All to Jesus I Surrender, Humbly at His Feet I Bow

Amy Welborn has posted her husband's remarkable last column.

Michael wrote about our trust in God and perseverance in faith when bad things happen.

The “big lie,” Father Benedict said, (and I’m paraphrasing him at this point), is to think that if we say all the right prayers and live correctly, then nothing bad will ever happen to us. Sadly, there are many good people who have lost their faith by believing such a lie, and that makes it a big one indeed!

One only has to think of Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God, and how much He suffered on the cross, to correct one’s view on this matter. In our own day, there are many whom we know have lived saintly lives, many who have prayed much, and yet have suffered too.

He goes on to recount a story Fr. Groeschel told him about a woman who had a recurrent dream about Jesus giving her a message she didn't understand, but she and her family later found out was a comforting one from the Holy Spirit.

I know so many people who had tragedy or death in their lives that alienated them from God. What a precious gift from the Holy Spirit Michael's column must be for his wife and children.

Sometimes people doubting the existence of God will ask how we know He exists. If we're observing with an open heart, the Holy Spirit is loving us, warning us, comforting us, inspiring us through other people and events. Sometimes we're just too pigheaded to hear it, see it and feel it.

Even the most skeptical would have a hard time chalking Michael's column up as one heck of a coincidence.

Amy has asked for any contributions of remembrance of her husband. I exchanged emails a few times with Michael. I wrote Amy about one time in particular that stands out in my memory.

Amy,

I was very sorry to hear about Michael.

You asked to send along remembrances and I have one I wanted to share.

I chatted with Michael through email several years ago when a friend of mine was, I thought, being treated unjustly and uncharitably - including a posting on your website about the incident I was unhappy about. After exhausting my grievances with you and being dissatisfied, I decided to contact Michael. I plead my case to him in the hopes that I could persuade him and in turn, he would persuade you to take a different tack.

I don't even really remember the substantive response to that request. What I do remember was his genuine compassion. He took the time to express his compassion about the situation my friend was in and the various reactions, he went out of his way to say something kind to me personally about the suffering I was experiencing as a friend. It was especially remarkable in light of the fact it was clear I was unhappy with you. He was able to see through it and not only respond without being defensive, he was merciful.

What a mighty advocate you and the children now have in Heaven.

Your family has been and will remain in my thoughts and prayers.

Carol McKinley

Times like these in our lives, we all understand why they they call Faith a gift.

All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.

I surrender all,
I surrender all.
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.

All to Jesus I surrender,
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken;
Take me, Jesus, take me now.

All to Jesus I surrender,
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel Thy Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.

All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power,
Let Thy blessing fall on me.

All to Jesus I surrender,
Now I feel the sacred flame.
Oh, the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory to His name!