Death Where is Your Victory?

by Barbara Latta

Peggy Scrivner Robinson

This week our family was hit with the news we all encounter at one time or another. We lost someone dear to us. My husband’s aunt joined those who have gone before her and was welcomed into the arms of Jesus.

Death is a transition from a life held bound by the physical to a glorified, spiritual body that can do anything. We rejoice knowing our loved one is no longer held by the chains of this earthly life. But we still have to cope with the void left behind by their absence. It’s a ripping away of the soul because we have ties with those we love. It hurts. We know they are happy, but we grieve for ourselves because it’s painful to be without them. They are gone, but death leaves a shadow.

Jesus welcomes us to heaven

But in the pain we can have peace. While we allow ourselves to grieve, we should not wallow in mourning. We allow ourselves the memories, but not the despair of regret.

Remembering the joy that is before the loved one who has departed from this earth will bring us comfort if we will dwell on that fact instead of our loss. The separation is only temporary.

God knows our pain and He says it’s OK to cry. Just don’t forget that he will one day wipe away our tears.

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” (Psalm 116:15 NKJV).

How has death affected your family? Share your thoughts.

It's Ok To Cry

by Barbara Latta

I have three friends who lost a parent this week. No matter how old we get that passing will never be easy. Two years ago, I lost my dad. Even though I have experienced the death of grandparents, aunts, and uncles this one was different. Because this was someone I had lived in the same house with, someone who raised me, and who I saw every day until I grew up and left home.

Death is a transition from a life bound by the physical to a glorified, spiritual body that can do anything. We rejoice knowing our loved one is no longer held by the chains of this earthly life. But we still have to cope with the void left behind by their absence. It’s a ripping away of the soul because we have ties with those we love. It hurts. We know they are happy, but we grieve for ourselves because it’s painful to be without them. They are gone, but death leaves a shadow.

But in the pain we can have peace. While I allow myself to grieve, I will not wallow in mourning. I allow myself the memories, but not the despair of regret.

Remembering the joy that is before the loved one who has departed from this earth will bring us comfort if we will dwell on that fact instead of our loss. The separation is only temporary. When I experience grief, I will think about how happy my loved one is in the presence of the Lord. I will give my hurts to God.

Sometimes people pass on without their friends and family having the assurance the loved one was right with God. Be assured God is merciful and allows everyone plenty of chances to make Jesus the Lord of their life before they leave this earth.

 

God knows our pain and He says it’s ok to cry. Just don’t forget that he will one day wipe away our tears.

Feel free to share your thoughts about your experiences with grief.

It's Not Goodbye- Just See You Later

Last Sunday, February 17, 2013 my dad went to be with Jesus. Although I know he is in a better place and he is happy and free from all discomfort and suffering of this world, we are still experiencing grief.

The separation from our loved ones, even though temporarily, is still a curve we have to navigate in this life. How do we do that and still function in our everyday routine?

• First, allow yourself to grieve. It's ok to feel sad because it is a loss to the life you know.
• Remember happy times. Reminisce with friends and loved ones and talk about the memories you made together.
• Let others help you. Don't try to do everything that needs to be done alone.
• Finally, whenever sadness seems to overwhelm you, remember Jesus is always with you. He loves you and gives His comfort to you. You are never alone.

So I dedicate this to my dad, Lloyd Watson, and because I know I will see him again, I say "see you later, Dad." Never goodbye.

Are you experiencing grief? Leave a comment and share your story.