16 replies to this topic

[Ranger]

Death is a great mystery to us.  The Bible Believer knows that to be absent with the body is to be present with the Lord, but regardless of beliefs no one has all the answers to exactly what transpires.  We do know it is an event where the soul leaves the body and is then free to see the spiritual things which are invisible to us while our bodies are alive.  A Believer is comforted in the fact he or she will see loved ones again whether it is themselves or others who pass.  

Of course, when a loved one is gone it leaves a great hole that no one else can fill.  That hole never gets filled although time eases the pain.  Those who are alive are left to deal with personal loss as well as the loss others experience.  As Sporty87 reminded us, sometimes there is a struggle between sadness and happiness in dealing with this.  It may seem unseemly to some that happiness can be found in death, yet there should be no shame for feeling that way.  Knowing the person is not suffering any longer is always a good thing.  Knowing they are in a better place is another.  The knowledge their existence continues on and we can see them again is wonderful.

I am not alone in the fact that much time has been put into thinking about death.  Many of us have faced our own mortality whether in thought or because of events that threatened to take it from us.  Some of us have been a witness to death on one or more occasion.  Being who we are will impact how we face these issues.  I am a believer of Jesus Christ.  I have faced my own death a couple of times.  I have been in the presence of others as they passed.  These events have affected how I regard death and life, and brings me to three types of passing I have personally seen.  From these there is one point I wish to give that may bring some peace to others when faced with the passing of a loved one.

I have seen people pass away in stress.  This is the worst way to see someone go.  A person who is aware and panicked at the time brings great heart wrenching to others.  It isn't always the "lost" who is afraid to die at the time.  Some Christians are afraid.  In no way does that indicate the lack of faith in the person.  God has given man a nature to hang onto life.  It is precious.  You only get one like it.  

I have seen people pass away without knowledge of anything going on.  They are not aware their time here is over.  Sometimes this is a blessing, sometimes not.  

I have seen people pass away in perfect peace.  My mother was one who faced her death and went on without any worry.  The mother of a friend of mine was in the hospital knowing it was her time.  She would doze a bit then wake up asking, "Haven't I gone yet?"  or "Why am I still here?"  She knew her Maker and was ready to meet him.

Regardless of how someone we know may pass, there is something you should understand, and I speak from the standpoint of a person who is a Believer speaking of those who pass as Believers.  I went into surgery last year with death on my heals.  I did not know if I would come out the other side of it alive or not.  When I did awake I was immediately aware I was still in my body even though I was not aware of the environment around me.  Was I happy?  Well, when I took that first breath and could immediately tell my heart was better, I was happy about that.  But let me ask you this: If you went to sleep and then woke up to find you were standing in a place much more wonderful than you could ever have imagined, with amazing abilities, no more pain or sorrow, and face to face with the greatest person to ever exist who's love radiates into your very soul and makes you feel worth more than even your mother, daddy, wife or kids could make you feel--- would YOU be crying because you didn't wake up back in that hospital bed?  

So, is it okay to miss them?  Yes!  It is okay to be sad?  Of course.  Just don't feel sorry for them, and don't fret over what all they might  have accomplished if they had stayed.  I guarantee you, there is no thought in their mind of trying to get back to you.  They are waiting for YOU to get to them so you can share in what they are experiencing.  As a Believer, THAT is what you have to look forward to for yourself and for others.

[pa crossbow]

Amen Brother Jeff Amen!!

[BlackBoarDown]

AMEN !

[Gimmy]

Beautifully said, Jeff.

[maad]

Jeff my friend you do have a way with words.

[bones44]

Amen Jeff and well written.

[rbylo1]

Jeff - Can't begin to tell you how much this helped me today. Still wondering why I found this entry. Typing thru tears, But I think God made me find your entry - you really helped me out reading this.  Thanks, Rick

[deadon]

The first post I read today is yours Jeff.  I have never walked away from a conversation with you wondering what you ment. Dang it ,can't remember how to do those faces. I do not know how long I have been away from CBN,I do remember when I left, I was worring and praying for you BUT got sooooo rapped up in my personal problems I forgot. I am very happy the folks her kept prayin for you.

My mother past away august the 6th but my family was blessed. We had a mother, a Grand Mother a Great Grand Mother a Sister and a friend with us for 87 years 7 months and 4 days. She is now happy and Whole. OH wish I could remember how to do one of those happy fases.

Edited by deadon, 15 December 2011 - 10:33 AM.

[Hurricane]

Jeff~ that was simply beautiful!!! Thanks so much for sharing those thoughts.

[Cajun Executioner]

Thank you Ranger

[Buck Buster]

I had to swallow a few times reading this buddy. You are so right, Amen.

[Pronghorn]

Jeff thank you for those words. They are helping me now.

[Bowhunterig]

Very well said. Thank you so much.

Bowhunterig

[ridgehunter]

Well said, Ranger!  I have thought those thoughts but I could never have written them as well as you have.  Some day in that Heavenly Home we will be singing the Glory songs together, my friend.  That will be one fine day!

[Unclebuck257]

Very well said Ranger!! AMEN!!

[briarpatch]

Ranger.....I'm almost embarassed to say that I've just summoned the courage to read this.  Having just been through a great loss in my family, your words are very helpful.  We trudged through the holidays, albeit flying in the 'missing man' formation.  The pain is less constant, but not less severe when it comes.  Tonight, my wife was a victim of one of those 'waves of grief'.  She lamented the fact that she'd not be able to see her Dad any more, or talk to him ever again.  I disagreed....I told her she could talk to him 24/7 now, and I see him every day.  I saw him in her grief.  His legacy of caring is evident in her sense of loss.  If he were not the man he was, he'd not be worthy of being missed the way he is.  He is with me in the deer blind every time.  Sometimes, I hope my hunt is not interrupted by a deer.

My older daughter was having a tough time grasping the concept of her Grandfather's death.  I told her to find the brightest star in the sky.  When she did, I asked her if she saw it twinkle.  She said yes....and I told her that was Grandpop winking at her.  That was almost a month ago.  Tonight, we were outside at dusk.  She gazed skyward, looking for the first star.  She smiled...turned to me and said..."You know I'm looking for him, right?"  We will cope, and through the prayers and support offered to us, we will come though this.  

I now have a saying on my dry erase board at work.  I'm happy to say it's an original Briarpatch saying...

"With tragedy comes strength.....in it's aftermath, comes resolve"

[Oldquacker]

Ranger, I have never heard anyone put into word as you have done. Thanks for making something that can be so confusing so simple.