From the words of Job, one of the famous fathers of the bible:
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart.
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.”
Job 1:21
Lola Helen Pacita Buck passed away and went to be with the Lord sometime after lunch last March 28, 2013. As a family, we are broken hearted over our loss.
However, we grieve and mourn not because lola has come face to face with death,
"for death is the destiny of everyone;" - Ecclesiastes 7:2
we grieve and mourn because we miss her... because she is no longer with us.
Our grief and mourning do not come from despair but from this temporary separation between us. The bible teaches that people, when they depart, will also arrive somewhere. I believe that for Lola, that 'somewhere' is what the bible calls heaven.
Multiple times during her battle for her health, Lola has received opportunities to hear about Jesus and what He has done for her at the cross.
I remember the first time I tried to tell her about Jesus during one of our visits, despite her inability to speak, her face turned from a happy smile to an angry look. I knew whatever I said at the time, she didn't want to hear it from me.
But after a few visits, and later attempts her reception to the gospel grew warmer.
I believe Lola is with God right now in heaven,
I believe she has heard the gospel enough to make a decision to accept Jesus in her heart.
Therefore I am in peace that when we say goodbye to Lola this time, our goodbye is not the end.
Hebrews 9:27 says, "people are destined to die"
But physical death is never the end.
And if you are in Christ, it is just the beginning of a better life.
Therefore we mourn but at the same time we celebrate her life and the beautiful memories we have of her while we wait to see her face again.
There is a place where we will see her face again.
It is something to look forward to,
But for now, we confess what Job said,
"The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.”
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