Death is a very difficult concept. It is something so many fear. They fear it for many reasons, but mainly because of the unknown. I have dealt with death time and time again for 28 years. The first death I remember was my grandfather Robert. Many think I was "to young", but contrary to belief I remember watching him die. I remember sitting at his bed side and watching my mother feed him. I remember how "sad" he looked. I remember wanting him to not be sad anymore. I was only 2, but I remember. What that meant to me was different than my adult perspective, but nonetheless the same. Peace for those dying. I then remember the death of my father at the age of 9. Probably one of the most difficult deaths I have experienced to this day. I remember how sad he had looked the weeks and days prior to his death. I didn't know he was dying, but I do remember he wasn't "happy". I remember seeing my brother cry for the first time ever and the pain I felt for him and myself. I remember Ms. Shamel at the funeral and her smile that was so reassuring that Life was going to be ok. I remember my mother crying, A LOT. And yet, through all of that I remember the immense PEACE I felt. Many have come and gone since that death. My grandmothers, both whom I loved dearly, impacted my life in ways that I could never explain. Close friends, other family members, and even other children have passed away and I have dealt with them all with an amazing Peace always present. I wondered a lot today about death and dying and how people cope differently with this “taboo" subject. I think, talk, pray and listen to music....and there I find peace. It isn't that the peace is somewhere and you have to "find" it. It is always there, you just have to wait and pray for it. God gives it freely. God gives it at the right time. But God always gives it. And He has never let me down. Peace is a gift. Peace comes in different forms for each of us. For me today it was the smile on a mother's face as she praised God for the gift of her daughter. Peace was a young girl who found a relationship with God because of a teacher willing to share her gifts. Peace was a friend who wrote a poem that reminds us all to look for our loved ones, because their body may be gone, but they are still here on earth in our hearts, thoughts, and memories.
The Bible speaks of Peace multiple times.
In Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven ... A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
In Isaiah 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
In John 14:27 Peace, I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
And Psalm 29:11 The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.
There are many more. This is just a few. But you see God gives us peace. He gives it abundantly. He gives it freely. And He is the only one who can truly give the peace we all look for during times of difficulty and when dealing with death. I am one who has never feared death. (Don’t get me wrong I am not signing up for it either, not just yet) I wondered tonight why I don't have that fear of death. Is it because all my life I have "dealt" with death? Is it because I have lost so many people in my life that I have become callous to death? Is it because I have come so close to death myself that I know it to personally? I don't think it is any of these. I think it is because I know HIS peace. I know that he is with me. I know that my heart may break, but He will give me Peace to endure. Peace that passes all understanding. So as I finish this and go to bed, I am at peace. Peace with the death of a friend. Peace with living. And Peace I leave with you. If you are having troubles, then stop, pray and leave your heart open. Because it is then, with an open heart, that peace can enter in. He will give you peace. And He does not disappoint.
Rest in Peace Sweet Martha.
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