Death out of reach

And in those days people will seek death and will not find it. They will long to die, but death will flee from them.
Revelation 9:6

For years, Mammaw would tell us, “This will probably be my last Christmas.” Or, “I won’t make it through another winter.” She was always certain that death was just around the corner.

Instead, she lived to be 97.

But that 97th year was a cruel one. In that one, she really wanted to die. She would be disappointed each morning that she awoke, still here, when she wanted to wake up in heaven.

When she finally passed away, six years ago, we were all relieved for her.

Now I hear death longings from another woman I love. Ever since my father left in February, his soul mate has wanted to follow him. She says she prays every night that God will let her go be with Keith.

If you’re reading along, please send up a prayer today for my sweet mother.
…that a longing to die will eventually turn to a joy in life again.
…that strange new things will become familiarly comfortable.
…that being surrounded by family and friends will bring her satisfaction.

…that somehow, deep in her heart, she can celebrate the victory through her Lord Jesus Christ.

55  “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”
56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.
57  But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:55-57

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