Hope

Over the last three weeks, I have grieved for myself, for my brothers, and for my dad, but I have not grieved for my mother. For her I rejoice. It hurts me to think about the fact that my mom won't be there to help plan my wedding, she won't meet my husband, she won't know her grandkids. She won't see Jonny finish High School, and won't get to go back to her beloved Bolivia. I've lost my friend, mentor, role model, advice-giver and reassurer. But in the middle of loss and grief, I have reason to rejoice. And my reason to rejoice is infinitely greater than my reason to mourn. Because the hope of eternal life, together, in a perfect world, with Jesus, drowns out all fear and all temporary sorrow. If I did not have this hope, my life at the moment would be shattered. I would have no motivation to go on. But my mom's earthly death has projected God's astounding gift of resurrection all the more. She did not die, really. Her flawed earthly body died, but her soul was born, truly born. She got through the preparation for real life faster than most people do. I rejoice because she doesn't have to live in this messed up world any more. She doesn't have to go through the aches and pains of being old (she always said she didn't want to live to be ninety). She gets to be with her son Derek, she gets to see Jesus and understand what pure beauty really is. This is not some sort of wish that Christians have, it is real! The other day I read I Corinthians 15:54-56, "When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." Yes! Twice in the last week I was in a worship service where we sang such a beautiful and reassuring song: Still, my soul be still, and do not fear though winds of change may rage tomorrow. God is at your side, no longer dread the fires of unexpected sorrow. God, you are my God, and I will trust in you and not be shaken. Lord of peace renew a steadfast spirit within me to rest in you alone. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsXMiysZfNQ