A good friend of mine lost her daddy this week. Through seeing her pain, the sting of death has penetrated my own heart once again.
I know what it is like to get that phone call. The one that changes everything. Regrets wash in like a tidal wave, and the desire for more time, one more hug, one more conversation.
This pain reminds that I am not promised tomorrow. Each moment that comes could be the last with the ones I love.
This death-sting brings a paranoia. One in which I dread answering the phone. Where I hold my breath when family members call, waiting to catch the tone of their voice — bracing myself for more bad news.
But the reminder of death’s pain also brings a neediness. The reality that I can’t control things drives me to trust God more. Death can’t be avoided nor reversed. I am utterly dependent on our Maker for every breath I take and He alone controls the beating hearts of the ones I love.
The sting of death brings hope. The promise of heaven, where one day there will be no more pain and my soul will be perfected in the love of Christ. Perfectly in peace.
No more sorrow.
For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. – 1 Corinthians 15:56-57
Praise God for the hope of this victory!
Your words have been contorting to me. I read about your brother’s death as my sister was living her last month of life. Thank you for being able to express in words what my heart is saying.
Thanks, Judy. Seems like I only have the urge to write when I’m processing the grief. Praying it encourages. So sorry about your sister.
I just saw this. Today. And it means so much to me now. And it is all so true. The sting of death. The hope of heaven. The I never want to answer the phone EVER again.
All so true.