Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Deep Thoughts

Thank you, thank you, thank you, for all the wonderful Birthday wishes. It was a great day. You all made it extra special with your visit. The rest of my week proved to be rather glum and miserable. It was down right crappy! Death crept into my week like a big black blanket covering those things bright and happy, even though the sun was still shining. While death is a part of living, it is most definitely inevitable and cannot be avoided. It is much harder to deal with than most other experiences.

Death. Death is among us. Death takes life from us leaving us with questions, thoughts, pain, and a sense of defeat.

~Losing a special mentor in Christ is hard; A man who taught us much; Someone who led us down that path where we found Jesus. The man who baptized us in the cleansing waters of redemption. The man who ministered to us in the direction of dedicating our child to a home built around a loving God. The man who spoke meaningful words as we laid a beloved family member in peaceful sleep as he was carried away on angel's wings. The man who preformed a beautiful ceremony in the presence of the Lord where our daughter was married to the love of her life. The man who was there…always there when someone needed him. He was the man who will be remembered for many things; many acts of kindness, inspirational words spoken through Christ; prayers…many many prayers which were lifted up to the heavens. His legacy is great.

~Losing a friend is hard yet…A family friend. A fellow hunter, builder of beautiful custom homes in our area, a man who always wore a jolly laughing smile, a brother to 3, a daddy to 2, a papa to 1 and a husband. His parents buried him. He did not get to grow old. Standing in a long line for hours to pay respects illustrates a man’s life, how well he was known, respected, and loved. His legacy is great.

Last week-Tears were shed, hearts were broken, plans were changed, life was cheated, food was spread, and people gathered in love with hugs…many many hugs… Mementos and photos were shared, representing the trades and talents of how their life was spent, of family, and of good times. People needing people.
Bear ye one another's burdens…
Galatians 6:2

Life goes on…for those of us left here…as we recover, reminisce, cherish, bereave, and go on without those special people. We try to memorize their smile, their expressions, their laughter and their voice. A legacy is what we are left with.

Yet I wonder about myself~What will be my mementos spread out for friends to see? My camera, my art work, my scrapbooks, and photographs….thousands of photos? My bible with all its scribblings, tattered and torn? What will people remember when they think of me? Death is so unexpected and mysterious. It comes like a thief in the night, stealing and robbing us. There are questions without answers. Questions about our current daily lives…Is our job on earth being done well? Is our purpose being fulfilled? Am I serving the way I should….can I do things better? What will I be remembered for? What did I do that people will think back on and smile? Will they remember good times, good laughs, tender moments, quiet times, joyous occasions, or the simple things I did or said? What will be my legacy? But no matter my legacy…my destination is Heaven.
I know without a shadow of doubt that I am going to Heaven and it is going to piss the devil off when I die…But I’m good with that. I love disappointing the devil, for it is not him that I live for. I hope you will disappoint the devil too.

Sometimes things don't work out quite the way
that you wanted them to
Sometimes people don't do all the things
that you wanted them to
There are times when
the answers aren't easy to see
Sometimes we're on a road
going back to a place we never wanted to be

Well that's alright
I'm just fine. Done made up my mind
that I'm livin for Jesus

When I'm alone and feeling down
Now, down so deep in my heart
I turn to Jesus and ask Him
for a brand new start
He's the reason for my life
being something better and new
And now I've finally found a love
that is proven tried and true.

Third Day “Living for Jesus” lyrics



…if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,
but have not love, I gain nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:2-3

In other words my life is pointless without the
showing and giving of love, one for another.

Fear knocked at the door.
Faith answered.
And lo, no one was there.

I hope you all have a wonderful and blessed happy week!
Gloom and glum be gone!  =)

14 comments:

Traci said...

So sorry for your loss and his family's loss.
One of my favorite quotes from an Eskimo legend:
Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy.

christina said...

i fully understand where you are in this post. and me too, i think i will piss the devil off, as well. lol
i love you and am so sorry for your loss.
prayers to the families.
xo

Julie Harward said...

Amen my sister...I so agree with every word. You know, death seems like the end..like it robs us but really it is just a progression for that person and I believe we will be together with them again...together for all eternity. In this we can find great comfort.
He sounds like a wonderful man, I'm sure he will be so rewarded as he arrives there in Heaven...what a blessing to leave such a legacy of service and love, he knew what life was to be about. Sending hugs to you and one more thing, I will remember you and if I who just met you will remember you, imagine all those in your life who will love and treasure you forever. :D

Char said...

((hugs)) grieving is for the ones left behind for sure and not those secure in their knowledge of home. still, it is hard for us left behind as we miss those gone home. xoxo

thinking of you.

Christine said...

I think it speaks volumes of this dear saint of God, that God called him home because already, so young, he had accomplished so much for His Master. Like Enoch, God took him home to Glory as his promotion.

May you know the Lord's presence even more,
Christine

Susan said...

I'm so sorry for your loss and his family's loss.

Sometimes I too wonder what I will be remembered for. Too bad we can't write our own eulogies or obituaries....well, I suppose some people do, but that would kinda be like cheating.

SE'LAH... said...

so sorry about your loss, Char. Prayers sent up to you and yours.

p.s. thanks for the birthday greetings...life truly is precious.

one love, dear one.

CJ said...

So sorry for your loss, Cora.
Hugz,
Cathy♥♥

hjn said...

Cora,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I wish I could take a way your pain. I wish I could turn back time for you. Death is wierd. It is a part of life as you say but it does not mean we have to like it. We do have to accept it but on our own terms, and in our own time. Time heals the heart and I will pray for you.
Love, Holli

Tara said...

Happy late Birthday! I seemed to have missed your post somewhere along the way. I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your friend. How terrible for his family and friends to lose him so soon. My thoughts and prayers go out to all his loved ones.

Sewn With Grace said...

I was where you are not too long ago. Pain washes over me fresh when I least expect it. This side of Heaven will leave us with questions and heartbreaks, but oh the day, when His face we'll see...praying for you!

Kim @ Homesteader's Heart said...

You obviously lost someone VERY close to your family and someone that is going to be missed terribly. I'm so sorry. But your post was beautiful and heartfelt and I too am going to TICK the devil off one day when Jesus takes me home!
Big Hugs!!
Kim

Unknown said...

Beautiful, I"m a new fan! :)

Angie Berry ~ Berry Homespun Primitives said...

So sorry for your losses! It really hits home how limited our lives really are. How important it is for us to live a daily life worthy of God's calling. I too wonder about the legacy I will leave behind. I really impress certain things on the hearts of my children. I so want them to live a full and free life!