HostCraze.com - An independent review of the top rated web hosts Free Background Images

Two Loved Ones Lost by Art Soldner

I saw a T-shirt recently that caught my attention. The picture on the shirt was that of the cross. Nailed to the cross by one spike, was a note. It read:

                                       "Gone to see my dad. We're both working and preparing
                                        a place for you. I'll be back soon to bring you home."
                                                                                         Jesus

Surely these are true words for all those who believe on our Lord Jesus Christ and follow His examples in our daily lives.

Two of our loved ones have recently made the journey back to the arms of the Creator, Wilma Abbott On December 7, 1998 and Ed RedEagle Sr. on May 2, 1999. We who know both of them (I use "know" on purpose) can testify of the effect their lives have had on countless others. I used the word "know" because although they are not with us in a physical sense, we have assurance thru Jesus Christ that while they may have stepped into another way of life, they are still at work there, and one day, we will be re-united with them.

There are those gifted people who have the rare quality that whenever they touch another's life, that person's life is made richer and fuller for it. We might speak of it as life flowing from a deep faith, a faith in God. Such are these two lives, that of Wilma Abbott and Ed RedEagle.

Physical death then, is not the end. Everyone knows that if we invest our minds, our skills, our moments to the Creator, we are investing in eternal stuff. And who can measure the gifts that have been given to us by those who are no longer with us?

Most of us (if we only knew it) have within the finer or better parts of our minds and hearts, the gift of people who have gone before us. Those things invested for the God of life, and given to others, do not die. We know that those who live their lives for Him, live forever. And so it is with Wilma and Ed. I could relate several instances of how their lives have enriched mine.

We all will face that change of life someday. But we who believe on the Creator and His Son, and live our lives accordingly, have much to anticipate. We know we are in a fellowship with a God who ends physical life with a comma, rather than a period, in order that our lives might break forth into even more significance.

**************************

On May 2, 1999 Ed RedEagle, the assistant chief of the Osage Tribe passed away. Below is an article written by Forrest Liggett who was down at Pawhuska during the time of Ed's passing -- and attended the funeral services.

"Ed RedEagle Sr., Assistant Chief and spiritual leader of the Osage Nation for the past 40 years, passed from this realm and returned to his Creator on May 2, 1999. He was in the RedEagle roundhouse attending a Native American Church service. He had just taken his turn at drumming and singing and had addressed his family and friends that were gathered there. He then sat down and quietly passed on to his reward.

Ed was cherished by the Osage Tribe and well respected by most of the Oklahoma Tribes. His memorial service and dinner were attended by more than 500 people, with representatives from many areas, tribes, and organizations.

Ed will be greatly missed by IMCA. He was on the IMCA Advisory Board and came up from Oklahoma to bless the IMCA grounds at the dedication ceremony. He was a regular guest at the monthly services held by IMCA at Sonny Cunningham's house. Ed had a strong Christian belief and was very interested in the Gospel and stories from the ancient ones of this land as found in the Book of Mormon. It was interesting to get his views and perspectives on the principles of the gospel. He will be greatly missed on our visits to Pawhuska.

Ed RedEagle was a wonderful example of a spiritual leader that loved his people and lead them by his own example. Fly high, Eagle Chief!