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Facing the Inevitable: Understanding Death Through the Lens of Faith (Part 1)

I can honestly say I am not afraid to die what I am afraid of is the possible suffering , and of seeing my family suffering because of my death and just the emotional roller coaster it puts people on . So I would like to share my views on the stages I feel are important and hopefully this will take the sting out of death itself whether it’s our only or a loved one.

The Bible talks about the various types of death.

Many people think there is just one type of death :when our body—which contain our soul and spirit dies

Let’s start by laying a foundation about the three kinds of death that are mentioned in Scripture.

Death, is the ultimate unknown in life, it often evokes fear , anxiety, sadness and discomfort in the hearts of many. In this first part of this series,

“Facing the Inevitable: Understanding Death Through the Lens of Faith,” we will delve into the concept of death as seen through the eyes of faith and explore how a deeper understanding can bring peace and perspective to our lives.

Exploring the Faces of Death:

As we embark on this reflective journey, let us first acknowledge that death, in its various forms, is fundamentally about separation. The Bible illuminates three distinct descriptions of death, all centered around the theme of separation. Whether it’s physical death, the separation of the soul and spirit from the body; spiritual death, the separation from God due to sin; or eternal death, the separation from God for eternity, each form underscores the concept of separation.

Physical Death: A Universal Truth

Physical death, the separation of the soul and spirit from the body, is an inevitable reality for all living beings. With a touch of humor amidst the seriousness of the topic, we are reminded of the certainty of physical death, often quipped as the number one killer in America with a 100% mortality rate, excluding those awaiting the prophesied Rapture event.

Embracing Lightness Amidst the Weight of Death:

While the topic of death may seem daunting, a lighthearted anecdote reminds us of the importance of finding humor even in the face of life’s greatest uncertainties.

The doctor told this woman I have Bad news and worse news , she looked at her doctor and said really bad news, and worst news. She’s like well doc let’s have it.

The doctor said the bad news is you only have 48 hours to live, and the woman said, so what is the worst news and the doctor replied we have been trying to locate you and notify you since yesterday.

Just as a doctor’s unexpected revelation brought chuckles, to you it serves as a gentle reminder that laughter and levity can coexist with discussions of mortality.

In this introductory exploration of death, we’ve begun to unravel the layers of this complex topic by understanding its essence as separation. As we progress through this series, I invite you to continue this journey with us, where we aim to transform fear into understanding, darkness into light, and uncertainty into peace. Stay tuned for the upcoming parts of our series as we delve deeper into the intricate tapestry of life, death, and faith.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of our series as we further dissect the facets of death and its profound implications on our existence.

See you all again for part 2 in a couple days

Posted in Family

Finding Peace in Grief: A Journey Toward Healing

My cousin Bob was just age 40 and he suddenly passed away and it really sucks. He was in the hospital a week ago and left after a few days. We discussed many things about health.

He was home and still struggling off and on with ability to eat certain things and had very low energy, based on our conversations via text

Losing a loved one is one of life’s most challenging experiences. The rawness of grief can feel overwhelming, wrapping around us like a very heavy weighted wet blanket that we can’t shake off, we try to move on but that weight can often stay with us for a long time if we don’t learn to work through it.
We grieve not only because we won’t see them again but also for the precious memories we shared. Each moment, each laugh, and even the tears now hold a bittersweet weight.

In our sorrow, it’s essential to remember that our loved ones are often called home for reasons beyond our understanding. Whether their passing resulted from illness, an accident, or simply the natural progression of life, they have been welcomed into the arms of Jesus. While our hearts ache, let’s take solace in the rejoicing that is undoubtedly happening in heaven right now.

Imagine—his mother my cousin Ginger joyously celebrating his arrival, his grandparents, his great grandparents, embracing him with open arms, and those aunts, uncles, and cousins who’ve gone before him all gathered together with love and laughter. They aren’t suffering; they are whole again, free from pain, waiting for the moment when we’ll join them in eternal peace.

I think often of my own parents and the day I will see them again. This hope brings me comfort amid the pain. It reminds me that while we are left behind to navigate our grief, we can carry their memory forward in our hearts.

It’s crucial to understand that our own, illness, grief, and loss are not punishments or faults of God. Life is a journey where death is part of the cycle. From the moment we are born, our days are numbered, and we never know when our time may come. Sometimes life’s clock strikes earlier for some, whether they are young or old, leaving us with an ache no words can soothe.

In this difficult time, what we must focus on is how we choose to live while we are still here.

Those of us remaining have a responsibility to honor our departed loved ones through our actions. We need to carry out their wishes as best as we can. Because that’s the last thing we will get to do for them. But we also need to strive to be better people period…. Stop bickering, stop gossiping, it’s one thing to talk to other’s about situations but to purposefully cut others down because you have an ax to grind is wrong, as is holding a grudge.

We can and must strive to be kinder to one another, more patient, and more loving. We should also open ourselves to receive help if we need it, understanding that vulnerability is not a weakness but part of being human.

We cannot allow grief to engulf us completely. Our loved ones wouldn’t want that for us. They would want us to cry for a moment but dry our tears and remember the joy, laughter, and beautiful moments we shared.

So, as we remember our loved ones that have now passed we must continue navigating our lives, let’s commit to doing something kind for someone else. Whether it’s for a stranger or a family member, let’s make a conscious effort to be better human beings.

Im going to reflect on the joy we experienced with Bobby—the laughter, the shared stories, and the love. He is now resting in the presence of our Heavenly Father, reunited with those he cherished most. Though we may feel the sting of loss, we can find comfort in knowing he is no longer suffering. Instead, he is smiling down at us, encouraging us to embrace life to its fullest until it’s our turn to go home.

And when that glorious day comes, just imagine the warm welcome we will receive as we step through those heavenly gates, greeted by Bobby and all our loved ones who have crossed before us. Until then, let us live in honor of their memories and cherish every moment we have with those still beside us.