Recent Re-connection

The internet, Facebook and other 'tools' can be squandered and reduced to banal, self-serving mutterings, or utilized, in a sense maximized, as a powerful and potent tool to effect very momentous and meaningful matters as the cause of life presses into each of ours. Such is one recent timely event, the re-connection to a fellow friend of decades ago in school through Facebook.

Brenda, as I remember her, was always a positive, perky and engaging young lady and we spent many hours and days together as fellow members of the bands in Jr. High and High School. It isn't surprising to me that she has a great job and is quite successful as a powerful business woman in the Information Technology world. What is an encouragement to my heart is her faith and the timing of our re-connection. Initially just a shared joy at the discovery of our current interests in life, and to see in my friend, a love of God and heart of service to Him. So,interestingly, and in short order, this connection has turned to one of support and encouragement to her in the loss of a dear friend and neighbor of hers.

Interesting too, that my last post here, speaks of yet another thing near and dear to the heart God has given me, the heart of compassion for those who have lost loved ones. Coincidence? Really? For me, it comes as little surprise. God continues to do amazing things directed by His amazing will, for the glory of His kingdom.

Catherine Shelton was 42 and involved in a tragic traffic collision in Village West section of Claremont, California. She did not survive her injuries. She is described as a caring person making everyone around her feel comfortable. Very social, she had a wide circle of friends and was loved by many in her community as evidenced living as a neighbor and girlfriend of my new Facebook re-connected friend Brenda.

Shelton was a former member of the Disaster Response Team of the local chapter of the American Red Cross and served as a board member of Claremont school's PFA. She was also very active in the business community working as a realtor for Coldwell Banker Town & Country and was an active member of the Claremont Chamber of Commerce.
She is survived by her 19-year-old son who recently graduated from Claremont High School.

Once again, the brevity of life and the tragedy of death touches my life and the life of one of my friends. Any son, and especially hers, will be mourning the loss of her life and wrestling with the unknowns of the future. Brenda, as a dear friend will also miss Catherine and come to terms with the loss of the presence of her friend. The real and certain agony of death touches you and me in this event as well and speaks to our soon future and transition off this planet.

For many, it is too difficult to approach and 'sit' in the presence of death. It is an ugly thing and never truly intended to be. And yet, death too will die someday for those of us who walk in the shadow of our Lord, Jesus Christ. There is a calling, a wooing upon our hearts. It is evident to me that there must be something more than just a banal existence and then banishment, the snuffing out of a life forever, reducing us to little more than equal with an earthworm, snail, monkey or other animal. Use your mind, senses to connect and listen for absolute truth. Not a truth contrived by men (and women) but absolute truth that exists because it is right, honorable, lovely, pure...sacred.

Our days are directed, or can be, if we choose to think less of ourselves and more of others. Our world will be transformed from one of hate and fear to one of beauty and grace of our Master, Jesus Christ, should we choose to live selflessly, with a heart of service. I know my friend Brenda is doing such. I also know that many of my friends at my church are too! It is time for us as believers to rise and be true, complete representatives of our Lord to a world fixed upon fear and the uncertain future. We have hope, we have guidance, we have, or should have peace.

May God take us through our day, and impart His power, His grace, His wisdom, His holiness and His glory as we take each step. I truly celebrate my recent re-connection to Brenda, but always celebrate my continual re-connection to Christ, through prayer and His people.

Face to Face

Every week, as I co-lead a grief recovery group, I come face to face with loss, painful loss of dear loved ones. Ten years ago, I came face to face with what most in the medical profession would have considered my eminent demise and probable transition off the face of the planet, and to this day, I cherish each day given me here. I also hold dearly the lives of my many friends and family who surround me each pressing on toward their transition as well.

How often it is, that we ignore IT, deny IT, are uncomfortable in the reminder of IT, and are desensitized by IT happening on the big screen and in video games. It is as if somehow we are comforted in knowing that the people are only actors or virtual people, either surviving what looks like real death before us, or just an image of what appears to be living. One statement that I hear in the presentation of the GriefShare leaders on the video, is 'it is rare that both marriage partners die at the same time'. And in our grief group, it positively demonstrates this point. One remains, and while it is hard, it is...life.

Some, may wonder how I can do such a thing as lead a weekly grief recovery group, facing death every week and as a care minister, pressing demise of many I serve several times a week. The truth is, that if God does not give me strength, I cannot. The other side of it is, that in coming to and facing the truth of my departure and the potential departure of my friends and beloved family on a regular basis, forges in me the priorities that make every effort to value the lives of each who I am blessed to know. IT, has changed my perspective of life, on life and the living of each day.

I want to be honest with you, my few readers, and say that my heart breaks constantly for those around me. I spend time in tears, in prayer, aching with great sorrow for their losses and mine. As a 'man' I wrestle with what the world may see as weakness, crumbing before my Lord in tears, before my friends as well, and yet, I wouldn't trade anything for what God has wrought in my heart, His compassion for His people, my friends and family. I drink deeply of cup of life, honestly confronting the fullness of what is and what will be coming; my face to face with God and the people He seems to be calling me to. I regularly stand face to face with death, face to face with ever pressing demise of disease and age, knowing fully that ultimately I will stand face to face with my Lord, Jesus Christ, in His presence, full presence, in heaven.

Jesus alone has conquered death and given me the opportunity to join Him in life, eternal life. A place where tears are vanquished. A place of peace without anguish. A place that after living there a million years, I have barely started what will be an eternal lifetime with God. It can be a place for all of us, and the joy of being together for it all. May He use us, to lead many to the throne of grace and eternal mercy, face to face with the Almighty Lord!