This is an open letter to a young mother I met at the Greenville Walmart. I noticed that you had been running through the store calling for your son, David. When you found him, you collapsed to the floor, and you were hugging him crying as though your heart was breaking. I walked up to you, and said, “You look as though you can use a hug.” You stood up and threw your arms around me, and started crying even harder. You were hugging me as hard as you could.

After several minutes, you regained your composure and told me you were from Andalusia. You said that your daughter was the one who had died under tragic circumstances. I believe you said that it was in September. I remember telling you that your daughter is in the hands of Jesus right now. You said you were at peace about that because your daughter had accepted Christ as Savior and gone through believer’s baptism. We talked and cried together for several more minutes. It was as though time was no factor.

I just want you to know that I love you and Jesus loves you. I have prayed for you everyday since that time. I don’t know if this will help or not, but at my church, Southside Baptist Church, Greenville, we will be having a viewing of the movie, Heaven, by Billy Graham. This will be on Dec. 7 at the 11 a.m. worship service. If you choose to come, just simply walk in the front door, and I will be sitting on the second pew from the front on the near right. I have prayed about this and feel led to send this to you as an open letter.

Love in Christ,

Linda Jernigan

Greenville