My heart is experiencing contradictory emotions today. I am intensely sad and yet glad. Sad because Sis Nary's physical existence here is no more. Sis Nary had a way of directly affecting an atmosphere in a positive way. I have great memories of when she was able to come to worship. Most of the time she would enter God's house already speaking in that heavenly language. Anytime I prayed with her, whether it was at the altar or her house, she couldn’t help but to speak in tongues as the spirit gave her the utterance.
She meant so much to so many. Sis Nary loved and led her family. She never hesitated to encourage and she was always willing to correct. During some of my lowest points as Pastor of KAC, she would encourage me to keep fighting the good fight of faith. I am going to miss her soft but powerful words dearly.
One of the last great memories that I have of her was when we took communion in her home. The church had recently took the Lord's supper and I wanted to make sure she had the opportunity as well. Sis C and I made that bumpy journey up her near vertical drive way. Once we arrived, we sat down and had sweet fellowship Sis Nary & with the God of her soul. It was so powerful & yes again she spoke in tongues and we joined her. Sis C washed her precious feet. Feet that had traveled miles upon miles for her redeemer.
I will miss this dear saint of God who truly represented Christian character & honor. She was a matriarch for her family. She leaves a rich legacy for every member of her family. A legacy of prayer, honor and devotion is what she gave her descendants.
I am sad along with many others today. Yet, also along with them, I am also glad. She has desired this final trip for sometime now. Yesterday was the last time I saw her. The last thing she asked me was, “Is my time up?”. She knew deep down her trip was almost nigh. While my heart grieves her absence here, I rejoice over her presence there. To be absent in body is to be present with God. She ran her race. She finished her course. Her crown is now before her. As much as it pains me to see her go, I know I will see her again. What a life. What a legacy. For whom the son has set free is free indeed. She is freed from this life’s troubles, problems, sickness and heartache. No more sickness. No more pain. No more death. No more tears. Now there is only joy, peace and fulfillment in his presence.
May we all follow her footsteps and continue the race till the very end.
I leave you with this quote. It’s one of my favorites from Sis Nary. Many friends and family would often seek godly direction from her. When asked, “Should I go here or there?”
She would reply, “If you go, would Jesus come there to get you on his return?”
Take heed. Follow Sis Elsie's example.
Follow Jesus.
_Pastor James G Chessor Jr
Keystone Apostlic Church
Charleston WV