July 2, 2023 - Resurrection

     I apologize for not writing a blog the last several days.  I’m still kicking.  I had three families in my realm of influence who had a death in their families.  I chose to focus on them, rather than what was going on in my life.
     I am looking forward to this week.  It will be the first time in 12 weeks that I will not have any treatments and only two steroids later in the week.  It will be interesting to see if there is any sense of “normal” in the way that I feel.
     Dealing with death is one of the callings of being a pastor. 
Facing death is one of the realities of having cancer.   One of the three deaths was due to cancer.  I walked with the husband for two years as he dealt with his wife’s illness.  Their family knew I had some clue.
     One of the deaths was a very sudden thing.  The cancer death and the third death were long term illnesses.  I am not sure which is easier.  Initially the sudden death is more difficult.  On the other hand it is extremely difficult to watch someone you love suffer.
     I am not sure how non-believers deal with death—their own or the death of someone they love. 
     I know how believers face death—with assurance, hope, and peace.  I saw that in all three families this week.  Jesus’ words of assurance still ring in the hearts of those who love and trust Him.
     “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.”
     I have shared with you over these months that I have no fear of dying.  Jesus died and rose again. 
     For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.  For to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
     That’s all I really need to know and believe.
     Three families understood that this week.