19 April | Youth
«Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.”» John 11:25
The death of family and friends continues to be one of the most difficult moments in life. Death brings pain, tears, despair, suffering and separation. If you have ever lost someone dear or close to you, you will understand this situation very well. If you have not felt this pain yet, that moment will come for you one day. Death is a reality that none of us can escape. Talking about this subject may seem strange, but it is important.
During my seminary days, I (Ailton) reflected on this reality based on the example of a teacher. He and his family did not all travel on the same flight. The couple always split up, and each one traveled with the children separately. In the car, husband and wife never sat together in the front seats but split up to be with their children. When I asked why he had this habit, he replied: “Although we have faith, we can never forget that death is always a possible reality.”
They were not afraid of death. On the contrary, they faced it naturally, to the point of talking about it as a family and devising strategies to face this adverse situation if it happened to one of them. The couple was prepared. If one day there was a tragedy, their intention was that at least one of the spouses would remain alive to take care of the family. The children were also aware that, at some unexpected moment, the possibility of losing their parents might present itself. If that happened, they already knew that life would not end there. They should continue taking care of each other, until they met again on the morning of the resurrection.
This curious habit of that family changed my way of facing death. What would be better? Treat death as a taboo and be surprised by it, or treat it naturally and prepare to face it? The second option seems more reasonable.
Our security is not in avoiding death, but in trusting the One who overcame it and lives forever and ever. He promises eternal life to all who believe in Him, even if they sleep for a brief time in the grave. So, if you have any blocks with this subject, remember that there is no need to fear. Believe in Him who conquered death!