Saying Goodbye to a Friend: Ruth Doreen Bailes

 

My Jesus walks beside me death is defeated by His name

 

Words paint pictures

Wrestling on a page.

My Jesus walks beside me 

Death is defeated by His name.

Thoughts seem to bubble

Theology unfolds.

My Jesus walks beside me

     Death is defeated by His name.       

Tears tell of sorrow

Truth wrapped up in pain.

My Jesus walks beside me

Death is defeated by His name.

Memories are history

Moments set in time.

My Jesus walks beside me

Death is defeated by His name.  

Eternity lasts forever

Eventualities arise.

My Jesus walks beside me

Death is defeated by His name.

Pain is for a moment

Perhaps it's just as well.

My Jesus walks beside me

Death is defeated by His name.

Soon we will be together

Side by side again.

My Jesus walks beside me

Death is defeated by His name.

In memory of Ruth

copyright Revdjo 21/5/2013

 

 

 Ruth Doreen Bailes (7/11/29-28/4/13)

I have known Ruth since I was a teenager but it was not until the last ten years, or so, that I really got to know her well. She was one of my most trusted friends. Last year she made the journey from Stroud to Burton on the train to see me, not many 82 year-old ladies would attempt that! On learning of her sudden death my immediate reaction was at least she didn't suffer that much and stayed in her own home, continuing to do the Lord's work right up until the last minute. I was surprised by the depth of my feelings just prior to her funeral as it dawned on me just how good a friend she was and how much I would miss her. God seemed to remind me of that in the voice of Elizabeth, who I don't know very well, as she sat next to me with the words, 'Can I sit next to you and be your friend.' Just in case I needed any more reinforcement, a reminder from God via Ruth's hymn choice, What a friend we have in Jesus. 

Ruth was forever the student of the Gospel and forever the teacher. She had taught both secondary and infant school children in her day. Her zeal for the doing God's work amazed me. If you want to have a look it can be found here: 

www.tracts.com/Goodnewsletter.html

www.tracts.com/Textmessages.html

www.tracts.com/CWP.Home.html

www.tracts.com/CHOICES4U.html 

I will miss my praying friend and her humorous ways; it always took Ruth an age to make the tea and offer you a biscuit that you weren't allowed to take a bite of until she had said grace. At her funeral I was struck by the last verses of the hymns she chose. I have listed them in order bellow. Ruth had no doubt she was going to meet her Lord. Even after her death she continues to remind firstly, where she was going and secondly, for us to take our burdens and prayers to God.  The God who continues to walk with us in the valleys when we are sad as much as he walks with us when we are feeling joyful and on top of the world.

 

Great things He hath taught us, 

great things He hath done,

and great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son:

but purer and higher and greater will be

our wonder, our worship, when Jesus we see!

To God be the glory! by F J Crosby and W H Doane  

 When I stand in glory

I will see your face.

And there I'll serve my King forever,

on that Holy Place

There is a Redeemer by Keith Green

Are we weak and heavy-laden,

cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Saviour, still our refuge,

take it to the Lord in prayer!

In His arms He'll take and shield thee,

thou wilt find a solace there.

What a Friend we have in Jesus by J M Scriven 

Green pastures are before me,

which I have not seen;

bright skies will soon be o'er me,

where darkness clouds have been;

my hope I cannot measure,

my path to life is free;

My Saviour has my treasure,

and He will walk with me.

In Heavenly Love Abiding by A L Waring     

In the cool night breeze

Your voice echoes in the cool night breeze, gently guiding, enveloping me.
I hear you in the dead of night
amongst the clutter of my mind.
The aroma of your love is strong.
Your dreams fills me with hope.
As I stumble through the darkness you place your hand in mine.
As I journey through the wilderness you water what was dry.
I sit by the stream of quietness and listen one last time.
'Come rest.' You say, 'And follow me.'
Your voice echoes in the cool night breeze, gently guiding, enveloping me.


Copyright Revdjo 16 may 2013

Searching

I sit,
I stand,
I wonder how?
I think,
I pray,
I need to know!

You wait,
You smile,
You ask me why?
You see,
You know,
You seem to laugh.

I cry,
I sigh,
I stamp my feet!
I walk,
I jump,
I try to fly.

You look at me
with rounded eyes.
You see the dirt,
The gunk,
The grime.
You know my crime.

I see,
I feel,
I realise
The love,
The care,
The tears you shed.

My mind made up I go to bed...

Finding Voice

Everyone has a voice yet not everyone is heard.
Some sit in silence
Others fight for what they deserve.

Everyone has a voice yet not everyone is heard.
The boy tries to tell the world.
He tries to fight his case.
Of abuse and neglect.
His whisper goes unheard.

Everyone has a voice not everyone is heard.
Her tears well up.
Her body shakes.
Her memories echo a distant place.

Everyone has a voice not everyone is heard.
They shout!
They cry!
Will anybody listen?
Does anybody care?
Where is the grace, the love, the warm embrace?

Everyone has a voice not everyone is heard.
The passion that once lived has headed out the door.
The distant eyes.
The lack of smile.
The bitter taste of days once lived.

Everyone has a voice not everyone is heard.
There is something you can do.
There is someone who needs you.
To listen for a moment to the cry from the corner.
To put yourself in their shoes.
To walk a little way.
To feel what it is like when no-one knows your name.
To feel what it is like bound up in pain and shame.

Everyone has a voice not everyone is heard.
Will you speak for me?
Will you change the world?

 copyright Revd Jo  (6 May 2013)

 

The above poem that was a flash of inspiration tonight. I have recently came back from The Baptist Union of Great Britain Assembly during which time I wrote an article for the Baptist Times on finding my voice as a preacher. You can find the article on the Baptist Times Website here.