by Parker J. Cole
Death has a way of making you stop, evaluate, and reflect on where you are in your life and your walk in Christ. It makes you ponder your beliefs about everything, as it should. And hopefully, you find rest and assurance in the hope that is in Christ.
Recently, a dear friend of mine’s mother passed away. When I got the news, my heart wrenched for her pain.
Throughout the week, as I went back and forth to her house to help out, to listen, to talk, to laugh, or hug her, I remember thinking that although her mother was not here on this Earth anymore, I knew I would see her again.
The hope that is in Christ is sure. Death has no victory over the believer. On the day of the funeral, we were all sad but it wasn’t despair. The pastor talked about her mom’s life and how she had helped others. He talked of her smile, which I remembered the most, and of her gentle affinity for children, particularly those with special needs.
I watched my friend succumb to the loss, the finality of not seeing her mom on THIS side of the veil. But what wonderful hope there is in know that because Christ lives, she lives also in the presence of the Eternal King.
Over the past two months, a number of friends and people close to my family have passed away. Each time they have, though their crossing over made us sad, we could wipe our tears away. The hope that is in Christ overshadows the harbinger and the finality of death.
I remember once reading a book. In the book, the young boys’ parents had been killed in an accident and his uncle now had custody of them. In response to the little boys’ question about their parents’ death, the uncle said, “It’s rather like going into another room and closing the door.” Yes, the finality in THIS room as the door is shut. But for the believer, we know can hear shouting, laughter, and praise on the other side.
And one day, at God’s choosing, we as believers will join in that celebration on the other side of the door.
About the Author:
Parker J. Cole is a writer and radio show host who spends most of her time reading, knitting, writing, cooking, and concocting new ideas for stories. Her first novel, Dark Cherub, won Best of Spring Reading 2013 from eMediaCampaigns. She lives in Michigan with her husband and beloved dog Sarah.
Visit her site at http://www.ParkerJCole.com