Concerning Death
Originally Published 3/31/2015
Since college, I've personally known at least eight people who have died. That includes an aunt, an uncle, a preacher, a spiritual mentor, a professor, a club brother and friend, and two guys my age from my hometown (didn't know either well, but knew them since I was quite young).
Because some of these experiences are still very fresh, I’m not fully able to process what I've learned through those losses, but I wanted to try and articulate what I could.
First, the loss of life is tragic. I don’t know a strong enough word to express this (well I do, but try not to use them). Death reminds us of the reality of humanity’s brokenness and sinfulness. The experience of losing those influential or close to you is a painful moment of being exposed to what it must be like for God to watch us chose wickedness instead of righteousness. As much as there is beauty, friendships, and relationships in this world, brokenness remains. The separation we feel from our departed loved ones breaks our hearts. Yet, it’s at these times of separation that we better understand the human condition and get a glimpse into the character of God. Our sin separates us from God; essentially, in sin, we are dead to God. I have no doubt God grieves over those who are separated from him.
I’m so incredibly thankful, that the end of this story doesn't end in grief. God loved his creation so much that made a way for mankind to be brought back to life. Through Christ’s atoning work, we who were dead in our sins, can now be alive again. This reunification with God is miraculous and full of joy. Further, the work of Christ gives us a hope to fight for. For those who are in Christ, we have the hope of resurrection and reunification with God and with those we've lost (emphasis on “those in Christ”). Our Christian friends and family members who have already died, are simply further along in God’s work of restoring his creation.
Second, I’ve tried to learn from the example of those whom I’ve lost. a few weeks ago, I lost a friend, club brother, fellow photographer, and young minister (I almost wrote “aspiring minister,” but Nick was involved in more genuine ministry than most consider). Nick Smith was an awesome guy, and even though we didn’t know each other super well, I learned a great deal from him. He was a night owl, while I’m wide awake in the morning. We had a class together in the morning last semester and I used to always tease him, annoy him, and try to get him to snap at me. He never did! Despite my constant sarcasm and annoyance, he just smiled and laughed with me. So, from Nick I’ve learned a humility and love for others that truly puts others before yourself. From many of the other, not so recent, losses I could share stories about how I’ve become a stronger person from his or her influence on me.
Third, I’ve been reminded of hope. Hope of the resurrection, hope of a fabulous reunion of the saints joined together in worship of the King. Even though death is always tragic, there is still hope. Personally, I don’t think about hope enough. Recently, a friend reminded me, in an unrelated context, that without hope we have nothing.
Fourth, as many have said surrounding Nick’s death, the body of Christ formed together and supported each other. Tragedy proves community. In all of this, I’ve realized how important my friends and family are to me and how short life can be. Seeing Christians embrace each other, cry with each other, praise together, and recover together is a powerful experience.
Again, those are my thoughts for now, how do you process loss?