Week 417

Positive Post Sunday, February 23, 2025…. Week 417.  I started writing this PPS earlier this week.  You will see why this is important as you read the end of this PPS.

From celebrating Valentine’s Day in my PPS last week to reflecting on death this week.  Some might see this as a 180 swing and question how death is a part of a PPS.  As you will see below, I see true love, and more importantly true faith, as foundational in how we manage through the loss of those special people in our lives.

Death is not something we like to talk about, but Michele and I recently had a brief discussion on the subject a few weeks ago.  I let her know that, as painful as it would be, if we don’t die together, I hope she dies before me, so that she doesn’t have to experience the grief and sorrow of losing a spouse.  She has already had to endure the challenges of my life-threatening surgeries and injuries.

During our discussion, she said something simple, yet very profound and that really put death, love and faith all into perspective for me.  She said, “If you do die first, I will be jealous.”  Think about that for a minute.  What a deep understanding and expression of our faith and testimony to the beauty of everlasting life.  This speaks to a deep understanding of love that transcends the physical presence and acknowledges a connection that goes beyond our time on Earth. It’s a poignant reminder of the strength of true faith and love.

As I like to do, I turned to the Bible to gain insights about death and the promise of everlasting life.  Here are a few verses that reflect my Christian belief in eternal life through faith in our savior Jesus Christ.  The pain and sorrow of losing a loved one is real and deep. It’s my hope that these verses offer comfort and hope to those who are grieving the loss of a loved one.

John 11:25-26: Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14: “We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, about those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, so too will God, through Jesus, bring with him those who have fallen asleep.”

Revelation 21:4: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, [for] the old order has passed away.”

It’s not easy to have these discussions on death, but they do bring a unique perspective and prepare us to cherish the moments we have with our loved ones even more. And, to remember to prepare for the joy of returning to Our Father who art in heaven, someday.  We never know what day he will call us home.

I began this post by noting that I started writing it earlier in the week.  It is with deep faith and love that I dedicate this PPS to the family of my cousin’s son Travis Maze.  Travis passed away on Wednesday in a car accident in Hemet. He leaves behind his wife Rosanna and 3-year-old daughter Tala.   Please keep them and our entire family in your prayers.  May Travis be resting in peace.

How do you cherish your time with your loved ones?

How do you prepare to return home to our Lord, and experience life everlasting?