Her friends called her Dink. Everyone loved her. She was gentle yet strong, traits to be admired. She and my grandfather discovered they both had lung cancer on the very same day and died nine days apart. But, that’s another story. Today would have been her birthday.
Proverbs 31:28,”Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her” NIV
SIMILARITIES BETWEEN BIRTH AND DEATH
The day we are born and the day we die are really not that different. When expected, there is much anticipation on the day it occurs. Bags are packed and everyone is ready to go at a moment’s notice. When the time arrives, family members and loved ones gather around the bedside at the hospital. Friends call and come to visit. Meals are prepared, cards sent and help offered.
Psalm 139:16, “Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all my days were written in Your book and planned before a single one of the them began.” HCSB
THERE IS PAIN
Labored breathing and moaning are common. Often, there is a difficult struggle. It’s hard. Medication is administered which lessens but does not alleviate the pain. Family members frequently ask the doctors and nurses, “How much longer?” But they can only guess because sometimes it comes quickly and sometimes it is a long, drawn out process.
James 4:14, “Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” ESV
FINALLY IT IS OVER
A newborn takes her first breath. A beloved grandmother takes her last. Life transitions from a familiar environment to one that is unfamiliar, but without a doubt better. Believers should celebrate both.
1 Thessalonians 4:13, “Our brothers and sisters, we want you to know the truth about those who have died, so that you will not be sad, as are those who have no hope.” GNB
EIGHT YEARS AGO
My grandmother died on my birthday and now she is with her savior, Jesus Christ. Our lives are recorded by a birth certificate when we are born and a death certificate to mark the end of our life on this earth.
How we live in between life and death is what matters.
We don’t get to choose what family we will be born into or the location where we will be born. However, we do get to choose where we live after we die. We can choose to be part of God’s family and live in Heaven with Him forever. Or we can choose to reject God and be separated from Him forever.
Deuteronomy 30:19, “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.” KJV
MY GRANDMOTHER DIED ON MY BIRTHDAY
Ephesians 2:8, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.”KJV
I know for certain where she is now. I am part of that same family and I will see her again someday.
WILL YOU?
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” WEB
Vickie, your messages are getting better and better! Love the comparisons of life and death. Keep on praying and keep on writing. You ARE making a difference!
Thanks, that keeps me going
Right on point. I worked women’s and children’s for years and am now a hospice nurse. The coming in and going on are a lot a like. I am finding what a person believes about life after earth makes a big difference in the transition. Second profound issue is the regret of lost relationships. A lovely lady recently told me “unforgivness is a poison”. For me Jesus equals forgiveness. Thank you for this post. There is much to be thankful for.
Thanks so much for sharing your up close perspective. Wise words
If I were to choose I would choose this family God blessed me with the best family ever my Mother was very special. Vickie you are a lot like her .
What a compliment. I get a double dose of many things
Somehow I missed this post, way back when…
My best friend died on my birthday, quite a few years ago. I think these timings are markers, for those who remain, to pay attention to that life, to learn from it.
My friend was beautiful, quiet, and yet full of wisdom she shared boldly. Quite a challenge to learn all there is to learn from her! Somehow a gift…
Vickie, I worked with your grandmother, and what a special lady she was!! I sense that your Mom and you are a lot like her, what a heritage!!Thanks for sharing the true gospel in this post.
Mattie Ramsey
Biggest compliment ever! Thank you