Memoirs: Rev Grace Glorious

Last night I had the honour of attending the Celebration of Life of a dear friend, adopted mother and mentor – a woman like no other!

Her husband passed away just after eight years of marriage and she was left with four children to bring up on her own. We were told of some of the extraordinary length she went to ensure that her children were fed, clothed and provided for in the absence of state help. Her ingenuity and resolve was second to none. She later remarried, had her second daughter and moved over to England.

Sadly she lost her second husband shortly after they arrived in the UK, but never lost her faith in God.

I liken her to Anna, the prophetess and widow that spent the rest of her life praying for the Messiah, from a young age after the passing away of her husband.

Grace was sold-out in her commitment to God! She was a poet, writer, singer, preacher and most importantly mentor to hundreds.

Tributes poured in on and off the podium, and her life was encapsulated in these words from Paul’s letter to his young friend Timothy before he died:

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

I imagine her words to us from the same thread:

Do your best to come to me quickly, for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.

The service ended with everyone singing jubilantly to the old gospel song; When the saint go marching in.

She made us laugh, she taught us the bible, she taught us how to share our faith, and she taught us how to pray.

Sleep well Rev Grace Glorious… See you soon!

~ Sabali