^^^ This is something I always find interesting about the Christian community. We are always to rejoice when our loves ones die, and I understand that.
But when Lazarus died, Jesus didn't tell everyone to rejoice. The Bible says He saw their sorrow... and wept. Nor did he tell everyone else around Him to rejoice either.
When Jesus died, his disciples weren't rejoicing. Nor did Jesus tell them at the Last Supper to rejoice in His death, even though it was going to save the world. And when Jesus last shouted, "It is finished," and gave up His spirit, I don't know if God was rejoicing at His death.
I'm not saying that it's wrong to tell someone to rejoice. People told me that when my beloved Grandma slipped away from us, but I sure as heck wasn't rejoicing. Yes, I knew she was in a better place and not in pain.
But the Bible says there is a time to weep, and a time to mourn.
I'm not criticizing. I just think it's interesting when other Christians always say this right after the loss of loved one. And if they are able to rejoice right after their loved ones die, I sure wish they could teach me how.
true, but condolences aren't for the departed. they're for the living, and for them, it's certainly a loss (even if we have hope and peace knowing of their loved ones' certain homecoming).
evs & liz, i'm so incredibly sorry for you and your whole family. you'll all remain in my prayers.
*hugs*
well, i should've posted my reply to you and rickyz, because what i meant was that when people rhapsodize about how we should be celebrating (the good news of the loved one's homecoming) in the wake of fresh, devastating loss, i want to acknowledge that it's the kind of sentiment that is seldom well received, unless the loved ones are in an emotional place to receive that kind of "don't worry, be happy" message.
however, i realize that people mean well, and i know that such thoughts are from a place of good intention.
I agonized all night over that post; I do believe it is an important message yet I know I am so horrible at delivering it. I know how easily it can be misunderstood, especially by the grieving. Again I apologize if anyone took offense, please know that was not the intent in my heart. I just hate to see unnecessary suffering, especially when such suffering is created by an incomplete mindset.
My mother suffers every day, horribly, and yet those around her push so hard to prolong her suffering. Same with my mother in law. Everyone abhors the thought that either one of them might pass. Yet I abhor the thought that they might unnecessarily suffer needlessly thru another day. Especially when the alternative is indeed something to rejoice over.
There’s a story about a man who lived down in the bayou. One day the authorities forecast a hurricane and called to evacuate the town. A bus pulls up in front of the man's house and they yell "get in there's a hurricane comin' and we're leaving town!" The man waves them on, saying go ahead “God will save me”. So the storm surge hits and he's up to his knees in water and a boat comes by, again "get in we're leaving!" And again the man says go ahead, God will save me. So now the hurricane's hitting town and the man's up on his roof to avoid the flood and a helicopter comes over and says "last chance, grab the hoist and let's go!". But again the man waves them on. "God will save me". Then the storm hits, the man is blown from his roof and he drowns. Standing before God the man asks, "why didn't you save me?" To which God answers, "I sent you a bus, a boat, and a helicopter, what more was I supposed to do?"
I look at people like my mother in law. She’s 86, and with a bad gut, bad heart and a major stroke, she struggles every single day to stay alive. She spent her entire life in faith and service to God, Who proclaims to have something better for her. And yet she is going to suffer as long and hard as humanly possible to avoid taking hold of that which she has served her entire life to grasp. I can just imagine that when my mother in law finally does pass, and she finds herself partying before the Throne of God, she’ll turn to God and say Lord, if You knew this was so incredible why didn’t You call me home sooner? And God will answer, I sent you a heart attack, chf, and a major stroke, what more was I supposed to do?
But this isn't about me, it's about 2 young girls who have lost a major rudder in life. And I sympathize and understand their tears. But their mom is now before the Risen Lord, praising and rejoicing and taking it all in. Please, if in some small way you can find that to lessen the pain, then praise God!
But if you cannot, forgive my intrusion.
