This past week our daughter-in-law passed away after fighting for almost five years with cancer. She asked me once if I could write something about Bible people who met Jesus and then were never the same. She and I decided to call it “Afterlives.” I’m just getting around to writing this, but I know that after Michelle met Jesus, her life was changed forever.
Afterlives, chapter 1
They weren’t given names in the Bible. Maybe that was by design, maybe an oversight on the writers’ parts, or maybe their names were not significant, but they were people who encountered Jesus and left His presence with full hearts and stories to tell.
The first one that comes to mind is the Samaritan woman at the well. You remember her. She lived in Sychar which was in Samaria. It’s hard to keep track of the Samaritan saga and I believe that doesn’t matter here, except that Jews during Jesus’ time avoided the region because of the Samaritans’ aversion to keeping the traditions of “God’s People.” But Jesus led His disciples there on their way to Galilee. He stopped near a well (Jacob’s Well) that was a major water supply for the area. While He sent His followers into town to buy food, Jesus just waited by the well. Waiting.
Enter the “Samaritan woman” unnamed but a major player in the evangelist efforts of the day. Here is the account written down by the disciple named John (adaptation from The Voice)
Jesus: Would you draw water, and give Me a drink?
Woman: I cannot believe that You, a Jew, would associate with me, a Samaritan woman; much less ask me to give You a drink.
Jesus: You don’t know the gift of God or who is asking you for a drink of this water from Jacob’s well. Because if you did, you would have asked Him for something greater; and He would have given you the living water.
Woman: Sir, You sit by this deep well a thirsty man without a bucket in sight. Where does this living water come from? Are You claiming superiority to our father Jacob who labored long and hard to dig and maintain this well so that he could share clean water with his sons, grandchildren, and cattle?
Jesus: Drink this water, and your thirst is quenched only for a moment. You must return to this well again and again. I offer water that will become a wellspring within you that gives life throughout eternity. You will never be thirsty again.
Woman: Please, Sir, give me some of this water, so I’ll never be thirsty and never again have to make the trip to this well.
Jesus: Then bring your husband to Me.
Woman: I do not have a husband.
Jesus: Technically you are telling the truth. But you have had five husbands and are currently living with a man you are not married to.
Woman: Sir, it is obvious to me that You are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped here on this mountain, but Your people say that Jerusalem is the only place for all to worship. Which is it?
Jesus: Woman, I tell you that neither is so. Believe this: a new day is coming—in fact, it’s already here—when the importance will not be placed on the time and place of worship but on the truthful hearts of worshipers. You worship what you don’t know while we worship what we do know, for God’s salvation is coming through the Jews. The Father is spirit, and He is seeking followers whose worship is sourced in truth and deeply spiritual as well. Regardless of whether you are in Jerusalem or on this mountain, if you do not seek the Father, then you do not worship.
Woman: These mysteries will be made clear by He who is promised, the Anointed One.
Jesus: The Anointed is speaking to you. I am the One you have been looking for.
The rest of the story says that she went back to her home and told anyone who would listen to “come and see.”
This woman had a magnificent story to tell. And so does our Michelle. I will continue to write these stories for her and for anyone who will listen.
Nan,
I was so saddened to learn of Michelle’s passing but know you will keep her alive through your devotion and writing.
Pat Winters
Michelle will always be remembered. Our heartfelt prayers are with all of you, Nan!
This is beautiful, Nan❤️
Beautiful tribute. I know your hearts are broken, but your testimonies are powerful. What a blessing to have her in your lives!
Thank you.
Thank you Nan!! I did not know Michelle but saw her several times and I sensed she was and now is beyond this world.
Thank you.
Nan, we missed you in Bible study this morning but we spent time praying for your family. Our lesson included the Samaritan woman and thanks for giving us more insight in light of your plan with Michelle. So thankful that Michelle is in the arms of Jesus!
Thank you Wendy.
So sorry for your family’s loss! She certainly fought a battle with this terrible disease. Have thought of her often!
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you!
What a wonderful tribute with the stories you write so beautifully.
Love, Barbara Mc
Thank you.
Nan, you hit the ball out of the park or the nail on the head (whichever you prefer) on this blog post. I love this blog becoming a book. You and Michelle had a great idea going here. Keep it going!!
Love you,
Cindy
Beautifully written, Nanner. I wept as I read it because I can just imagine you did the same. This is one of my favorite “women in the Bible” stories. You brought it to life today. I can just imagine when Michelle encountered this woman… gives me chills!
Love you, my special friend!♥️
Beautifully said.
Thank you, Nan
What a precious reminder of God’s grace and love and forgiveness…your precious daughter in law is so proud of you, Nan, and so are all whose hearts are blessed by your writing…thank you❤️❤️❤️
Thank you
Nan, I saw a FB post by Dennis reposted by Drew a couple days ago. It came as a shock and truly heartbreaking but also heartwarming considering their relationship. Wasn’t aware Michelle had been suffering that long. Got you, Drew and the family in my prayers.
Thank you.
Just so absolutely touching. This is a beautiful story. Michelle is smiling. ❤️
Beautifully told as always Nan!!! My heart aches for your family. I pray Gods peace and comfort in the days ahead! Keep writing!! Love yall!!!
Thank you!
Nan, I was so touched by Chapter 1 of “Afterlives”. Michelle is now experiencing the living waters throughout eternity. Such a blessing for you and her family to have had her in your lives. God Bless you all.
Thank you, Joan
Oh my friend this is beautiful. Thank you for sharing with us in the midst of
Your sorrow.
I love
You dearly
TJ
Thank you.
Thank you, Tammy.
Michelle’s request that you research the unnamed who were changed by Jesus, certainly reveals her hunger for God. The honor of her love and respect for you has definitely been earned by your life!
I am so amazed by Michelle’s trust in God for her life and future! Knowing God gave her this faith in Him causes me to love Him more, Grateful for Michelle!
Love you
Thanks, Becky!
Oh, such a beautiful girl. This isn’t easy to read, but oh so beautiful.
Thank you, Dawn.
Dear Nan and Dennis, Drew and family,
Our hearts are broken as yours.
Michelle was a beautiful soul wife and mother. Please know that many are lifting you all up. Thanks for your beautiful writing that we all can share.
Thank you.
I enjoy your writings & appreciate your caring heart.
Thank you.
Dear Nan,
I know this past week (and the past five years) have been incredibly hard at times, as you, Dennis and the family have traveled with Michelle, along her journey. It’s so difficult to find words to express ourselves during times of loss – to others and to ourselves. My heart rejoices that Michelle is indeed with Jesus and living her best life. I’m SO VERY BLESSED to see that you are honoring her and the Lord by writing about something that was very important to her! Thank you for the reminder of these truths from the life of the author of truth, love, peace, and joy! May His Comforter, the Holy Spirit, sustain each of you in the times ahead. Love and Prayers.
Thank you.