I met Verona McCallum in 1982. In her mid 60’s, her voice was childlike in its tone and infused with the tenderness of a mother’s prayer.  She moved quietly around the tiny kitchen of her senior living apt. which she shared with her husband Floyd, bringing forth delicious meals for her family. 

Into this home I was welcomed — a perfect stranger. I was literally housed, clothed, and fed by these dear ones until I was settled into life at John Wesley College where Dr. McCallum was a professor. They became like second parents to me in the decades to come as God bound our hearts together in friendship, intercession, counseling and deliverance ministry, and prayer for a husband and child: (In 1990 Floyd married Ric and I, and, 8 years later, dedicated our Jewel to the Lord). 

After 5 years in a nursing home, Verona died; and a note was found written in her Bible requesting that this hymn be sung at her funeral: “God be With You ‘Til We Meet Again.”  Having sung for her many times, I sang for her once again.

“God be with you ’til we meet again, by His counsels guide, uphold you,   with His sheep securely fold you—God be with you ’til we meet again.     (John 10:27)

God be with you ’til we meet again ‘neath His wings protecting hide you, Daily manna still provide you—God be with you ’til we meet again.        (Psalm 91:4)              

God be with you ’til we meet again, when life’s perils thick confound you. Put His arms unfailing round you—God be with you ’til we meet again.   (I Peter 5:7 )

God be with you ’til me meet again, keep Love’s banner floating o’er you, Smite death’s threat’ning wave before you—God be with you ’til we meet again.” (Song of Solomon 2:4)        

I send this blessing to you, my friends:  He is our “ever present help.” (Psalm 46:1)