Grief has changed me. Over my lifetime I have been touched by grief of different kinds. Some sorrows came about from deaths of loved ones. The loss of a dream or even a cherished item has caused me sadness. I was changed in each circumstance.
My most recent season of grief has been for my brother and my friend. Others may not understand the deep mourning I have over the loss of these loved ones. In this time of sorrow, I know God is still good, and I know He is still present to me. But it seems that a dark cloud stands between His light and me. No matter how hard I try to push past the cloud of darkness, I only become engulfed by its confusion and pain. I am weary of the battle and so I call for help.
I am connecting with others who are seeking the light and together we are calling out to God to break away the cloud of grief through GriefShare. My prayer is that I will soon see the light shine on me fully.
Grief and sadness made me more compassionate, merciful and kinder to others. I have also learned to trust God more fully even if not perfectly. I know He is always with me and my faith has grown to know that He is good in every circumstance. Yes, grief has changed me.
Father, You, too, know grief. You understand and I am so grateful that You will help all who call on You in their time of sorrow. Forgive us when we fail to see Your goodness. Thank You for Your patient kindness. Let us see the light of life fully because we trust You to breathe on us the power of Your Holy Spirit to walk each day knowing You are faithful and will always be there for us.
His Faithfulness
His faithfulness
reaches to the heavens of
the entire universe and
holds the fiery stars
in place.
Though my eye fail to see
past the brilliance of the sun,
His faithfulness
maintains the stars as they
await shadows that unveil the
truth in whom
I can put my trust.
His faithfulness
knit me together in
my mothers’ womb and
holds my frail life
in place.
Though my eye fail to see
my inner workings,
His faithfulness
breathes breath into me and
my very life reveals the
truth in whom
I can put my trust.
His faithfulness
speaks a promise through
His word and
holds my eternity
in place.
Though my eye fail to see
the future,
His faithfulness
is trustworthy and
someday I will see the
truth and Him in whom
I have put my trust.
Carolynn J. Scully ©2011
Showing posts with label death. Show all posts
Showing posts with label death. Show all posts
Thursday, September 1, 2016
Monday, February 11, 2013
Heaven is a Good Place
Eight year old Paige and six year old Brooke were on an outing with Pappy one day when they passed a cemetery. There was a grave-side service happening, and the girls had many questions for their Pappy. When they got home I was told about the conversation. It went something like this.
"Pappy, what is that?"
"It is a funeral, Paige."
"What is a funeral?"
"It is when someone dies and the family and friends get together to say good-bye."
"Oh. What happens to the person that died?"
"Well, if they are a Christian he or she goes to heaven when they die. Their body is buried here until God comes back to get it."
"What is heaven like?"
"It is a wonderful place. It is beautiful and happy. Nothing ever bad happens there! It is a good place."
When Paige came in to see me, she said to me, "Grommers,I don't want you to die, but if you do I am going to whisper to you that Heaven is a good place to go."
That story made me smile. I smile because Paige would think of such a sweet thing to say, and also that heaven IS a good place to go. It reminded me of the man who was crucified next to Jesus. Jesus nearing the end of His earthly life, must have whispered His words to the dying man. He said that He would be with Him in paradise. Maybe God smiled because He knew it was a good place to go, because Jesus would be there.
Creator of Heaven and Earth, You are Good! You created a special place for us to live. You are creating a place of beauty and glory and pure holiness for Your people to come to live with You forever. Sometimes the beauty of this earth overshadows the glory of You, and I ask You to forgive me for forgetting that You alone are worthy. Thank you for making heaven real. Thank You for giving sinful people a chance to come and live with You there. Reach out to those I love through Your workers, and show them Your everlasting love and grace. Bring them home to You when their time is done here on earth. Thank you.
"Pappy, what is that?"
"It is a funeral, Paige."
"What is a funeral?"
"It is when someone dies and the family and friends get together to say good-bye."
"Oh. What happens to the person that died?"
"Well, if they are a Christian he or she goes to heaven when they die. Their body is buried here until God comes back to get it."
"What is heaven like?"
"It is a wonderful place. It is beautiful and happy. Nothing ever bad happens there! It is a good place."
When Paige came in to see me, she said to me, "Grommers,I don't want you to die, but if you do I am going to whisper to you that Heaven is a good place to go."
That story made me smile. I smile because Paige would think of such a sweet thing to say, and also that heaven IS a good place to go. It reminded me of the man who was crucified next to Jesus. Jesus nearing the end of His earthly life, must have whispered His words to the dying man. He said that He would be with Him in paradise. Maybe God smiled because He knew it was a good place to go, because Jesus would be there.
Creator of Heaven and Earth, You are Good! You created a special place for us to live. You are creating a place of beauty and glory and pure holiness for Your people to come to live with You forever. Sometimes the beauty of this earth overshadows the glory of You, and I ask You to forgive me for forgetting that You alone are worthy. Thank you for making heaven real. Thank You for giving sinful people a chance to come and live with You there. Reach out to those I love through Your workers, and show them Your everlasting love and grace. Bring them home to You when their time is done here on earth. Thank you.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Living Will
With all that has been happening with my Mother-in-law, we have had the experience of reviewing her living will. It is a simple document that expresses her wishes about life support should she need it. It has me thinking about what I would want my family to do on my behalf.
Talking it over with some of my children and their spouses evoked some strong emotion and maybe even some misunderstanding. If my will does not conform to theirs, someone must be wrong. I think that I should own my will and they can own theirs. The only place I see it crossing is if the situation itself is a grey area that could go either way and others, not myself, would need to make the decision.
My definition of Living Will is a persons' decision about how they want to die when death seems near. The fine line between euthanasia and a persons right to refuse care cloud this issue with heavy dark thunderous storms. While we walk in the land of the living, giving little thought to the process of dying, none of us would say we want to be trapped in a body that can do nothing, causing pain for our loved ones, and entombing them in financial and emotional burdens. We all want to live strong and we may, on this side of the walk, set our will to stopping life that would be lived in that state. The problem I see in this mind set is that the person responsible for making the final decision must agree to terminate your life and conscious mind. It would be different, however, if there was not brain activity to indicate the presence of the person lying in limbo.
Complicated? Very! Not every situation can be covered in detail by a document and even so there may not be time to review the paperwork before a decision must be made. Thus we have devised a simple basic statement that still leaves the family members to decide what should really be done and what the final wishes were.
Christians believe that a heavenly home awaits us through Jesus Christ. We have nothing to fear of death. In fact, it sounds faith filled to tell our family to just let us go and be with God in heaven. Is it? Is it faith to choose for ourselves when we meet our Lord face to face? Isn't faith trusting in God not ourselves?
When I have thought about a Living Will, I always hear Jesus cry out to the Father, "Not my will, but Yours be done!" As a follower of Christ should not my will be Gods' will? Should I not let God decide my fate? I am not saying that we do not need to direct the outlandish efforts made by good minded people who sincerely hope for the reversal of the death process. I am saying that we can let our wishes be known, making sure they do not cross over the line of playing God for ourselves, and then trust God for the grace we need to fulfill our life as He has determined.
God, Giver of life, You have numbered our days. You have chosen the way for us just as You did for Jesus. My mind cries out to understand. I would like to be sure and yet with our new technologies we are forced to make decisions meant only for You. Thank You for letting us see Jesus' struggle in the garden. It make our struggles real and gives us a model to follow. Let Your will be done! Let us love the life You give even though it may not be perfect. Let Your will be done!
Talking it over with some of my children and their spouses evoked some strong emotion and maybe even some misunderstanding. If my will does not conform to theirs, someone must be wrong. I think that I should own my will and they can own theirs. The only place I see it crossing is if the situation itself is a grey area that could go either way and others, not myself, would need to make the decision.
My definition of Living Will is a persons' decision about how they want to die when death seems near. The fine line between euthanasia and a persons right to refuse care cloud this issue with heavy dark thunderous storms. While we walk in the land of the living, giving little thought to the process of dying, none of us would say we want to be trapped in a body that can do nothing, causing pain for our loved ones, and entombing them in financial and emotional burdens. We all want to live strong and we may, on this side of the walk, set our will to stopping life that would be lived in that state. The problem I see in this mind set is that the person responsible for making the final decision must agree to terminate your life and conscious mind. It would be different, however, if there was not brain activity to indicate the presence of the person lying in limbo.
Complicated? Very! Not every situation can be covered in detail by a document and even so there may not be time to review the paperwork before a decision must be made. Thus we have devised a simple basic statement that still leaves the family members to decide what should really be done and what the final wishes were.
Christians believe that a heavenly home awaits us through Jesus Christ. We have nothing to fear of death. In fact, it sounds faith filled to tell our family to just let us go and be with God in heaven. Is it? Is it faith to choose for ourselves when we meet our Lord face to face? Isn't faith trusting in God not ourselves?
When I have thought about a Living Will, I always hear Jesus cry out to the Father, "Not my will, but Yours be done!" As a follower of Christ should not my will be Gods' will? Should I not let God decide my fate? I am not saying that we do not need to direct the outlandish efforts made by good minded people who sincerely hope for the reversal of the death process. I am saying that we can let our wishes be known, making sure they do not cross over the line of playing God for ourselves, and then trust God for the grace we need to fulfill our life as He has determined.
God, Giver of life, You have numbered our days. You have chosen the way for us just as You did for Jesus. My mind cries out to understand. I would like to be sure and yet with our new technologies we are forced to make decisions meant only for You. Thank You for letting us see Jesus' struggle in the garden. It make our struggles real and gives us a model to follow. Let Your will be done! Let us love the life You give even though it may not be perfect. Let Your will be done!
Monday, November 8, 2010
Breathing in the New
Life begins with a birth process and ends with an eternal birth process. Both are a death to a previous life and an entrance into a new existence! Both involve a struggle to break free from the bounds that hold us back from the next step in the process of giving God Glory.
There are times when the birth process into eternity comes way too soon. Some find the process quick and others find the process a long and tedious labor. Those who watch and wait may find the process an emotionally draining event. There is a mixture of joy, wonder, fear, sadness and heartache. There may be a deepening of faith or a new found faith in walking through these shadows.
Our natural birth is marked by the taking of a breath. Our birth into the eternal is marked with the expiration of this worlds' breath and the breathing in of a new. Christ followers believe that the new breath will be forever. It is a breath of the Spirit of God. We leave the womb of this world and enter the heart of God. His presence is our breath! His heart is our heavenly home. His life is our life.
Father and Eternal God, You have birthed a new spirit in us who receive Your Son, Jesus, as our Lord. You lead us along the way to our birth into eternal life with You. Please forgive us, Lord, for not seeing beyond this world into the true life that You give us. Thank You for each birth into this world, the birth of their spirit when they receive You, and the birth of Your children into their Heavenly place within Your heart. I pray today, for my Mother-in-law who may be struggling towards that beautiful place. If You would choose, I ask that she have just a bit more time here to enjoy the family who has lived so far away for so many years. If You have other plans, Lord, we will be glad in You and in the breath of life You give her. I trust You. Thank You, Lord for life!
There are times when the birth process into eternity comes way too soon. Some find the process quick and others find the process a long and tedious labor. Those who watch and wait may find the process an emotionally draining event. There is a mixture of joy, wonder, fear, sadness and heartache. There may be a deepening of faith or a new found faith in walking through these shadows.
Our natural birth is marked by the taking of a breath. Our birth into the eternal is marked with the expiration of this worlds' breath and the breathing in of a new. Christ followers believe that the new breath will be forever. It is a breath of the Spirit of God. We leave the womb of this world and enter the heart of God. His presence is our breath! His heart is our heavenly home. His life is our life.
Father and Eternal God, You have birthed a new spirit in us who receive Your Son, Jesus, as our Lord. You lead us along the way to our birth into eternal life with You. Please forgive us, Lord, for not seeing beyond this world into the true life that You give us. Thank You for each birth into this world, the birth of their spirit when they receive You, and the birth of Your children into their Heavenly place within Your heart. I pray today, for my Mother-in-law who may be struggling towards that beautiful place. If You would choose, I ask that she have just a bit more time here to enjoy the family who has lived so far away for so many years. If You have other plans, Lord, we will be glad in You and in the breath of life You give her. I trust You. Thank You, Lord for life!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Standing Watch Continued
Yesterday I told you about my friend who is taking his last steps here on earth and slowly drawing near to his eternal reward. I spoke yesterday about us standing watch while he travels his journey. I also mentioned that God understands because He stood watch as His Son, Jesus, took the journey. Today I am contemplating another aspect: Was there anyone else who stood watch for Jesus?
The answer is "Yes." There were many who stood watch while Jesus died. Scripture tells us there were people all around, but not all stood watch. Most of the people around the cross were there to mock or do their duty, making certain He died, that the order of execution was complete. Some were just passing by. There was also John, near Jesus' Mother, and other women who had followed Him and ministered to Him. Those were there to stand watch.
I've been asking myself what it means to stand watch. What is the purpose if we cannot change the course of matters? Is it for the dying or is it for the living who are being left behind? For me I think I must stand watch for both.
I stand watch in prayer for the one making the journey. He, like we all, need to know we have been loved. He needs to know he will be remembered. We all want that. We all want our lives to matter to others. Standing watch says, "Yes, you do matter to me!"
I stand in watch for those who are closest to the sojourner. Their loneliness is greatest as they watch their loved ones depart. They need the warmth of friends to stand nearby and to offer comfort. They also need to know their loved one was loved and will be remembered by others.
It takes courage, faith, hope, and great love to stand watch.
Father, Again I come to tell You that You are more than enough for us at times like these. You are our strength and hope. We can never fill all that our loved ones need at this time. Thank You for caring, understanding, and loving us through it all. Be with Will as he lets go of this world and all he loves in it. Be with Carol as she lets go of Will and all she loves about having him here with her! We trust You in all things.
The answer is "Yes." There were many who stood watch while Jesus died. Scripture tells us there were people all around, but not all stood watch. Most of the people around the cross were there to mock or do their duty, making certain He died, that the order of execution was complete. Some were just passing by. There was also John, near Jesus' Mother, and other women who had followed Him and ministered to Him. Those were there to stand watch.
I've been asking myself what it means to stand watch. What is the purpose if we cannot change the course of matters? Is it for the dying or is it for the living who are being left behind? For me I think I must stand watch for both.
I stand watch in prayer for the one making the journey. He, like we all, need to know we have been loved. He needs to know he will be remembered. We all want that. We all want our lives to matter to others. Standing watch says, "Yes, you do matter to me!"
I stand in watch for those who are closest to the sojourner. Their loneliness is greatest as they watch their loved ones depart. They need the warmth of friends to stand nearby and to offer comfort. They also need to know their loved one was loved and will be remembered by others.
It takes courage, faith, hope, and great love to stand watch.
Father, Again I come to tell You that You are more than enough for us at times like these. You are our strength and hope. We can never fill all that our loved ones need at this time. Thank You for caring, understanding, and loving us through it all. Be with Will as he lets go of this world and all he loves in it. Be with Carol as she lets go of Will and all she loves about having him here with her! We trust You in all things.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Standing Watch
A friend of mine is taking his last steps in this life and approaching the doorway of eternal life with Jesus Christ. His wife, family and friends are not able to help him take these last steps. We can only stand and watch.
It is comforting to know that God our Father understands the suffering of those who watch. He stood watch over His Son as He died on the cross. Because of this, prayer is the true comfort in these times. Talking it over with the Father brings comfort and hope.
Heavenly Father, You know this journey well. You have walked beside many who have trusted You. You are the comfort and hope we all need. Thank You for prayer, the way of connecting to You and all You can offer. Help my friend live his last moments here in peace. Help my friends who stand watching close to see Your hand upon their loved one. Let us all never forget Your Son who gives us hope to be together again. We trust You!
It is comforting to know that God our Father understands the suffering of those who watch. He stood watch over His Son as He died on the cross. Because of this, prayer is the true comfort in these times. Talking it over with the Father brings comfort and hope.
Heavenly Father, You know this journey well. You have walked beside many who have trusted You. You are the comfort and hope we all need. Thank You for prayer, the way of connecting to You and all You can offer. Help my friend live his last moments here in peace. Help my friends who stand watching close to see Your hand upon their loved one. Let us all never forget Your Son who gives us hope to be together again. We trust You!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Death Sentence
Jesus died. The eternal living God took on human form and lived among us. He voluntarily suffered and died for us! The death sentence pronounced over Him was ours, yours and mine.
Jesus is love. He could do no less than give His life in place of ours. His love demands that He give. His love chooses to experience our pain, our suffering, our sin. His love separated Himself from equality with God and the life He lived with us.
Jesus' death sentence was delivered by all of us, but He wrote it for Himself. His choice is beyond our understanding, but His love is not beyond any barriers we might build. Jesus is God eternal, love eternal.
*Note: I have posted new poems on my poetry blog. http://poetryimpressed.blogspot.com. I welcome you to visit and leave your response.
Jesus, Your love humbles me. I cannot stand in Your presence! Thank You for saving me and pouring Your love into my heart. Let my life be a beacon of hope for others!
Jesus is love. He could do no less than give His life in place of ours. His love demands that He give. His love chooses to experience our pain, our suffering, our sin. His love separated Himself from equality with God and the life He lived with us.
Jesus' death sentence was delivered by all of us, but He wrote it for Himself. His choice is beyond our understanding, but His love is not beyond any barriers we might build. Jesus is God eternal, love eternal.
*Note: I have posted new poems on my poetry blog. http://poetryimpressed.blogspot.com. I welcome you to visit and leave your response.
Jesus, Your love humbles me. I cannot stand in Your presence! Thank You for saving me and pouring Your love into my heart. Let my life be a beacon of hope for others!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Life and Death Struggle
I've been pondering the life and death struggle that my neighbor is fighting.
The family has asked the question "Why?" Why isn't God just taking Bob home? It has been painful for the family to watch life inch away over the past 4 weeks. Well, it began before that with a diagnosis of Parkinson's a couple of years ago, but only recently has the struggle begun in earnest. It is because of their questionings that I, too, wonder what this struggle is accomplishing.
It is a fact that we all will loose the battle to hold on to life eventually, but we will fight. We all will grasp for the last minute, even though we believe that beyond the veil lies our Savior and a place without disease, pain and tears.
I believe that it is love we play tug-of-war with: love for our family and friends here and love for our God and the eternity He promises will be ours. We hold the love in our hearts and we cannot be totally engulfed in Gods perfect love while living in this sinful world. We cannot be completely involved with the loved ones we hold so dear and be free to love them without pain and heartache if we remain here on earth. The pull of the two loves begins when we believe and it ends when we surrender our life to live the complete love filled life God has planned for us!
Lord, let us learn to trust you even in the moments of letting go. Send your Comforter to bring peace that goes beyond the seeing and hearing of this world! Help us to live a life of love and let love guide us home!
The family has asked the question "Why?" Why isn't God just taking Bob home? It has been painful for the family to watch life inch away over the past 4 weeks. Well, it began before that with a diagnosis of Parkinson's a couple of years ago, but only recently has the struggle begun in earnest. It is because of their questionings that I, too, wonder what this struggle is accomplishing.
It is a fact that we all will loose the battle to hold on to life eventually, but we will fight. We all will grasp for the last minute, even though we believe that beyond the veil lies our Savior and a place without disease, pain and tears.
I believe that it is love we play tug-of-war with: love for our family and friends here and love for our God and the eternity He promises will be ours. We hold the love in our hearts and we cannot be totally engulfed in Gods perfect love while living in this sinful world. We cannot be completely involved with the loved ones we hold so dear and be free to love them without pain and heartache if we remain here on earth. The pull of the two loves begins when we believe and it ends when we surrender our life to live the complete love filled life God has planned for us!
Lord, let us learn to trust you even in the moments of letting go. Send your Comforter to bring peace that goes beyond the seeing and hearing of this world! Help us to live a life of love and let love guide us home!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Life Hangs in the Balance
Our neighbor is on the verge of dying. He has lived a full life and it seems his time here on earth is nearly over. Death does not wait for the long lived. The past few weeks we have heard of friends and acquaintances, young and old, taking the step into eternity.
No matter what our age we have no guarantee that our next breath will come. Today we may be balanced on the edge of eternity.
Eternity is a word that we cannot fully understand. It is a long long time and yet we cannot comprehend its length because it has no end.
I am convinced that heaven and hell are real. It is important to know that we choose where we will reside after we step through the doors of eternity. I am trusting Jesus to provide my entrance into Heaven. He is the only one who offers to let me in without my own perfection.
My neighbor is trusting Jesus as well, but some of those who have left this world trusted in themselves, their works, or failed to believe that eternity was real. The balance of our lives could be one breath away! The question arises, how will we make it into a perfect place if we have not yet reached perfection? Jesus offers His perfection as a free gift to anyone who wants it. I do! How about you?
No matter what our age we have no guarantee that our next breath will come. Today we may be balanced on the edge of eternity.
Eternity is a word that we cannot fully understand. It is a long long time and yet we cannot comprehend its length because it has no end.
I am convinced that heaven and hell are real. It is important to know that we choose where we will reside after we step through the doors of eternity. I am trusting Jesus to provide my entrance into Heaven. He is the only one who offers to let me in without my own perfection.
My neighbor is trusting Jesus as well, but some of those who have left this world trusted in themselves, their works, or failed to believe that eternity was real. The balance of our lives could be one breath away! The question arises, how will we make it into a perfect place if we have not yet reached perfection? Jesus offers His perfection as a free gift to anyone who wants it. I do! How about you?
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