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.