How’s this for a nice, light post after my ebay blurb. And don’t worry, I’m still planning on posting about my social networking fast, but that’s getting pushed to the back for a while.
I recently was informed of the death of a friend of mine, someone I knew many years ago from a Bible study I attended. Service is this weekend. Having experienced my share of memorial services this past year, there’s a part of me that’s not exactly looking forward to going, in spite of the fact that it will mean a reunion with good friends from long ago, people who were lasting influences in my life.
Earlier this week I came across my “keepsake box,” a catch-all containing everything from my plastic Yamaha recorder from my 3rd grade music class, pay stubs from my first job (The Hobbyist), and birthday cards & letters from throughout the years. I also found tons of letters from my mom & dad during my time studying in New York. I spent a couple hours reading them, bawling, reading some more... more bawling.
Letter from when our dog Randy died... you guessed it! [sniff]
As a Christ-follower, what exactly is the “correct” response to death? Don’t base your theology off this (though, maybe I’m quick to discount it based on my personal bias...and the fact that I’m writing this wearing a bathrobe while eating wasa bread while listening to Clifford the Big Red Dog in the background.)
I’m sure you’ve heard them - the “Christian-ese” expressions (better place, with the Lord, God’s plans, etc.) offered to the grieving. I’m convinced that these are given, not out of insincerity, but maybe a lack of knowing the “right” thing to say in the midst of such pain and loss.
I recently was informed of the death of a friend of mine, someone I knew many years ago from a Bible study I attended. Service is this weekend. Having experienced my share of memorial services this past year, there’s a part of me that’s not exactly looking forward to going, in spite of the fact that it will mean a reunion with good friends from long ago, people who were lasting influences in my life.
Earlier this week I came across my “keepsake box,” a catch-all containing everything from my plastic Yamaha recorder from my 3rd grade music class, pay stubs from my first job (The Hobbyist), and birthday cards & letters from throughout the years. I also found tons of letters from my mom & dad during my time studying in New York. I spent a couple hours reading them, bawling, reading some more... more bawling.
Letter from when our dog Randy died... you guessed it! [sniff]
As a Christ-follower, what exactly is the “correct” response to death? Don’t base your theology off this (though, maybe I’m quick to discount it based on my personal bias...and the fact that I’m writing this wearing a bathrobe while eating wasa bread while listening to Clifford the Big Red Dog in the background.)
I’m sure you’ve heard them - the “Christian-ese” expressions (better place, with the Lord, God’s plans, etc.) offered to the grieving. I’m convinced that these are given, not out of insincerity, but maybe a lack of knowing the “right” thing to say in the midst of such pain and loss.
As one left behind, there’s also the temptation to try to be strong, to answer “ok” when asked by a friend or loved one. To be or do any less might seem to be lacking in faith or something. The ones who died, those who knew Christ as their Savior are with Him now. No more pain, worry, sorrow... we should be rejoicing, right?
Well...
Now, before you start throwing things at me (putting some extra pillows under my robe), hear me out. Death sucks! Whether it was over quickly or dragged on for many months, it leaves those left behind wounded. Those wounds may heal over time, but there will always be a scar, a permanent mark reminding us of our loss. That scar on my pinkie finger from when I cut it 24 years ago working at McDonald’s hasn’t produced pain in... about 24 years, but the reminder is there & will remain until I’m old & gray (no smart comments, please! :-)
As Christians, there is incredible comfort knowing that our loved ones are with God, that they’re no longer afflicted by the pain, illnesses, worries, losses, etc. that mark this broken, fallen world. There’s also security for those of us that remain, knowing that this isn’t the last stop for us. Thank you Jesus for making a way for us to know God the way He intended before sin wounded & scarred creation. Hallelujah!
As I prepare to see my friend who lost his wife tomorrow, I really can’t fathom the “right” thing to say. I anticipate that there may be no words at all, that as one husband to another, the best I may be able to manage will be to simply hold him & weep, and to continue to lift him up in prayer as he faces life without his beloved.
Well...
Now, before you start throwing things at me (putting some extra pillows under my robe), hear me out. Death sucks! Whether it was over quickly or dragged on for many months, it leaves those left behind wounded. Those wounds may heal over time, but there will always be a scar, a permanent mark reminding us of our loss. That scar on my pinkie finger from when I cut it 24 years ago working at McDonald’s hasn’t produced pain in... about 24 years, but the reminder is there & will remain until I’m old & gray (no smart comments, please! :-)
As Christians, there is incredible comfort knowing that our loved ones are with God, that they’re no longer afflicted by the pain, illnesses, worries, losses, etc. that mark this broken, fallen world. There’s also security for those of us that remain, knowing that this isn’t the last stop for us. Thank you Jesus for making a way for us to know God the way He intended before sin wounded & scarred creation. Hallelujah!
As I prepare to see my friend who lost his wife tomorrow, I really can’t fathom the “right” thing to say. I anticipate that there may be no words at all, that as one husband to another, the best I may be able to manage will be to simply hold him & weep, and to continue to lift him up in prayer as he faces life without his beloved.