It's Better To Die...



Sadness wrapped my heart after I read the last word from a short email my cousin had sent me, thousands of miles away. She informed me about one of our aunt’s passing and I immediately had a flashback of all memories with every short visit I had paid when my own father was alive and my mother, too. Her husband was my father’s brother and they were both close to him. There was never a day when my father was dying that her and my uncle’s presence was missing. They cheered up my dad. They offered spoonfuls of meals she cooked to his parched mouth. They encouraged my brothers and I and helped us also cared for my dad prior to us arriving one by one from different places of this world. When my brothers and I dozed off without our knowledge as weariness won over some nights, or days, they were there to keep my father company.

I knew the truth. Only memories we created and their love remained. I would miss the laughter we all shared. The home-cooked meals that abound as we all gathered in my father’s table. The catching up to fill the void of what was missed during those times we were all apart.

Most of my uncles and aunties have passed away, along with my parents. Living day to day would never be the same without them. There would always be a void of different shapes in my heart. Only each of them could fill. 

This Sunday, my heart is joyful despite the sad news. For the hope Jesus had given to this fallen place. Because of His love and mercy, He died to give life to those who believe in Him. His nailed, outstretched arms, welcoming anyone with broken and true repentant hearts to His cross. What seemed to be a cruel and undeserved punishment was His voluntary submission to what the Father has willed. Like what’s prophesied, it happened. That Jesus died, rose and lived again!!!

Wouldn't you know it? It’s a lot better…to live each day dying…Dying to self…In order to live...

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. – Philippians 1:21 (NIV)


My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. – Galatians 2:20 (NLT)


But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. – Romans 5:8 (NLT)

5 comments:

  1. So sorry for your loss. May Jesus fill you with peace and joy as you remember those happy times. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Easter Sunday!

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  2. My condolences to you dear Rosel. It felt good to be back reading your posts, as I had not been on blogland much these past weeks. I read this one, and the post before it. So beautiful are your insights always, my friend. Walking Together… a bright light in a dark world, yes, like shining stars. How precious that woman is. May Abba Father meet her and bring her close to His heart. I pray for you, that your light will not grow dim as you offer your life to be a healing agent where you have been planted. Our heavenly Father delights in you, Rosel. He is honored through your life of servanthood and humility.

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  3. So sorry to hear of your loss. Yes if only we die to self each day in order to live. How true your words and Scripture are. I'm so thankful for God's mercy and love as I travel this road. Days when I think life is hard all I have to do is look at people in other parts of the world and ...I'm grateful. I also wanted to say that I loved how you commented on my post about Fixer Upper. Remembering the David Koresh cult and now seeing the transformation of a town into something good is so amazing.

    Bless you Rosel.

    Love,
    Debbie

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  4. How we rejoice in His victory over death! The day is coming, friend, when we will sorrow no more. Until then, it is sweet consolation that we treasure so many memories of those loved ones now out of view.

    Blessings,
    Kathleen

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  5. You can have written this for me R., my sister died suddenly on the weekend. I'm grateful I have Him as my anchor and peace and joy. I trust Him. I don't get everything and I don't know what tomorrow brings but I know Who brings tomorrow. Hugs.

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"Faith is taking the first step even if you don't see the whole staircase..."
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