She hasn't always been red. She was just a pure white rose bud,
When she started to bloom on earth.
But God had his hand on her life from the day of her birth.

At the age of seventeen she met a handsome carnation.
She thought he was more handsome than all of God's creation.
A few months later they were married.
Everyone could see they were happy and had a great relation.

Because they loved each other dear.
But heartaches and sorrows were very near.

Her fist born was a baby boy,
whose eyes the hand of death has closed.
How she longed for that little one, only she and God knows.
Grief and longing replaced her feeling of joy.

As her heart bled
and she became a light shade of red.

A few years later she gave birth to a precious little girl,
Who lived only a few hours.
She said, "Lord I don't understand,
You have already taken my son!
Oh please, tell me what have I done?"
He said, "You've done no wrong, my child."
I needed these rose buds to bloom in the garden with my other flowers,
Where they can grow healthy and strong."

As her heart was filled with pain,
It bled once again.

As it turned a deeper shade of red.
She prayed, "Lord why didn't you take me instead?"

Then she gave birth to five healthy little ones,
Just two and three years apart.
Her handsome carnation felt the call of God on his heart,
To preach the Word of God and a new way of life to start.

After her seventh child, she had another.
He wasn't healthy like his other sisters and brothers.

Just a few days after his seventh birthday,
He and his younger sister were at play.
When out into the path of a truck he ran.
God said, "I'm sorry Rose but I need this little one for my Promised Land."

There her little one lay crushed in the road.
As she cried, "Lord help me to bear this heavy load!!"

Her little one was lying in the arms of death,
As up the road the big truck sped.

Once again she bled.
By now she is a deep shade of red.

When her mate was in his seventy sixth year,
He was sick unto death.
She prayed, "Lord, would You please heal my mate?
This prayer I desperately hope You will hear.
Please Lord, have mercy, before it's too late."

The death angel visited her once again.
This caused her so much grief and pain.

Her heart bled once more.
As she turned a deeper shade of red than before.
She said, "Lord, when will I be allowed to enter heaven's door?"

He said, "Not yet my child, You must tarry a little longer.
I will be with you and help you to grow stronger."

She stayed obedient to the Master's plan.
Now she blooms in God's Promised Land.

With her three rose buds and her handsome carnation.
In that heavenly land of God's creation.

Where the tree of life blooms by the river side.
Neath the bright and morning star,
Also the Beautiful Rose of Sharon
And the Lily of the Valley there abide.

Both are so pure and white,
In that city where the Lamb is the light.

With all the beauty beyond compare.
Near the great mansion Our Father has gone to prepare.

In the city where gentle winds blow.
Where one day I will walk with Jesus on those streets of gold,
And be with my Mother-----God's American Beauty Rose.

Author; Melba McVay Christie; Copyright©1982

This is a true story of Melba's parents life.
It is used with the permission of the author,
Please do not copy or reprint without her permission.
To obtain permission you may email Melba at mmcvay@seark.net

I would like to thank Beth Nash for allowing me to use her
wonderful Floral Photography in creating this page for you.
Beth is an absolute marvel with a camera! Please visit her site
and browse through her fantastic Photo Gallery. She features
many, many of her glorious Floral Photographs! And, if you would
like to borrow her photo's, just drop her an e mail and
request permission. Thanks Beth!!

E Mail Beth: Beth@bethbythree.com