My brother Randy just died. He was only 53 and had a heart attack on his back porch while feeding his cat. He loved animals.
I head to Alabama today for his funeral. What a juxtaposition of life that in the past two weeks, I have attended a wedding (my niece’s) and a funeral (my brother, Randy).
My grief is really raw right now as the initial shock wears off and the reality of finality seeps through the crevices of my consciousness. I cannot sleep. As a Christian, I know that death is only the beginning of an eternal life with God, but as a sister - the pain of death is intense tonight. I mourn the loss of our shared childhood. I mourn the loss of his presence in my life. I just plain mourn.
“Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
Tonight during this really difficult moment, I feel God’s hug from heaven in my heart. I know that He will provide the strength I need to bury my brother, Randy on Saturday. I know that God will provide a peace in my heart as I mourn this beloved sibling. I know that my brother, Randy will spend his first Christmas in Heaven rejoicing with my parents. But in the meantime, I will miss him as I mourn.
Are you mourning? Do you need some extra prayer? Please let me know. You are not alone. God loves you and He is there for you.
Prayers and hugs to you...
ReplyDeleteI dont know you, but I know that mourning is much harder when you are alone. Isn't it great that the body of Christ functions to comfort and support each other? We are even more effective because we love with the love of God - not just human love. I know the days ahead will be filled with good things inspite of this unexpected pain.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
On my blogspot I read about your brother (12 pearls of Christmas) and wanted to say that I am so sorry. My own brother died 2 years ago and I miss him. I miss picking up the phone and hearing his voice on the other end. He died on a Saturday and on Sunday morning in church we sang Holy, Holy, Holy and the tear were running down my cheeks as I thought of him signing along in heaven. I look forward to his being there to welcome me when it's my turn to go! I pray that you will be conforted.
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