In Memory of Elmer

If you remember my story of Elmer, the young man who came to us dying of Tuberculosis, this is my final tribute to him.

Death brings many questions and few answers. I remember holding his face in my hands in almost desperation. Jesus loves you, I said. Elmer, just call to him. Tell him to take you, to forgive you, to bring him to you. Elmer, (I would try to make his eyes stay open), Jesus is waiting for you. He will hold you.

The chance of giving someone hope in their last hours, the chance that a lost soul will find peace after a life of pain, is why I would take another dying one again.

Elmer flew to Jesus March 20, 2006.

Weak and wounded sinner
Lost and left to die
O, raise your head, for love is passing by
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus and live!

Now your burden’s lifted
And carried far away
And precious blood has washed away the stain, so
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus and live!

And like a newborn baby
Don’t be afraid to crawl
And remember when you walk
Sometimes we fall…so
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus and live!

Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain, then
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus and live!

O, and when the love spills over
And music fills the night
And when you can’t contain your joy inside, then
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus and live!

And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory’s side, and
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live!

  Chris Rice