Death of a family member or a dear friend is a grievous time, of which we can all relate. After all, there is no escaping it. So, the big question is why? Why must we die? Not only once, but twice. We all, who truly follow Jesus, die to self, of which only few in each generation do, and this is by our Fathers will. Also, this physical body will cease to exist, in Gods timing.
This is where faith steps in, faith in the unseen, the unknown. True faith is not in things we can see, but in the things we can not see. And the faith is a gift from God. Trust, faith, hope, love are things we can not see, but we know are there. Just like the wind when it blows, we can feel it, but we know not where it comes from.
I think that is why it is so important for us to overcome the physical. Yet, when the death of a loved one occurs, it is hard, almost impossible for us to see beyond this life we have now, because of the connection we had with our loved one. That physical connection we have with each other is symbolic of the oneness between God the Father and His Son.
Death is a vital part to this life, albeit hard to fathom at times. Even our Lord suffered death. But, we who live now have hope in the ressurection. This is the basis of the Rock of our foundation.
Leeney, I hope this is of some comfort to you. God loves you, your family, your friends and even your enemies. So do we.
God bless,
Gary