The Beginning and the End: Part Three

“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

What if you had an appointment with the doctor and found out that you had cancer? Maybe you have heard this news or heard it on behalf of a loved one. I want to tell you some things cancer cannot do. Cancer cannot shatter hope. Cancer cannot corrode faith. Cancer cannot eat away peace. Cancer cannot place a limit on eternal life. Cancer cannot quench the Spirit of God and cancer cannot lessen the power of the resurrection. That’s how limited cancer is!

Continuing the story (Part Three)... (Pictured above right: Clyde & Laverne with little Winky (me) from 3/17/68))

Clyde and Laverne met at Pollyanna's soda shop/drugstore in Harrisburg, Arkansas. Their relationship quickly grew from just being friends to being in love. A whole new world was opening up for them as they set their eyes on goals and dreams of a wonderful future. And as the world was going through turbulent times, this small, secluded world of Bay Village, Arkansas, saw two young people glowing with anticipation of marriage and family and a future of unlimited potential. Decisions needed to be made.

Clyde's grandfather went to the Methodist church in town, and his grandma was a member of the Pentecost church near their home. The choice was made. Elder Reese Dixon from the Pentecost church married them at his home which was next to the church. Mrs. Dixon was the witness. This recorded day in history, December 6, 1941, was only one day before the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. This day was also a day which would live in infamy as the beginning of a wonderful family, and a history of many people would be because of this union.

(Pictured: Dottie & Winston, Sr.)
God was with them as the blessing of life was given to them in the way of two children, Dottie and Winston. Clyde continued to work for Ollie Patterson on a farm near Bay Village in Poinsett County. Times were tough, so the Rushes decided to move in with his grandma for about a year. Grandma Rush was a true example of a great work ethic in that she loved to work in the fields. She and Laverne would go out early and work very hard. Luckily for Laverne, she was sent inside the house each day around 11am, as the sun started to really heat up, so she could "fix" lunches for the family. She liked cooking much better than picking cotton.
Hard times brought resiliency, a move to Memphis, Tennessee, where Clyde would get a job at Firestone, and would drive cabs on the third shift. She would never learn to drive a car and never took a job outside the house. Laverne stayed at home because God was with them as the blessings of life was delivered in the way of two children, Dottie and Winston.
She truly loves her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren dearly.
Her spirit of love embodies the beautiful, southern woman, as she is the greatest example of the steadfast and obedient wife. Her faithfulness and committment and love for her family is the bedrock and foundation for this family. We draw strength from her meekness. Wisdom from her servant's heart. Love from her love for Jesus.


(Pictured above:Laverne, Dottie & Winston, Sr.)
Their marriage has survived turmoil, despair, poverty, illnesses, and all the sinfulness that this world can muster. For 67 years they have survived Satan where many have not; and he has succeeded in ending many marriages, for he has come to kill, steal, and destroy. In a day and time where the marriage covenant to God and the value of marriage has been lost on our generation, my grandparents stand as a testament to simple faith, trust, and steadfast love.

Thank you for praying for them.
My grandfather just called me and he sounded so sad. He said that he doesn't have much left in him to keep going.
I just wish he realized that he does have all that he will ever need and His name is Jesus.
Eternity is our goal, and heaven is our home.
My grandmother's memory has faded as disease and age continues wipe it all away. But the one thing she can still tell you today with all certainty, and even recite it word for word is:

"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 ye may be also." John 14:1-3

Amen.

I love you Maw Maw and Paw Paw.