Another day with the Grim Reaper

Yesterday, I stood across from a woman. Between us was the dead body of her husband of many years. She and her husband had been serving the Lord for a long time. She looked at his body with tears flowing and shouted, "Halleluiah-Thank you, Jesus." She hugged and kissed and said, "I will NOT say good-bye, but see you later." With a little time, she collected herself and then went home.

What a contrast to the usual proceedings! She did not fight with that which will not change. She accepted this event with a efficacious faith. She had peace that surpasses understanding-standing right there in front of me. The words of her prayers were personal (like talking to one she has known for a long time) and they were positively focused. More than anything else, she expressed thanksgiving. Within a half an hour of seeing the passing of her longtime spouse, she is repeatedly stating, "Thankyou, Jesus." She wasn't delusional- she was completely in touch with all that was happening around her. She had victory over death. She was the real deal.

When you run in the same circles as the Grim Reaper, you endure some powerful experiences. Death has a way of unveiling the essence of one's character and spirituality. Of all the blessing we have in Christ Jesus, the greatest is VICTORY over death. Some people don't have it, some think they have it, and some REALLY have it. Yesterday, I was blessed tremendously by being in the presence of a woman who has it.

I pray that all our faith will grow, that we continue moving beyond rhetoric to the reality, a wonderful reality found only in Christ Jesus.