Friday, August 17, 2018
Sister Rachel Miner has been there for me from the time I was born in 1951, and she has remained a lifelong friend. My first memories are of her giving me blessings by placing her hand on my head and saying "Bless your heart." She repeated that expression many times over the years when I would tell her of some joy or woe I had experienced. She led us in prayer uncountable times over the years, and her prayers were the best anyone could offer up to God. They were lengthy, earnest appeals that she made almost always on her knees. Her body may have been as thin as a reed, but her faith and compassion was strong as steel. She was always steady... unshakable... a rock in times of trouble... a pillar of the Russell Pilgrim Holiness Church and the surrounding communities. I never knew her true age, and never asked. But because of her maturity and sage advice, I always thought she was closer to my grandmother's age than she was to my parents'. So, I am surprised to find out now that she was a year younger than my dad. I will sorely miss you on this earth, Sister Miner, but I know you will be waiting and beckoning from the other shore. Your prayers for my well-being have been answered... and my heart has been truly blessed for having known you. You've earned your rest, and may you take it now in the arms of our loving Savior.
