Winner Either Way

As many of you all know, my uncle finally passed away on Friday morning aroud 9am. When I say finally, many people who did not know my uncle would find that harsh. But for those of you who do know him, you would understand. For most of my life, my uncle has struggled to stay alive. If any human being had "9 lives" as a cat does, it was my uncle. My uncle survived his rebellious adolescence, being beaten almost to the point of death numerous times, alcoholism, and so many other trials and temptations. For most of my uncle's adult life, he was an alcoholic. As a result, the alcoholism destroyed his liver. The destruction was so severe that in August of 2008, the doctors gave him 2 weeks to live because MRI's and CT Scans revealed that he had no liver. However, my uncle didn't die. The doctors were amazed. It's impossible to live without a liver, yet, somehow, God kept my uncle alive these past two years without one. Yet, my uncle had his battles over that two year period but remained strong and survived. However, two weeks ago, he took a turn for the worst and on Friday morning, he gave up to go home to heaven where my grandfather was waiting for him with open arms.

At my uncle's funeral, my mom requested a song entitled "Winner Either Way". As I listened to the words of the song, I realized how true they were. So often when someone we love is sick and dying, we pray for God's healing on that person. However, sometimes, God's idea of healing is not always ours. Sometimes, God chooses to allow healing by taking that person with them to their heavenly home, rather than healing them on earth so they can return to their earthly home. Yet, either way, no matter the outcome, that person is a winner either way!

Here are the lyrics to the song...
1)
A LOVED ONE KNEW HE'D REACHED THE END OF LIFE'S JOURNEY,
BUT HE'D BEEN HOLDING TO GOD'S HAND A LONG, LONG TIME
AND AS I KNELT BESIDE HIS BED,
MY HEART WAS THRILLED AT WHAT HE SAID,"
IF I GO, OR IF I STAY, THE VICTORY IS MINE."

CHORUS)
I'M A WINNER EITHER WAY, IF I GO OR IF I STAY
FOR I'LL STILL HAVE MY JESUS EACH PASSING DAY
I'LL HAVE MY HEALING HERE BELOW, OR LIFE FOREVER IF I GO
OH PRAISE THE LORD, I'M A WINNER EITHER WAY.

2)
NONE OF US REALLY KNOWS ABOUT TOMORROW,
WE MUST PREPARE TO GO TO HEAVEN ANYDAY
BUT WHILE WE'RE HERE LET'S TRUST THE LORD,
HE'LL LEAD US SAFE TO OUR REWARD
AND BY HIS GRACE, WE'LL BE A WINNER EITHER WAY

CHORUS)
I'M A WINNER EITHER WAY, IF I GO OR IF I STAY
FOR I'LL STILL HAVE MY JESUS EACH PASSING DAY
I'LL HAVE MY HEALING HERE BELOW, OR LIFE FOREVER IF I GO
OH PRAISE THE LORD, I'M A WINNER EITHER WAY.