We celebrated the amazing life of my brother-in-law John “Petie” Nelson yesterday and it was a sad but inspiring gathering of family and friends. What an amazing person Petie was! We don’t always understand why things happen in life but, if we’ve given it to God and trust His will and timing, we just have to thank Him.

As I drove home from the hospital the evening before Petie’s passing, I was praying the, “It’s not looking good/why Lord” prayer. Then, the poet in me rose up and a rhythmic, rhyming prayer began to form in my mind. Line after line kept coming that expressed my thoughts and concerns of what was transpiring with Pete. I had to pull over twice to voice-record some lines before I for got them but after a short while, the poetic prayer was finished and my questions were answered and I was assured that, truly, God was in control.

It’s Yours Lord
Bill Dotson, July 10, 2019

Lord I give this all to You, You’ve always met my need.
The path is dark, but I have learned to follow, Lord, Your lead.
I’m not going to hide and I’m not going to run,
So, I say, Lord, not my will but Yours be done.
I know Your thoughts are much higher than mine
And I know from the darkness Your light always shines.
I don’t understand all that’s happening here.
Things have transpired that are not really clear.
But I know that You see from beginning to end,
And I know that I’m family, much more than a friend.
So, I give this to you Lord heart, mind and soul
And I thank you Lord that you have control.

Petie is in Heaven now and enjoying unimaginable experiences with Jesus, his mother and others who are there. But, as we heard at the church yesterday, Petie loved and was loved by everyone! What a legacy, what a testimony he is leaving with us. Many people said, “If there’s anything we can do for you, let us know.” Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone who knew Petie and experienced his kind of love would show that love to everyone they meet? I know it would make Pete happy.

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” (Romans 12:10)

“Jesus replied: “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39)

“Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted and keep a humble attitude.” (1 Peter 3:8 NLT)

#LoveLikePetie