Family Memories

Heaven Bound Calling for our family

This is an interesting season for our family, actually our families. Both Sharon’s brother and my brother died. They are both in glory having fulfilled their HOPE as shared in Hebrews 11:1

Faith in Action
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 

We don’t see heaven but we know about it. It is the realm where Jesus and Father God dwell and they desire that we join them for eternity; and it is our choice if we want to be there. Both brothers are there, they just got there before we did. Our Pastor, Tate Crenshaw said, “your brother is in a better place and that is a wonderful hope and promise yet we sorrow here on earth.”​

Sharon's brother Charles Duane Smith and mine Charles William Kealy, Jr. are in that better place, heaven with Jesus.

Rev. Charles William Kealy, Jr.

During these two weeks as “celebrations of life” are held for them, another family members’ life was remembered. Tim’s wife Allison’s father Curt Curtis’ “celebration of life” was held in Colorado Springs, Colorado where they live. Short time-frame scheduling for these services did not allow to gather as families as we desire but as live streaming technology allows we are able to be in the room vicariously as it were. 

Sharon’s brother simply did not wake up one morning. My brother suffered tremendously for the past two years. It causes me to consider where he is and a song comes to mind. Son Tim toured the USA for two years with the gospel singing group and band TRUTH and became a dear friend with recording artist, song writer, concert performer extraordinaire Russ Lee.

​He sings a song written for the band leader’s brother-in-law following his death. A death preceded by pain and suffering. Back on Russ' 25 year of ministry celebration we lived in Singapore and we hosted him and wife Mary for an Asian gospel tour. That was great. In Malaysia in concert he was on a roll preaching and stated, "I am a preacher who sings" and he does both with excellence. His text was Judges 3:31 about Shamgar and I remember it well to this day. It's one of my favorite Bible stories.

Gospel singer Russ Lee recorded and performed in concert IF YOU COULD SEE ME NOW.

Tim and Allison / Russ and Mary Lee at 50th reunion

I shared this song as an encouragement at my brothers celebration of life. No, I did not sing it, I read it. Whew!

​Our prayers have all been answered I finally arrived, the healing that has been delayed has now been realized - no ones in a hurry there’s no schedule to keep - we’re all enjoying Jesus just sitting at his feet.
If you could see me now I am walking streets of gold.
If you could see me now I’m standing tall and whole. 
If you could see me now you’d know I’ve seen his face.
If you could see me now you’d know the pains erased - you wouldn’t want me to ever leave this place - if you could only see me now. 
My light and temporary trials worked out for my good, to know it brought Him glory - when I miss understood - and though we’ve had our sorrows they could never compare what Jesus has in store for us no language can share.
If you could see me now I am walking streets of gold
If you could see me now I’m standing tall and whole.
If you could see me now you’d know I’d seen his face.
If you could see me now you’d know the pains erased, you wouldn’t want me to ever leave this place if you could only see me now.

I opened with a bit of family history:
Eulogy is the tribute to my younger brother. This is not something you plan for over the years nor something you would put on your resume.

I love my brothers and am honored to pay tribute to Rev. Charles William Kealy, Jr. born September 10, 1945 - graduated to heaven July 20, 2022. He was the son of Charles William Kealy, Sr. and Edythe Lucille Archer Kealy who met and were married at church in San Bernardino, California as young adults in 1940. 
    Church was and continued to be the center of our family life.

In closing Chuck would want me to share with you he is in heaven with God.  Heaven is the realm where God dwells and he wants you to be there too -  He made that choice - it’s your choice to be there too . . for eternity.

Ephesians 2:8 records: 
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works that no one should boast.”

​We are informed in God's word his promise ~ Heaven is a glorious place. It is my desire to see you there and enjoy eternity together.