Dead or alive…

Today it’s not a band spinning me round, not Jon wanted Dead or Alive and not writing about the Ninja Universe video game…Gene Wilder was one of my favorite movie stars. “Willy Wonka” was an all time great! I love watching my husband double over and quote “Young Frankenstein.” Certain things weigh me down immediately after reading them.  Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs, like many, I am passionate about mine.

It’s not death that bothers me, although for many it is. It is my belief that as followers of Christ that we are NOT dead. Funny how I never looked to see if Mr. Wilder was a follower of Christ until I read those words in the headlines yesterday. Gene Wilder, Dead at 83. When I leave this world, I will expect a celebration with ice cream!  My obituary shall read: “Alive in Christ” at whatever age I am called home eternally. Do I despise death? Indeed! To those of us grieving loss or watching our loved ones suffer it can be suffocating. But wait!

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.

I was gifted a mission trip to Honduras two years ago.  It was a life changer only months after we lost our son Connor in an accident. To see the poverty and loss endured in a third world country made me realize, that my temporary loss, no matter how gut wrenching to me, was minute compared to what others face. It was the best medicine I could have received for my grief. Our mission team was medical, both medicine of the body and of the soul.  We had opportunity to speak, though an interpreter, to each person about Christ, that received care. In the United States, it is not common practice to speak openly about our beliefs. We have the right, we just don’t and for some reason, it’s awkward. Everything under the sun is spoken about on social media, except The Son.  After our son’s death, and this trip, I felt great need to write what was in my heart. Realizing how short this life truly is, there was an explosion of passion, to shine glory to God for eternal life. I do this in prayer with full hope, that by the grace of God, others will feel His love. Surely this must be how friends of mine have been touched by Him in such a powerful way, that they do amazing, selfless, sometimes considered crazy, things!

The day of our son’s visitation, I prayed mightily that He walk me through the next few days as I could not stand on my own, let alone breath. I prayed that through Him I would  help shine His light in our darkness, so that others may see what Christ’s love and peace could bring. I continue to pray this everyday with all glory to Him.  After pleading in prayer, I walked out of our son’s room. Suddenly, my breathing became normal and I felt a peace that passes all understanding come over me! It was truly a physical peace that shocked me.  I gratefully cried out in thanksgiving!  It lasted throughout the days that followed.

I pray that at some point in your life you feel His power in such a way that brings you faith in Him. Sincerely this is a gift that I am grateful for each day. As a grieving parent, I cannot imagine going through this loss without it. This is my heart that He holds carefully. I pray that you know He has yours too!  Be ALIVE in Christ!

Peace & Blessings,

MamaC