As Believers we do not fear death.  The Lord did not make death a point in most of His teaching.  His teaching was of this world.  Making all things new and living generously, courageously and without fear.  Making the world a better place.  Making disciples. Since we can’t save ourselves, what counts is what we do with life.

Our sphere of influence might not extend beyond a small group of friends; a neighbor; book club; church community.   We may not see family for months, or perhaps years, yet funerals bring us together.

If you want to know what people think about life, watch them when death sticks out his calling card.

Death does us apart——and brings us together like nothing else can.  When else does everyone drop everything to get “there’ in time, or at least for the funeral?

 Into a hospital room often crowded with illness and always with sorrow, we want to assure the dying one that we care for them.   There are also words, glances, exchanges that often remain for a lifetime with sons and daughters, faithful friends.  

Death however is a window to a world of the soul.   It is a window to the dying that binds us with truth.  Why else do we honor a dying wish?

Death is the ultimate divide, leaving us abandoned from those crossing over, but that also brings us together.  Perhaps for the first time, all the family can unite in sorrow.  

Death is the moment of truth.  We see it as the ultimate separation but hold memories that will sustain us.

The face of death brings out the real person. It’s here that the life we have led will be remembered.  It’s here that the truth of our life will be revealed.

It’s not the death of the soul, but the death of departure that might be the most painful for those we love and leave behind.

How do you want to be remembered?

                        “Therefore, love one another as I have loved you! “