Ballad of the Faithful Follower

Our dear friend, sister in Jesus, and step-sister-in-law passed into glory today.

Ballad of the Faithful Follower

In memory of Alta Coetzee: one who embodied the Beatitudes

23 August 1961 - 10 May 2025

I walked through the world with my sleeves rolled up high,

With a fire in my heart and a light in my eye,

My hands were the Gospel, my voice was a balm,

And my faith never flinched in the winds of the storm.

I stooped to the lowly, I lifted the weak,

I carried the burdens of broken and meek,

I poured out my soul in the places I trod,

And in loving my neighbour, I honoured my God.

Though pain gripped my body and wearied my frame,

I rose every morning and served just the same.

No crown did I seek, no applause did I crave,

My joy was the love that I tirelessly gave.

But my race is now run, and my labour is done,

I dwell in the glory that shines from the Son.

I sing with the angels in life without end,

Where sorrow is silenced, and sadness is spent.

So, mourn if you must, but don’t dwell in the night,

My tears are all gone in this kingdom of light.

I’m whole now, and radiant, and filled with new breath,

More alive than I ever was, even in death.

I carried you always; I carry you still.

My love is not broken, nor prayers unfulfilled,

For all those in Jesus are never apart,

I’ll be with you always, tucked deep in your heart.

And you, little soul, whom I never could hold,

My prayers wrapped your cradle with blessings untold.

Walk gently with Jesus, and one day in time,

We’ll meet in the garden where life is sublime.

©️ Johannes W H van der Bijl 10 May 2025.