On the Passing of a Brother

[Chad]

On the Passing of a Brother - August 27, 2005

As I sat in the airport terminal the other day awaiting my connecting flight, a small boy who had noticed for the first time in his life the awakening of the morning, shouted in amazement, "Look mom! The sun is going up!" I too, turned to see what this wonder was about, especially since I was in the midst of deep sorrow at the death of my brother, and thought that perhaps some of this tiny child's joy could rub off on me.

Through the emotional blackness, I peered out the window, noticing the pale blue sky, bilious white clouds, and right in the middle was the sun; orange-yellow and brilliant, rising up to the heavens.

At that moment, God spoke to my heart, whispering, "In like manner is your brother rising up to Me. He is with Me in Heaven."

And so, I will grieve for my brother, Nicky, for our earthly loss, knowing and trusting that his spirit now lives on with God. Those who have passed before him will welcome him to paradise; a place where there is no sorrow, unrest or bondage, but only peace, joy and love.

II Corinthians 5:8 states: "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord."

Nick did believe in God and Jesus Christ, so he IS with the Lord.

When Christ hung dying on the cross, he uttered these words to the thief placed next to him, also condemned to death, yet who repented of his sins, "Verily I say to you, today you shall be with me in paradise." Luke 23:43

There are many Bible verses which support the belief of an afterlife. Romans 10:9-10 declares, "For if you tell others with your own mouth that Jesus Christ is your Lord, and believe in your own heart that God has raised him from the dead, you will be saved." As such, I know that Nick is in a better place; but he will be sorely missed, always loved, and never forgotten. My faith in God has been a tremendous comfort in dealing with my grief, for I know it is not "goodbye," but merely, "see you soon!"

Just as I truly believe with all my heart that I will see my brother again when it is my own time to part from this world, it is God's desire that ALL men come to know His peace, love and salvation.

Contributed by Melanie Schurr (Copyright (c)2005

 

[Sleepy]

Gosh

This morning I awoke with a feeling of sorrow rising in my heart. I thought how comforted I had felt about the loss of my Mum these last few weeks and how she felt close by.

Recently I have felt like she has gone. I went away to Greece after the funeral and on returning home I have been searching to feel her presence again. I thought perhaps my going away meant she decided to go too.

God's comfort has been awesome and the moment I have felt like I was about to really sink so I turn on the computer and BAM... a lesson that hits the exact question in my heart. A brilliant post..... but for me a direct answer to a troubled heart so an awesome touch from God.

There is real beauty in God's creation and when we open our eyes fully, appreciating it gives us a glimpse of heaven.

 

[Mike]

Thank you brother for posting this . Many members have seen the picture of me and my baby sister in the photo gallery . She died not too long after that and I miss her very much . I come from a family that is very hard at heart , but she was very kind and loving . I remember feeling like I could have done something .

God calls us all home in his time . None of us will escape our day of dying . Through Jesus Christ , we will see our saved loved ones again . But not until we finish our purpose to be here for Gods Glory . Nothing is wasted in Christ . Although I still miss my sister , and I am not ashamed to say , I cry many times because of the empty feeling I have inside that only she could fill . I press on in Christ with the hope that we will have a happy meeting in Gods beautiful Home called Heaven . :boy_hug: Mike

 

[sparky]

This morning I awoke with a feeling of sorrow rising in my heart. I thought how comforted I had felt about the loss of my Mum these last few weeks and how she felt close by.

Recently I have felt like she has gone. I went away to Greece after the funeral and on returning home I have been searching to feel her presence again. I thought perhaps my going away meant she decided to go too.

God's comfort has been awesome and the moment I have felt like I was about to really sink so I turn on the computer and BAM... a lesson that hits the exact question in my heart. A brilliant post..... but for me a direct answer to a troubled heart so an awesome touch from God.

There is real beauty in God's creation and when we open our eyes fully, appreciating it gives us a glimpse of heaven.

sleepy ive been away for a bit and had no idea about your mum passing away..im so sorry.You have been in my thoughts and prayers for a long time sis-take care sis :boy_hug:

 

[peeps]

sleepy ive been away for a bit and had no idea about your mum passing away..im so sorry.You have been in my thoughts and prayers for a long time sis-take care sis :boy_hug:

good to see you too marky - sparky i hope your doing well and are well taken care of God bless you sweet brother