December 20, 2011 by Stacy McDonald
Until Then…
Denise Sproul surrounded by her greatest ministry...her family
Last night, James and I were contemplating the loss of our sweet friend, Denise Sproul. We know that while Denise is experiencing unimaginable joy in the presence of our Savior, her husband and children still have a difficult road ahead learning to live life without this precious woman of God—this faithful wife and mother.
Though many of us will miss Denise, our loss is nothing compared to the loss those little ones will experience—little ones who relied on her daily love and nurture. Or the loss felt by a husband whose world has been redefined in a single day…widower, single father. Denise’s contributions to the Kingdom were great—her writings, her counsel, her promotion of godly womanhood—but her greatest and truest legacy is evident in those who will most keenly feel her absence—her precious family.
As we pondered these things, our sadness was amplified by the frustrating fact that we won’t be able to travel from Illinois to Florida today to attend the funeral. We tried to find a reasonable way; but, in God’s providence, it just didn’t work out. So, we will join the thousands of others who love and appreciate the Sproul family, but who can’t be there to say so in person. I know many of you share our frustration.
Last night, in the midst of it all, James and I heard from our old friend, Jim Bob Howard, who is also a mutual friend of the Sprouls—a friend who, sadly, also found himself unable to travel to Florida for the funeral. Together, in our melancholy mood, we began discussing times past and how much all of our friends mean to us—friends who stretch from one end of the country to another—even from one end of the globe to the other. We may not be able to see them often, or even talk regularly; yet, somehow, God keeps us all close—what a fellowship!
James and I felt this keenly, years ago, when our family travelled so often with Homeschooling Today magazine. We met so many precious, like-minded families, only to quickly say good-bye again. I recall once, after speaking at a homeschooling conference in Alaska where we had just enjoyed such sweet fellowship with families that we had previously only known over the Internet, getting ready to leave. We didn’t want to say good-bye to these precious brothers and sisters, the fellowship was so encouraging—so like-minded; yet, it was time to go back to our corner of the world and build the Kingdom there. God had us spread out for a reason.
So, to console ourselves, last night, we remembered God’s providence. We talked about how one day, when we’re all in Heaven, perhaps we’ll all live on the same block – instead of spread out all over the world! But, for now, I know He has us dispersed for a reason. And, for His own purposes, He decided to move Denise a little further—Home.
Our dear friend is fully enjoying now what we look forward to with great Hope. One day, we will join her in that Great place! Together, we will sing, dance, feast, rejoice, and praise our Heavenly King—the one who caused us to love one another in the first place! It will be just like old times…only better.
Until then!
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15 Responses to “Until Then…”
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I so enjoyed our conversation last night. Glad y’all were up! :) And so longing to be with our far-flung friends!
Yes, being dispersed, as well as being poured out in His service, is a blessing when we understand His purpose in it, partly because it makes us long for the day when we are no longer far from one another. Thank you for your thoughts, Stacy. I’m sorry you couldn’t go. I think RC and the children will need you to be there for them even more later on. I hope we can talk again soon, too, and I’m hoping that I will get a visit from you next time you come to California.
Enjoy that darling granddaughter! And Merry Christmas to the wonderful McDonalds.
Love,
Carmon
Beautiful post! A friend who attends St Andrews said 2 of her girls still found it within themselves to sing in the Christmas Choir this week. An amazing picture of the devotion of a mother who raised Godly children who are able to stand even in deep sorrow and sing to their King as their mother dances in His presence. Praying for their family!
I never had the privilege to meet Denise, but have been praying for her and her family. I am so delighted that I will someday meet her in Glory, but am grieving for her family and continue to pray for them.
Thank you, Stacy, for your kind words for us. I remember those days fondly as well, and wish we lived closer. I like your thought of all living on the same block someday!
Blessings on your ever growing family!
Grace
Stacy, I never met Denise, nor did I know much about her witness or testimony, but I feel now like I know this Godly woman’s heart from the intense love and respect others and yourself have for her mission and ministry, both to her family and those close to them… thanks for sharing your heart. So sad for this loss.
Thank you for this, Stacy! It is indeed a good reminder. God is so good to give us friends all over the world, isn’t He? Merry Christmas to you and your family. Margaret Doskey
Stacy we pray for the family daily. We didnt know Denise personally but her precious ministry was important in our lives. We posted twice in her ‘memory’ on our blog..it was a small thing but all we could do …I know how important she was to soo many because we got 98 hits on our site by accident by those googling her name. We normally get 9 probobly! Were not big bloggers:) Anyways, we had asked Jared Vallorani if we could post his ‘Christian Reader’ post on our blog and he said yes. Im hoping the Lord used it to direct people to sending the Sproul family and offering while getting a copy of her precious book.
I really think she is someone I would have hit it off with. We are soo sad for the family. We are sorry for your loss too:( Blessings, Dana
What a reminder of the precious short time we have with these little people, which could end so soon. What a blessing to know that Denise poured herself into what mattered with the time she had, and we can all follow her example.
I, too, have been blessed by the Sprouls though I never met them in person.
What a godly witness and ministry Denise had. I’ve been convicted in recent days thinking about Denise hearing the words, “well done, good and faithful servant.” My spirit is refreshed to seek the Lord while there is still time.
I am also immensely blessed by distant friends with whom I have only online fellowship. Love the idea of a block party in heaven with all of them!
Thank you for your ministry, Stacy. You are a blessing!
I was so shocked to hear this. How did she die?
We met RC shortly after they received the diagnosis of his wife’s cancer. We have been praying for them ever since. I look forward to that day when we can all meet in Heaven! My thoughts and prayers are with the Sproul family as they go through this valley in their lives.
Victoria
My sister died just 2 months ago. I held her hand and we sang praises to Jesus as she drew her last breath. I had a complete peace about her departure here on earth, but I sure am looking forward to that reunion day!
I am just now hearing this sad news, due to a lapse in internet service. I know Denise is with the Lord, but my heart aches for her family. Thank you for the beautiful and encouraging words. The Sproul family continues to be in our family’s prayers.
I read When you raise up several years ago, and was very inspiring for my homeschooling, and I got to know some more about the Sproul jr. family.
I am very sad for them. I lost my father when I was 10, but loosing a mother is surely worse.
Stacy, I, like you, feel that I have the best fellowship when I am among like minded christians, but I think we need to open us more to other christians who do not agree with us in everything, but who are also looking to work for Crhist.
I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed this post. :-)