What is a yamica?

i did a google search for "yamica", using the phonetic spelling of a word i had heard but never read. This picture came up, with the caption, “The biggest Yamica in the world”. Someone has a sense of humor, i think.

i haven’t written for a while, we have our bathroom in shreds, getting ready for all new stuff for the first time. Martin the guy who is a retired man with woodworking skills is in charge. He does this kind of stuff for lots of people, with a gentle spirit, humor and the skill to do a good job. i have enjoyed getting to know him, and already knew that he would do a good job for us.

this morning, i did a grave service for a family who came from out of our state to bury their dad. Three of his four children came to be with him as he was buried. They decided to have a private service, which limited the number of people who could attend, so there were only 8 or 9 people there. Walter buried his wife 6 years ago. He was a poor but hard working man. It was tough to see his kids mourn for him. They were nice, polite, but not too expressive. Their dad was a Lutheran; one son was an obvious convert to Judaism (no, not that silly- it was the “yarmulke” --pronounced “yamica”) he was wearing. that was just for my curiosity actually, i wasn’t talking about clothing, but the style of grieving i saw. They had apparently discussed their physical expression of mourning. Three generations of mourners folded hands in laps, bowed their heads and sat very quietly and reverently while the preacher stumbles around for words of hope or at least comfort. Only one daughter, Gwen i think, broke ranks; she nodded her head a few times, and allowed a few tears of genuine sadness to escape.

The preacher talked about a man named Job, during his time of frustration, which is found in Job 14. Here, Job seems to be blurting out the mournful question, “If mortals die, can they live again? This thought would give me hope, and through my struggle I would eagerly wait for release.” Job must have thought this question would have a negative answer. By chapter 19 he comes up with one of my favorite verses in the bible. “"But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and that he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!” That always gets me, and made me wonder about Walter’s son, we both accept that verse as scripture. As a Christian, i have decided was fulfilled in Jesus. I pray that it will be literally fulfilled when we see our loved ones who have died, reunited with their own eyes and flesh someday. i can hope that this Jewish gentleman can find hope here.

My dad had brown eyes too, i wonder, will i see them again. Most people believe this question has a positive answer. i believe not because of the goodness or “deservability” of anyone, but i believe because in also know what Paul says in 2 Timothy “But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.” The one safeguarding is my redeemer. My eyes, and flesh will be in His hands, to keep until He returns. Pretty good news, right?