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!