Nothing Separates

Written by Dorothy Brown

by Vonette Bright

“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).

Papa Ray suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. Stacie was only a preteen at the time. She was embarrassed by her grandfather’s appearance and behavior. He refused baths, often hallucinated, and forgot who Stacie was.

But Jesus made a difference in this young woman’s life. She learned to love her Papa and separate the disease from the man. The disease did not steal his soul. Stacie began to understand when the Bible says, “For I am convinced that nothing can separate us from the love of God.” Alzheimer’s could not destroy God’s love.

Papa Ray won his battle and now lives in Heaven with Jesus – free of all disease.

Remember, friend, NOTHING can separate you from God’s love! And God will hold your hand every step of your life’s journey.

At 15, Stacie Ruth Stoelting wrote Still Holding Hands depicting her grandparents’ lives, romance, and victory through Christ. http://www.brightlightministry.com

About the Author
This devotional was written by Vonette Bright. Learn more about Vonette: http://www.talk.thelife.com/authors/vonette-bright/

Related Reading
Spiritual oxygen: Are you getting it?: http://retirementwithapurpose.com/growth/oxygen.html

8 Responses to “Nothing Separates”

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Gail Rodgers. says:

February 11, 2007 at 9:05 am

Martia, what a beautiful story of God’s grace and care in giving you and Alice to one another at this time in life. How encouraging too to know that when the Lord said “He would never leave us nor forsake us”, that even Alzhiemer’s cannot dim that love.
Blessings today, Gail
Marita Laich says:

February 10, 2007 at 1:45 pm

I’ve been living with Alice, she’s 92 and has Alzhiemer’s
too. The Lord gave me a roof over my head and a bed to sleep in, last April, when I could no longer stay in my home. Prior to selling, I applied for Senior Shared housing,
its affiliated with the YWCA of Bucks County PA. The day of
my settlement I was homeless. Until The Lord intervened
through my Christian realitor, who called one of my brothers
and that night I moved in with him,but because of his lease
I could only stay for two weeks. Exactly two weeks the Lord provided me with a home and someone to love and care for.
It turns out that I knew her nephew briefly. He would come
into my brothers restuant back in the late 80′s early 90′s.
When I met Alice she said the Lord and I are friends.
Although, Alice moves things here and there. She calls me
dear or darling, I ask her what my name is. Its like she
just pulls one out of a hat, until the next time I ask her.
Alice prays all day long, thank you Lord, Help me Lord.
Alice may not remember much, but she does know who the
Lord is. Alice reminds me that she was a Sunday school teacher for many years …
She tells me all the time how the Lord has taken care of her all these years. Alice never married, she’s
been in her home since she was eleven years old.
Her family tried to get her to go into a retirement
home. Alice said, no! Well Alice is still in her home.
Praise God! We live across the street from Silver Lake.
Alice and I took many walks since I’ve been here. Meeting
all kinds of people. And one day Alice turned to me and
said … Ya know, I think the Lord knew I needed help, so
her sent you. Alice, thinks I live somewhere else and I
just come to visit.
I must admit its not easy getting use to the shades
drawn early in the day, all the doors are locked, the heat
goes up to 80/85 and Alice is not hot!!!! And she thinks
I’m her sister Libby and I have men in my room too. ha ha!
But God!!!!!!!! Patience, endurance… But most important
LOVE NEVER FAILS … 1Corinthians 13:8
“… God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God …”
1John 4:16 LAB.

I share with you Jesus’ love … Marita
Chris says:

February 10, 2007 at 12:21 pm

This devotional reminds me of when my mother die in 94 of termal cancer. She had a lung removed 15 years earlier due to cancer and was a survior and after 12 years the cancer returned in another form. My mother had always had a strong relationship with GOD and just before she died she told one of my sisters that she was hanging on for us 6 kids. My sister told her that we would get through it and if she felt the desire to go home to OUR LORD to go, we would be alright.
Wil almost 13 years later we have gotten throught Dad found another love(after almost 42 years of marrage to mom) and us 6 kids have gotten on with our lives. Mom will always be a part of our lives and I find that with her strong relationship with GOD it has brought me all that much closer to OUR LORD the I ever thought possible.
After a frined died last Oct I told my dad that when it was my time to go I know that MOM, my friend LORRETTA , and Dad(if he goes before me) will be waiting for me with their arms wided open and big smiles on their faces welcoming me to heaven.
Pearl says:

February 10, 2007 at 10:06 am

My Dad’s favorite scripture to share with people sharing their struggles was Romans 8:38 & 39. He too, like Papa Ray has won his battle and is living in HEAVEN with our Lord Jesus … disease FREE! I still feel my Dad’s spirit in my heart and thoughts of him make me happy. Thank you all for sharing today, and God Bless …
Ann Davis says:

February 10, 2007 at 8:52 am

I too thank the Lord for this scripture. I have been tried with many things and through my experiiences with llfe’s ups and downs. I have been sharpened to take those things to others for a great witness for Christ. The bottom line whatever life hold for each of us I know permission had to be given to make me whittier as snow, as pure gold and etc. When I look back over my life and I wonder oh my God how did I make it over the many hurdles, valleys and desert places in my life..I say thank God for saving me. For it was his mighty grace, mercy and his out stretched hand that got me through. That scripture and Is. 43: 1&2 was my foundation. I can honestly say to those that are struggling with whatever…there is nothing too hard for God to do and it is true, all things work together for them that the love the Lord who is called according to his riches and gory. To God be the glory for the things he has done in my life. The bitter and the sweet is all good. Hold on my issters form all over the world.There is a brighter side on the other side. Nothing can separte us from the love of God. Let’s buckle up and see what the end is going to be. God bless you. Ann Davis
Jacqui says:

February 10, 2007 at 7:20 am

When my father’s health was deteriorating some 10 years ago, I asked God to strengthen my heart to deal with his impending death and to release me from the fear of that final good-bye.I used to seek God’s face every night after my family had gone to bed and cry out for release. This was the very scripture that He gave me to hold on to.When the time came to let go, I was happy that his suffering was over and that he was safe with the Lord. Thank you Lord that nothing(not even death) can ever separate us from your love.Just before he took his last breath he said to us “I’ve reached the top of the mountain and oh how beautiful everything looks.” The fear was gone.
Monica says:

February 10, 2007 at 7:02 am

I am always amazed at God’s unconditional love for us. There are many times I’ve felt less than love for even my family members, the people closest to me…and for what…something petty I’m sure. I pray that I will have the love of Jesus, and show it to others. If He can love me through all my wickedness, I can surly love those around me as we go through lifes minor ups and downs. Lord, help me show your wonderful love to others, and to never forget Your love for me. Help me to remember Romans 8:38-39 when satan “tries” to tell me no one could love a sinner like me. Help me to stay focused on “the promise of Heaven”, as Annie said. Life goes so much better when I remain in You Lord. Thank you for being Lord of my life. I love you. Amen.
Annie says:

February 10, 2007 at 6:21 am

What a wonderful gift that God has given us . . . the promise of heaven . . . and the grace to begin it now no matter what our physical circumstances are . . . Praise God. Annie