Lady Jane Grey, the Protestant Queen of England for 9 short days, was dethroned and condemned to the block by her cousin Bloody Mary. After her execution at the Tower of London, her executioners found her bible in her cell, and a letter inside the cover of her bible written before the day of her death to her sister. What would you say the day before you die to your sister? What last words would you write down before they took you and blindfolded you, leading you by your hand to that block of wood, already soiled by the blood of others? Would you offer words of encouragement, fear, regret or reconciliation?
This was the offer that was presented in this contest a few months ago. I was very hesitant to try my hand at it, creativity cannot be rushed you know. But, *ahem* some people thought that I could do it, and that on top of it all, I could do an admirable job, too. So I gathered my thoughts, read the original copy of the letter a few times, breathed a prayer and slipped on my headphones. I finished my letter in one sitting, but neglected to enter it into the actual contest by the deadline. It slipped from my memory for a few short months until yesterday when we recieved our copy of Leben magazine and I saw that a winner had been declared for the Lady Jane Grey contest. That recalled to me the letter that I had written, and stored away. Here it is:
This is dedicated to my own sister Jo, who is leaving at this moment with Ben and my Mom to fly across 5 states to Texas for the SAICFF. I don’t get to go this time, but I did last time, and it was she who watched the kids while I was gone having a good time. I pray that they will be safe during the next 5 days.
This bible is cheap, inexpensive, mass-produced and a sorry parting gift to you dearest, yet it is all that I have to offer. All these it may be, but what it carries is worth more than all the gold or silver I could give you. God may destroy many nations, but He will preserve His Church and His Word for ever.
I entreat you, not only in my name but in the name of our Lord Christ, to persevere to the end. I often wonder what, if I had done something differently, would have happened? Would I be here now, writing a last letter to you, a letter that may never reach your hands until I am long dead? Would I have suffered so much and endured such hardships and torture as I have? My hate has been great against my oppressors, and its blackened edges are hot with a bitterness that I cannot suppress. My time within these foul walls has given me much time in which to brew my anger, yet, regret of this has now secured my conscience. How much better off would my soul be if I had spent those hours in meditation of God’s word, and supplement before Christ? God give you grace and strength sister, if ever you be (and I pray that you may not!) In this same situation. But, let the master of all things decide for Himself your life-fate; mine is already sealed!
They may come to take you too, as they did me, but I encourage you not to tremble at this thought. You know the reason that here I lie, awaiting death; tyrannts do not rejoice in opposition. Please live. Live for our Lord, His church, our family and fellow Christians, and me who cannot. But, do fear at the thought of ever rejecting Christ as King, He will deccide your consequences.
In this do I encourage you, that by my death you may see that all things are done for the glory of God and to heighten and expand His kingdom! I die not in vain, no, nothing is in vain except for sinful man and his useless and futile efforts against Jehovah. Hold fast against all foes… you and I knew that there would be times like these, but it is Christ who desires them and they serve to teach you something that can be achieved in no other way. Do not be blinded by them as so many other individuals have been, but strive to see them as they really are, the purifying fire of love and life and the hammer of the Goldsmith of heaven, beating us into sheets of pure gold to be placed on His temple!
Kiss Father and whisper a prayer in Mother’s ears, pray it for me, and address it to the Lord most high. May he receive my wretched soul into His gentle and steadfast keeping to be set as a star in the brightest Heavens, for His glory!
Simply,
your sister, Grace
I may go over the letter a few times again in my life, but this is pretty much the finished product. I was encouraged after I finished writing it. If I really were dying, what would I want to say to my sister? I encourage any ladies reading my weblog to try this, it doesn’t have to be wonderful, poetic or amazing. But, I think that you will be suprised by the results.
Coram Deo! Graciebird