On our trip to South Carolina a few weeks ago, we visited the Chapel of Ease, built circa 1740 as a place of worship for planters on St. Helena Island who lived too far to participate regularly in services at the parish church in Beaufort.
On the grounds stands a mausoleum where some members of the Fripp family were laid to rest. This place of ruins, tombs and crumbling tabby walls quieted us.
Some say the grounds are restless.
Murmured stories contribute as much to the atmosphere as long strands of Spanish moss wafting from tree branches.
The dilapidated iron fence and the chapel itself reinforce a sense of loss.
I lingered at the stones lying near the mausoleum—one slab told the story of “an affectionate companion, a fond parent, and a sincere friend.”
I made out only snippets, but they were enough to tell me something about the woman buried somewhere on the grounds, whether in the mausoleum or under the slab itself:
“By the mercy of God, brought to a saving knowledge of the truth, she was in…accumulated sufferings, enabled to…a lively faith in Christ as her only Savior, which resulted in the fullest experience…truth of his promises, inducing her…resign..her earthly prospects…glorious hope of a blessing…immortality.”
A lively faith in Christ as her only Savior, which resulted in the fullest experience of the truth of his promises.
I left pondering the heart of this testimony etched in stone; though cracked, the essence of its message has survived since the 1800s.
What a joy and honor to be known on this earth for “a lively faith in Christ.”
Miles removed from this sun-dappled spot, I still feel peace and hope that chases off any sense of restless, unsettled, unfinished business. And I delight in the inspiration of this woman’s “lively faith in Christ.”
I don’t know exactly what “a lively faith” might look like in me, but I can tell you I’m eager to know my only Savior more intimately and express my faith in Him more actively every day through study, prayer, and action.
Can you describe someone you know who exhibits a “lively faith in Christ”?
It would be lovely if someone would say that about me, after I am gone from this earth and am seated in Heavenly Places. One thing about grave yards, there is death there and no life, except for the green grass and some flowers placed by loving hands. It might be better to practice my lively faith now and hope that others will be touched by my living hope. Your photos are so great! It is good you thought to capture them while you were on your trip.
Hazel, I think people will indeed be saying that about you one day! You have such a lively faith in Christ Jesus, and inspire others to live the same!
I think the woman who inspired those words in the grave yard did exactly what you said–she practiced her lively faith while she was alive hoping others were touched. And they were! Thus, the words on the slab. And her lively faith while alive, commemorated at her death, inspire me again here in my life on this earth. I found it quite moving that you and I can encourage one another while we still have breath; yet, this woman’s faith lived out long ago inspired me, too.
Thank you for your encouragement regarding the photos. They didn’t turn out quite as nicely as I hoped. But I’m still learning, but love to experiment!
Hazel, I think people will indeed be saying that about you one day! You have such a lively faith in Christ Jesus, and inspire others to live the same!
I think the woman who inspired those words in the grave yard did exactly what you said–she practiced her lively faith while she was alive hoping others were touched. And they were! Thus, the words on the slab. And her lively faith while alive, commemorated at her death, inspire me again here in my life on this earth. I found it quite moving that you and I can encourage one another while we still have breath; yet, this woman’s faith lived out long ago inspired me, too.
Thank you for your encouragement regarding the photos. They didn’t turn out quite as nicely as I hoped. But I’m still learning, and love to experiment!
I loved this – and want to visit this place too! I’m guessing that all who know you would describe you as a woman with a lively faith, a keen eye and a searching heart. Blessings~
~ ~ ~
Sue, what a delight to see you here! And thank you so much for your kind words. I don’t deserve them.
Ann – I visit all the time – and am a secret friend of yours and Charity’s and Laura’s and Ann’s – and all you amazing young writers and women and believers –
Oh, I love knowing you slip in and visit when our backs are turned, sweet lady! You are an encourager, that’s for sure!
Near the Grand Canyon I saw a grave stone that read “a woman of rare courage.” But the one you’ve shared here is even better…”lively faith in Christ as her only Savior.” The testimony preaches on even though she is silenced here.