It seems that grief and loss are at every turn this first few months of 2018. Some years, it happens Losing a loved one is never easy, but there is something uniquely beautiful in the grieving process.
When family, friends and loved ones come together in grief, there is a unique vulnerability. New death and new life bring a rawness of emotions to humans. New life, we celebrate one with ease. Death is more complicated. We attempt to celebrate a life and manage the hurt in the loss all at the same time.
Honestly, I think grieving is one of the most beautiful examples of deep love and gratitude. To remember a life ... a life that that touched others... in thankfulness, is really special.
We, Americans, are famous for euphemisms to avoid saying the words death or dead. Every end is a new beginning, but those who live in light and truth leave a little light for us to remember them. Our physical response to grief is deep but by embracing it, living it, plowing through it and finding the new normal, we do two important things. We honor the life that mattered and we develop new strength from the experience of loss. We can only feel great loss when we have known great love or great relationship.
The image is from Pinterest, Curly Girl Designs, Leigh Standley. Her art is full of texture, wit, wisdom and whimsy The quote: "There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they have gone, the light remains." Art with words delights my soul. And, this image has fresh green grass I can almost smell and fireflies sparkling in the dark. Hope, light and life in a tiny piece of art.
In this season of lent, we are approaching Holy Week when we will dive into the events of the last week before Jesus crucifixion. I am confident that I have no idea what it would be like to walk side by side with Jesus... God in half human form... and then lose him to an unfair death that included beatings and the brutality of the cross. I can only attempt to imagine their grief.
We are so blessed to have the four gospels. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John give us four sets of eyes on the same powerful, true story. In it, we see how they came together in their loss. Each feeling the loss personally, but collectively, too. I am grateful they recorded the events with attention to detail. Every minute recorded is precious, even when the sorrow is deep. Of course, this death story includes a resurrection that conquers death. Pretty amazing. But wait, isn't it the same for us?
He came as one of us, to understand and know what it was like to live in our skin. He felt temptation, grief, hunger, thirst, loneliness and was tempted by power and fame. At every turn he submitted to the Father's will, so he might remain "the perfect lamb" to take away the sins of the world in sacrifice. He was to be the blood covenant that would create a new way. In Christ there is no Jew or Gentile. We are all invited and the ground is level at the foot of the cross. No one is better or worse. We are all sinners in need of redemption.
The days before the cross, we can only imagine. Yet, in a way... we get to do exactly that in a special way... as we will walk through Holy Week again. Isn't it true that His light remains? And, we have been called to be salt and light.
We are eternal souls in temporary bodies. The light at the end of the tunnel of death is new life for those who call him Lord. For those who walked with him daily to the last minute confession before death for the thief of the cross, He longs for us to believe, repent, receive and live in full joy knowing death has no real power. It become a door to unseen wonders and sweet reunions.
I can't help but be reminded of Billy Graham who promised in death he would be more alive than he was in his time hear.
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God;believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” -John 14:1-4
Oh. the joy! Death didn't hold him down and we are free to be received into new life. The new life begins here... but the best is yet to come.
Today, I am grateful for light that remains.
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