Maggie and the Gospel Truth

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Some folks already know that beloved Maggie passed away on Saturday, 3/3/18, after a long illness.  Maggie’s Corner are posts expressing God’s love and truths through His creation.  Here is Maggie’s story and farewell post.

While walking through Harlem in 2004, making home visits for Parole, I unexpectedly took a left onto a street where no parolee lived.  I kept walking and came across an abandoned brownstone.  Believe it or not, I found the building online!

harlem-abandoned-2

Maggie and her kittens were living under the stairs, 144 West 129th Street!

 

I was so drawn to her and immediately bought food from a nearby ‘bodega’.  The desperate eyes of this nursing mother locked into mine…she followed me as far as she dared leave her babes on this rough street.  I promised her, “I’m coming back for you, girl!” and soon brought her and a kitten home.  (the others went out for adoption)

Perhaps like Maggie, God rescues us from desolate and hopeless places.

 “Do not be afraid…Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?  Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father….you are worth more than many sparrows.”

 

Maggie lived a good life.

Maggie in suitcase

She enjoyed traveling…

maggie reading

Reading in bed

Maggie and Bible 2

Psalm 91 was one of her favorites

During personal times of turmoil and trial, even betrayals in my life, Maggie was a constant loving companion.  I saw the hand and providence of God in His creation and am still so grateful.

 In January 2017, Maggie was diagnosed with significant conditions, I was sure the end was near.  As the perfect patient, Maggie received all necessary treatment and, surprisingly, lived on.  The Lord gave Maggie another good year and during it, prepared my heart for a future farewell.

I finally prayed, “Lord, let her live until the ground thaws.”

On March 3rd 2018, I held Maggie at 4am, giving her a last gentle brushing, knowing that this would be her last day.  The ground reserved for her was thawed…. 

 

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Maggie rests under the birdhouse….in prestigious Wellesley MA

…but covered with snow on March 8th! 

Friends, if the Lord could hear the cry of a mother cat and rescue her and her kittens, won’t He hear our cry?  Deliverance may not be immediate, but won’t it be sure for those who trust and wait upon the Lord?

From Psalm 91, “He  who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty…..I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Maggie was a personal blessing from the Lord, one I could not have found on my own.  I saw God’s faithfulness in bringing her out of a dangerous place and into loving arms.  But I also saw a steadfastness in Maggie, through difficult ailments and lonely times of absences.  Did she have more fortitude than me?  Maggie never waivered in cuddly love.  She always came when we called, met us at the door, and retired to bed at the right time.

From Harlem NYC to Wellesley MA….almost likened to the Lord’s way…bringing us out of the world’s darkness and into His marvelous light…and securing us into a most prestigious place – His everlasting Kingdom forever!

maggie-at-window-1

Farewell, Maggie.

 

 

36 thoughts on “Maggie and the Gospel Truth”

  2. Lisa Beth, I’m very sorry for the loss of your Maggie. Pets are such a sweet blessing from the Lord and teach us love and maybe even a little patience now and then. Thanks for sharing this post about her.

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  3. We had a Maggie too, for more than 20 years, my brother bought her home, before he left school he earned a little pocket money by helping on a Milk Round. Maggie was one of lots of kittens born in the outhouse of an elderly man. Giving her to my brother he said, “you take this one, she’s the naughtiest of the lot. Everyone at home will love her’ and we did fur 20 years plus. My condolences Lisa Beth.
    ‘

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  5. Well said, well written and honestly a great article. I’m glad I read this today, and can always use a constant reminder of God’s plan in places where I wouldn’t expect to find him.

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  10. Wow, Beth. That was really, really tough to read. First, just let me offer my condolences. Second, what made it tough for me was that for the 54 years of my life, cats were never a blip on my radar. Than (2011), at my apartment complex in Orlando, a stray turned up (the couple moved out and left her behind). For three years, she lived in the outdoor-but-covered corridor of the third floor just outside my door. I fed her, pet her, but didn’t commit to her. (Fortunately, the warm Florida weather made it comfortable for her to love outdoors).

    Finally, in 2013, I made the commitment and adopted her. Regarding her color, she looks almost exactly like Maggie except that she is short haired. She’s brought a lot of joy to my life since.

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    • Terri, its always so good to hear from you! Been praying for you, asking the Lord to inspire and encourage you. Thanks for your kind words about Maggie! Looking forward to your next post, sister.

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  13. I’ve only just caught up with this blog post – I do feel for you.
    It’s so hard when such a special companion dies, but I hope that some wonderful memories are now surfacing through the gap she has left.
    I wonder what God has in store for you….!

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  15. This is so very precious! What a special, special blessing God gave you in Maggie. He recently brought a kitten to us who came into our yard and adopted us. He was about two months old at that point (a few months ago), and he has already brought us so much joy, it’s amazing. God’s creatures are so treasured by Him and truly instruments of His love! I, too, am so grateful for the way He brought us together, without us even looking for a cat. Thank you for sharing this. I’m so sorry for your loss of Maggie. I know not everyone is, but I am a firm believer that our beloved pets are waiting for us in Heaven. 🙂

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    • Jennifer, it’s so good to hear from you, thank you so much for sharing! I do miss Maggie but looking back, I’m amazed how the Lord can order our steps right into an unexpected blessing! I agree with you, God’s creatures are instruments of His love. When I worked for NYS, we had a pool of typists, most of whom were blind. I can’t begin to share the devoted acts of love and protection from their service dogs. “Allison”, a black lab, saved her owner from a fire. Who needs Hollywood – the best stories come from God’s creative hand!
      And about heaven…I’m so glad that “no eye has seen…what God has prepared for those who love Him”. Thanks again Jennifer! 🐺

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      • I am so very glad for that as well! And it makes me smile to hear about Allison and those other service dogs. What a loving God, to bring these amazing creatures into our lives! Keep on sharing ❤️

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