Encounters with Death

In the past six months, I have had several people, who have been involved in my life at one point or another, die. First was my friend John Schuessler, a good buddy from freshmen year of college. He was spunky, zealous for Jesus, and such a good friend to all. Then was my beloved grandfather, Pop, who with his crazy lip movements, Donald Duck voice, amazing skilled hands, and love for his family blessed my heart tremedously. His departure still makes me tearful as I miss him so much. Finally I find out today that my long time hair dresser, Stephanie Zinn, from back home passed away in an unusual accident.

Honestly, I knew somewhere in my spirit that God was softly leading me to prepare myself for dealing with death. I hate that death is scary for me; I know that I will be in Heaven with Jesus because of His promises to me, but dying still frightens me a little. I really want to look death fearlessly in the face with hope. We sing of death having no sting or victory. I still can't wrap my mind around death having no sting.

The issue of death more importantly brings up the topic of where our soul rests or doesn't rest for eternity. I am thankful for peace when a fellow brother or sister in Christ passes, and respectfully so when I have questions or doubts about that person's salvation. It's at the time of wondering where that person is after death that really snags me up. Hell is not some tright mythical place, but a serious consequence to sin unpaid for.

I am thankful to Jesus for His salvation available to all who call on His name in repetenance. I am also thankful for the trial of watching loved ones die, reminding me the unknowable time frames for each of us and for the sweet tender voice of Jesus asking us to make disciples of all people so that they will rest with him for eternity. It helps remind me to make the most of every opportunity.