welcome to my world.

WRITTEN BY MY BEAUTIFUL GRANDMA, NANCY SHACKELFORD

“WELCOME TO MY WORLD!”

At nineteen years old, these words were spoken to me by way of a gold charm given to me by a handsome, loving, precious young man on my birthday. I was blessed to be in his world for 57 years.  

Oscar Shackelford and I were married October 31, 1965.  I was 22 years old and he was 32. On our Wedding Day, my family said they would give “it” a year. Not much confidence there... Right?

Fifty-four years later, hours into our Anniversary, I kissed the love of my life goodbye as he crossed over so peacefully into the arms of Jesus. Before he died, he told me he loved me with every beat of his heart and I told him he was the only man I ever loved.

The last six months of his life had been spent in seven different hospitals.  He told me the greatest sound he ever heard was my high heels clicking down the hallway everyday coming to see him! We were able to have him home for over two weeks on Wonderful Hospice Care. That was the most incredible time I had ever experienced in my life. The very presence of Holy Spirit, and I believe Angels as well, absolutely filled our home with peace, comfort and the joy of the Lord. All of our family was there night and day.

“GRANDPA”, as he later became known as, was able to speak a blessing over each one of our grandchildren, our children and our spiritual children. We fed him biscuits and gravy, chicken and dumplings, and grits with tomato gravy all while he listened to Bluegrass Gospel music. We laughed, cried, told stories, prayed and cherished every minute we had right up to the end. When he died, a part of my heart died with him. God really didn’t let me grieve as we know it because I believe my grieving time had been the last six months seeing what he had to endure physically every day in the hospital.

One day, I asked Holy Spirit, “What now?”  Immediately, He spoke to my heart, ”Open your eyes. Turn around and hold out your hands for I am giving you the next chapter of your life.”

In these last eight months, I have come to know God’s grace, mercy, tenderness and amazing love in ways I never knew possible. I received a prophetic word from the Lord recently that I need to share with you:

“No more lonely days. I am your ”ISH”, I am your Husband.  I am with you at night.  I am with you in the early morning. You are my “Intercessor.” You are my “Mother in Zion.” This generation needs you! For I say unto you, there is going to be a new song of the Lord arising inside of you. There is a new worship that’s arising in you. Live, Daughter, Live! I have need of you.  Lift up your eyes oh, ye gates and be lifted up oh, ye everlasting doors and the King of Glory will come in.”    

Which reminded me of Psalms 24:7-10 TPT,

7 So wake up, you living gateways!
Lift up your heads, you ageless doors of destiny!
Welcome the King of Glory,
for he is about to come through you.
8 You ask, “Who is this Glory-King?”
The Lord, armed and ready for battle,
the Mighty One, invincible in every way!
9 So wake up, you living gateways, and rejoice!
Fling wide, you ageless doors of destiny!
Here he comes; the King of Glory is ready to come in.
10 You ask, “Who is this King of Glory?”
He is the Lord of Victory, armed and ready for battle,
the Mighty One, the invincible commander of heaven’s hosts!
Yes, he is the King of Glory!

WOW! What a directive. As Seniors, sometimes I believe we feel as though we have lived our lives and now we are not needed. Let me tell you that GOD thinks differently!! God cannot bring change while we hold on to past comforts! We are HIS trophies and stand as examples of His faithfulness throughout the challenges of our lives.

Psalms 92:14 TPT says,

14 For in your presence they will still overflow and be anointed.
Even in their old age they will stay fresh,
bearing luscious fruit and abiding faithfully.

  
I am not just calling out my Senior Citizens, but also those who have gone through hell. To those who feel like they have just been suffering through life, or have seemed to have lost their way. God is calling you out by name! He is asking you to open your eyes and reach out your hands because He wants to give you a new life! Allow the King of Glory to intervene because you have a new song to sing.

We have a choice! Are we going to LOOK UP OR LOOK BACK?
I say, “Welcome To God’s World and Look Up.”

Written with Pure Love,
Nancy Shackelford,
Grandma

Nancy & Oscar Shackelford on their wedding day, October 31, 1965.