It’s not been an easy week. Britton, our nine year old, has a friend that lost his mother to a long battle with cancer. It was a difficult situation to explain to our young child.
Several good friends have experienced a loss these past few days. Some were expected, while others were sudden and quite unexpected deaths. Regardless of the situation, death is difficult to handle. We experience a wild range of emotions. Shock. Sadness. Anger. Loneliness. We can barely reconcile our own sad thoughts, much less help others manage their grieving.
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. Philippians 3:20-21
But there is one sure thing we can know about death. Death is followed by a new life. We can be assured that Jesus died for us, so that we may have a hope for eternal life. Death is a product of the flesh…of the earth. Death is temporary for those who have faith and believe.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Jesus paid a sacrifice for us, as He committed himself to die the cross. What a precious gift. We are undeserving of this great act of grace and forgiveness. I’ll never be able to fully understand the magnitude of this gift- but I am thankful for it.
And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. Ecclesiastes 12:7
Death is temporary. Life with our Heavenly Father is forever.
O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? 1 Corinthians 15:55
Remember those in prayer who have lost loved ones recently. The holidays can be difficult for all of us, but especially those dealing with a loss. Let’s commit to reaching out to those in need this season. Call them. Invite them to your home. Take them to dinner. Be with them.
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
They’ll need it. God commands it.
God bless you.
Friday Word(s) 
What a wonderful reminder of the frailty of life, and the tremendous opportunity we have to help encourage others along the journey.
Thanks Ron. Its a difficult experience- especially during the holidays.
To borrow from an old hymn “beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life” (and death) Thank you Keith
AgaIn, you have inspired me with your thoughts and words. These last three weeks have been so difficult and I am sure the holidays will be too. Thanks to our prayers and prayers of our friends we will look to the brighter side knowing that our loved one is at peace with his Lord. Thank you, Keith.