to pray.

Wasn’t it just yesterday I prayed for dying grace for her? By all appearances, God answered that prayer.

All the platitudes and clichés came to mind. We tried not to utter them.

To ease the pain we shared memories that flooded our minds. We laughed at some of the funny things she did. We recalled our recent visit that God brought to pass in His perfect timing.

Already God was answering my very first prayer after her death. God was giving us LIVING GRACE. He was bringing comfort and joy in the midst of the sorrow. He was bringing laughter amid the tears.

So what do you do when the news comes? You pray for living grace. We are so grateful for grace.

Blessings, Diane

Diane Hunt is part of the Development and Addiction Recovery teams at America’s Keswick. In addition to being a Biblical Counselor, she is a Women’s speaker for retreats, conferences and events. She is a regular writer for Victory Call and one of the authors of Crossing the Jordan Bible Study. She has been married to her husband John over 28 years. She has 2 adult children, 3 grandchildren, 3 adult step-children with 7 grandchildren making 10 in all. She delights reading and teaching, but mostly laughing at the funny things her grandchildren say and do.