Several years ago, I was on a flight back to my home state of Wyoming, coming from Duke on a spring break visit to Rod. Seated next to me was an older black woman, maybe in her sixties, with short gray hair. I think she was returning from visiting her grandchildren. I don’t remember if we introduced ourselves or not; I suspect we probably said a polite hello and then proceeded with our respective activities.
When flying, I often do my daily Bible study on the flight. This day was no different. I dug through my backpack, pulled out my Bible, and began reading. Noticing that I was reading the Bible, the woman asked me if I was a Christian and introduced herself as Viola. She seemed both surprised and encouraged to see a young person studying the Bible, as she too was a Christian. We began talking about faith and the hope that accompanies it. We chatted pleasantly for the remainder of the flight. (I’m one of those talkative persons that many dread sitting beside on a flight.)
After landing, we collected our belongings and headed off the plane. Just as we were about to disembark, Viola turned to me, smiled, shook my hand, and with a note of confidence in her voice that would have made General Patton green with envy, said, “Well, I’m sure I’ll see you again.” I grinned, knowing that she was not speaking of anything in this lifetime, and responded with a similar statement.
The impact of her words to me has grown over the years; not because I think she was giving me some message about my salvation, but because she was so confident in hers. More than that, the reality of eternity was with her that day. Her statement wasn’t forced or contrived; it was a genuine reflection of an outlook that views this life as merely a breath. I see in her words a trust in Jesus that humbles me, a trust in what he has done and what he will do. Even today, I can barely tell the story without being choked up. She knew that the one who called her was faithful and her confidence in him was her peace.
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 ESV)
