“Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.”
Psalm 73:25 NKJV
A tour bus plunged through a dark Missouri night and into the early morning hours on May 11, 2008. Pounding rain and swirling winds from earlier tornadoes swayed the large vehicle transporting eight people. Regardless of the storms, the schedule demanded that they arrive in Texas by daylight, and Dottie Rambo had retired early. She had to be dressed and ready to sing at a Mother’s Day performance that morning. Her clothes were laid out and her songs practiced in anticipation of her guest appearance.
The driver zipped along Interstate 44, two miles east of Mount Vernon, when the bus ran off the road. Had he fallen asleep at the wheel? Had oncoming headlights caused him to misjudge the shiny wet highway in the blackness? Or had a strong gust of wind blown the vehicle off the road? All we know is that the bus hit an embankment, sending seven people to the hospital with moderate to severe injuries. Unfortunately, Dottie was the only one to die instantly in the crash.
How does Dottie’s life encourage us as we travel down our roads?
An interesting fact is that angels played a major role in the singer-songwriter’s life. She told a story about her “angel room” in her home in Atlanta where she received the words and lyrics to many of her famous songs. (Click HERE to watch.) Sheila Walsh shared a powerful interview with Dottie regarding her testimony about her nine back surgeries and unrelenting pain. (Click HERE to watch.)
Dottie was well-acquainted with sorrows. Not only did she suffer physical pain, but also emotional heartbreak of a divorce from her husband Buck. In spite of unbelievable circumstances, she soldiered on through the power of the Word and prayer, eventually regaining the strength to walk again and minister to others. She testified that no medicine could remove the pain–not even morphine–but when she ministered, God mercifully blocked it.
God’s mercy certainly covered Dottie on the night of that fatal crash. God’s angels were all around, ready to usher her into the presence of her Lord and Savior, whom she loved so dearly. Her assignment on earth was complete, and it was her time to go to heaven.
On Mother’s Day, Dottie was set to sing and minister in a church in Texas. Instead, she sang before the Lord in His kingdom in heaven. I’m sure it was a glorious performance as she beheld Him and worshiped Jesus face to face in all of His glory.
“Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.”
1 John 3:2 NKJV
Are you suffering emotionally or physically today?
Dear Father, may we take heart in remembering how much Jesus suffered for us during His passion. We know that God will minister to us through our pain and use it for His glory. Empower us to soldier on, praising and worshiping our Lord and Savior. Soon we, too, will behold the Lamb of God face to face in all of His glory. What a wonderful day that will be! In Jesus’s Name, Amen.
We Shall Behold Him by Karen Jurgens copyright 2022 All Rights Reserved
Oh, Ms. Karen. What is it going to be like on that day. While I hope it’s immediately following the trumpet’s sound, if it requires my passing from this earth, my journey home will have been worth all that I have tried to endure here on earth to be with my Savior. While I try to place myself in His presence quite often, to be able to reach out and embrace Him, to feel His embrace physically. Oh, what a day that will be my friend. Thank you for giving me a moment of sheer joy and exhilaration this morning and I spent a few minutes thinking on that coming meeting. Maranatha!
I’m so glad Dottie’s life brought joyful anticipation to your heart, dear brother. She had such a special relationship with Jesus and was allowed to write songs delivered straight from heaven. I can only imagine her meeting the One about whom she sang and worshiped. Waking up in the arms of her Lord and Savior must’ve been incredible. We have so much to look forward to! Maranatha!
What a powerful message! Thank you for sharing. I am thankful to know all pain will be gone when we meet our Father in Heaven.
Yes, isn’t it comforting to think about how wonderful heaven will be. And the best part will be living in the presence of the Trinity for eternity. Blessings to you, dear Mimi.
What an inspiration Dottie was. She was so filled with the Holy Spirit and could feel her Love for the Lord when she both spoke and sang.
Thank you for including the videos.
People such as Dottie help me in my walk with sweet Jesus.
Yes, she is such an inspiration to us. Isn’t it amazing that she wrote 2500 songs! I’m glad you know about her music and that it’s a comfort to you. Blessings, dear Sandra.