BY FAITH (Tribute to Mary Redmon)

By Deanette Mills

In Hebrews the Bible speaks of great people of faith-"By faith Abel; By faith Enoch, By faith Noah, Abraham, Sarah. By faith Isaac, Jacob, Moses and others. But there's one person of faith not found in the pages of the Bible, someone who experienced and demonstrated great faith.

If recorded for us, it might read something like this:

"By faith, Mary, coming to that old rugged cross at calvary, gave her life to Jesus,  desired a close love relationship with him, and used every opportunity to share her faith with everyone she met.

By faith, Mary, knowing that, as mortal, she would one day end her earthly journey, held tight to the hand of her Savior and drew strength to face those last days that were ahead of her.

As all parents and grandparents, Mary had a deep burden for her family. It was by faith, Mary understood that the effective fervent prayer of a righteous woman avails much and that the Holy Spirit would draw her beloved family into the arms of Jesus, keeping them safely tucked there until He comes. And that she will see them again-for heaven would not be the same for Mary without the family she loves so dearly.

By faith, Mary knew that she should not let her heart be troubled because she believed in God and believed also in Jesus. In her Father's house are many mansions. Jesus has gone to prepare a place for her, will come back again soon, and where He is, there she will be always.

By faith, Mary knew that some day, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet call, she will be raised, immortal, and lifted to the clouds were she will meet us in the air.

Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things unseen. So, because of her faith, Mary will see the Holy City whose builder and maker is God-A city with beautiful colorful foundations, gates of pearl, streets of gold, and her Savior she loves so much. And by faith we will enjoy it with her.