The Most Tragic of All ...

The most tragic thing about any death, is not the individual's exit --be it disease or a cataclysmic event-- but whether the person new the Author of their life before their death.

Did they experience the hope that comes from God? Did they find God with open arms when they crossed over from this life to the next? Did I do my part in helping them find their way to God? Or was I complacent, and willing to let someone else share the gospel?

As someone who said goodbye to her mother before I was ready, I can say honestly that when a child loses their parent, there is tremendous heartbreak. It doesn't matter what the relationship looked like. The child suffers loss. Loss of any chance to reconcile, see restoration, healing, or even some sort of resolution. It's gone and the child, regardless of age must deal with the aftermath, which will ultimately help shape the paths taken --either toward or away-- in regards to life.

If the relationship was healthy and loving, the child will mourn deeply because they can no longer make that phone call to celebrate, or to lament. Their parent is gone. And without the knowledge and faith in Christ, this parent is lost … forever. This is the MOST tragic of losses! And my heart aches, because they will not rest in peace. Their eternity is sealed and they'll forever be separated from the very definition of love, Love Himself --GOD.

But if the parent has known, put their faith in, and died in their faith that God will always act justly, then there is hope for the child --providing he/she clings to faith in the same God. One day, they will again embrace, laugh, and find complete rest and healing.

Am I a hater for saying this? No. I'm convicted, because I see too often that men and women pass from this life to the next (celebrities and unknowns) and I am cut to the quick with the thought, where are they headed now?

While it's too late to pray for the deceased's soul, it is not too late to plead with the Father for the souls of those left behind. For their comfort and peace. For their healing and welfare. Let's not fail them by casting blame or judgment. No. Let's extend the hand of grace and compassion, a hug when able, and always pray for their good, not harm.


Weaving words for the heart and soul,

Karlene A. Jacobsen
Freelance Writer
southpawscribbler@gmail.com