I'm leaving Houston

[Don Hardcastle]

Brothers,
It is with a heavy heart that I have to leave Houston this morning. My mother is still with us but she could pass anytime. I have other responsibilites that can not be put off any longer. Mom's best friend sent her this poem and I wanted to share it with you.

Don


Quilt of Holes

As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls.
Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; and angle sat before each of sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life.
But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challengers and temptations I was faced with in every day life. It was hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all.
I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened.
My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air.
Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The other rose; each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been my angle looked opon me and nodded for me to rise.
My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also bee trials of illness, and wealth and false accusations that took me from my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule with I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me.
And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was.
I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light.
An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the other who stared at me with wide eyes.
Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, "Every time you gave your life to Me it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles"�.
Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you."� May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through!

[BigBSBusa]

Wish there was better news, Don!

[99'busa]

Sorry Don. I know these are tough times. Prayers are still here

[NINJA KILLER]

Sorry to hear Don , My prayers are with you and your family!

[twotonevert]

I hate to hear this brother, our prayers will continue.

[razorshark]

Best wishes to you and your family Don, take care brother...

[GSXRFANN]

Sorry to hear Don. Thoughts and prayers go out to her and you guys. May God Bless her and her family!

[Wag]

Very sorry to hear this, bro. I hope your heart, though heavy, will be strong.

--Wag--

[semi]

i'm sorry you are going through this...my prayers continue for your mom, you, and the rest of your family

[Purple1300]

My prayers are sent to you, your mother and everyone affected by this hard time.

[BusaWizard]

Godspeed, prayers sent to you and yours.

[Copperone]

Sorry to hear the sad news.