“Because I live, you also will live.” (John 14:19 NIV)

In loving memory of my Aunt Zebel.

It was during my elementary days when my Aunt Zebel gave me a book entitled My Book of Bible Stories. This thick yellow book has colorful glossy pages and captivating illustrations. I love this book because of its enticing photos that each alone relates a story even without reading the narratives. Another proof that indeed image transcends language.

As the title implies, My Book of Bible Stories is a compilation of 116 significant stories taken from the world’s greatest book: The Bible. It contains selected stories arranged in an order as they appeared in the Bible – from the Old Testament to the New Testament.

I remember every Wednesday right after dinner, my cousins and I would gather around while Aunt Zebel read and explained to us every story that she wished to read to us for the night. There are times when a tale was boring at first, but as it unfolded I began to pay attention especially those fascinating and beautifully illustrated stories gave a feeling of being transported to a totally strange world. Typical to Jehovah’s Witness Bible study, each and every session is then followed by questions and answers; so we had to listen attentively. Unknowingly, those gatherings presented a Rosetta stone; that I learnt more about biblical narratives during those evenings with my aunt who tirelessly devoted her time reading to us kids. At that young age, I used to ask and wonder whether the places mentioned on the stories were real and true. The empirical side of me set in. I was so eager to verify and question the existence. Probably it’s where my passion for traveling started to develop, and I owe it to Ya Zebel. Ya, thank you for everything!

You were very active and faithful to your chosen path. Your motto was “… ask for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). I am sad of your passing. But at the same time assured and relieved believing that you are in good hands now under the care of your JEHOVAH GOD. Because you have fought the good fight. You have finished the race that was set before you with grace. And with pride and unwavering devotion you have kept your faith until the end.

It’s in the Judeo-Christian worldview that espouses the belief that even when you die, there is HOPE of rising up again.

“Because I live, you also will live.” (John 14:19 NIV)

 

For:

Jessebel Babor Amon

Cabugan, Bindoy

Negros Oriental, Philippines

19 July 2019