My Tribute To Brannon Bowlin
“…Be not dismayed, for I am with you; I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10, NKJV
One year ago, today, our oldest grandson, Brannon Bowlin, stepped out of this world and stepped into the presence of Jesus Christ. At the age of 28, Brannon passed away unexpectedly from complications from diabetes. Brannon was a Christian and I had the great pleasure to baptize him following his decision to accept Christ as his Savior. I’ve never doubted his salvation nor his presence in the eternal heaven we are promised by God, our Creator.
Brannon had a brilliant mind and could design, engineer and build anything that he chose to build whether it was electronics, metal or wood. I know what you’re thinking. “He’s your grandson; you’re supposed to say things like that.” No, he really was that smart! Brannon was caring and enjoyed helping others. I’ve seen him work on his friend’s cars never expecting anything in return. He once used his pickup to rescue people from their flooded neighborhood following a tropical storm in Katy, Texas. That list of helping others is long and impressive. Following his passing, his parents received notes and letters from Brannon’s friends telling of how Brannon had helped them. I don’t think Brannon ever realized how many people he did help and, for him, that saddens me.
I know our family is not alone in their grief after the loss of a family member. Countless others have walked through this same valley. I know there is a mountaintop at the end of this valley and that mountaintop is in heaven and I believe that Brannon is standing on that mountaintop waiting for the rest of us to get there. He is not alone standing there and he is whole, very much alive, and happy. All of Brannon’s family miss him every day and we always will. Time will not lessen our love for him and will not silence the memories we have of him. I do pray for a healing for my family.
The scripture I used for this day has meant a great deal to me through this past year. I hope it can be of some comfort to you today if you happen to find yourself in a valley.
Be encouraged today that God will uphold you with His mighty right hand regardless of what you might be going through. He might not take away the valley but He will make walking through the valley possible.
Only By Grace,
Bro. Riley