We had the family reunion for my dad's side of the family. Starting with the last reunion we had four years ago, we have been having a memorial service for the deceased members of the family. It is not a big deal...just acknowledging when they were born and when they died and lighting a candle. I teared up. I wasn't really expecting too. It has been 4 years since Dad died, but he was with us at the last reunion.
Saturday evening I went to church. The worship time was really good. I teared up a little during "Open Our Eyes Lord" which was the last song before communion. I don't know what the worship leader said during the prayer before communion, but that really got the tears flowing.
I still miss my parents terribly. But I am thankful that someday I will see them again because of the Great Sacrifice that Our Lord Jesus Christ made for all of us. Thank you Jesus!
And regarding the question, friends, that has come up about what happens to those already dead and buried, we don't want you in the dark any longer. First off, you just not carry on over them like people who have nothing to look forward to, as if the grave were the last word. Since Jesus died and broke loose from the grave, God will most certainly bring back to life those who died in Jesus. And then this: We can tell you with complete confidence—we have the Master's word on it—that when the Master comes again to get us, those of us who are still alive will not get a jump on the dead and leave them behind. In actual fact, they'll be ahead of us. The Master himself will give the command. Archangel thunder! God's trumpet blast! He'll come down from heaven and the dead in Christ will rise—they'll go first. Then the rest of us who are still alive at the time will be caught up with them into the clouds to meet the Master. Oh, we'll be walking on air! And then there will be one huge family reunion with the Master. So reassure one another with these words. ~ 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (The Message)
2 comments:
Hi Charity, I just read your post before we headed to a funeral (my 106+ yr. old great aunt) and I had to come back to comment.
I understand the sadness -- my dad passed away in 1990, when he was 54 and I was 24. It was tough but I can say that time does make the wounds a little less painful.
Thinking about you & praying for you.
D
Goodness gracious, when you de-lurk, you really de-lurk! Thanks so much for visiting my blog and for all the kind words. It's helpful to know that there are people out there who understand me!
I'm afraid I don't have time right now to read through all your entries (cleaning out the underwear drawer and all!) but I love what I've read on the first page. When I get back I'll dig in deeper. Blessings!
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