BIRTH AND DEATH
Birth and death, the beginning and the end ———– Or is it? Many years ago, Jesus was born in Bethlehem to a virgin named Mary. Joseph, the poor carpenter was his adopted father. His birth was a miracle and a big step down for Him.
BORN TO DIE
He left all the glory of heaven and took on the form of a human. Yet He was still fully God and fully man. But at the age of 33, he was cruelly put to death.
Even so, it was no surprise to Him, because that is why He came. The only way to atone for the sin of mankind was for Him to die.
BUT that was not the end.
He rose gloriously on the third day and made salvation possible for us all. So even though death was cruel and seemed like the end, it was a new beginning, a new birth of sorts.
GIVING BIRTH TO MY FIRST SON
On November 25, 1990, at the age of 38, I gave birth to a son whom we named Stephen. He was a joy and a blessing to all of us – his father, myself and his four older sisters.
But when he was 10 years old he got the diagnosis of muscular dystrophy. The prognosis was not good. Most only live to be 20 yrs. or less, or so we were told. But we were determined to get help for him as best we could. At that time, though, there was not a lot available.
Years past and he did well for awhile. During the last few years his health failed more until this past September, he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. We knew the time was short but were still full of hope.
DEATH LEADS TO NEW BIRTH
He celebrated his 29th birthday just 5 days before he died the evening of November 30, 2019. We were blessed with his life which was a gift to us for those years. As I think about it, he was only 4 years younger than Jesus when he died.
But his death is a kind of birth, too, because now he is in no pain. He is full of joy and delight, able to do all the things he couldn’t do in this life – all made possible by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 1:3 (CSB)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
Though we miss Stephen terribly, and he left a big hole in our lives, we rejoice that he is with his Savior, whom he loved. We know we will see him again when we step through that passageway of death. Until then we will keep him alive in our hearts with all our memories of him with us.
Death is not the end. It is a new beginning, a new birth into eternity with Jesus and all those who’ve gone before.
*I wrote this for Five Minute Friday, where the prompt word is birth. It took me about 9 minutes instead of 5, and then I added the photos and scripture.*
I’m linking up with: #FiveMinuteFriday, #InspireMeMonday
Dear Gayl, what a precious gift you’ve given to us today. Oh that we would open our eyes to truly see how death has become a new birth for those who have been brought in through Jesus! My heart aches for the loss of your beloved son here. But to know that He is whole and healed with Jesus now is such a comfort. Thank you for sharing your heart, and precious photos, and poems with us. Love and hugs to you Dear Sister. Xoxo
Dear Bettie, thank you so much for your love and prayers and encouragement. You are such a blessing to me and I thank God for you. Much love and lots of hugs and blessings to you, dear sister! xoxo
When we die, yes, we are born
to eternal joyous fun existence
but the people left behind are torn,
and there’s no path of least resistance.
We rejoice at loved ones’ coming home
and paint a brave face on the masque
that must, for lack of faith, atone,
and set the hands to crushing task
to celebrate what we do not feel,
to push aside the sense of loss,
to make that which is faith-held real
and pay the dreadful lonely cost.
They’ll forever in Your glory stay,
but is it wrong to wish for one more day?
Oh, Andrew, I love this. No, I don’t think it’s wrong to wish for one more day. Grief is strong, and the way is hard, but God is faithful to comfort and give hope. Blessings to you!
Hugs… <3
Thank you, dear Bette. Hugs and love right back to you. <3
Dear Gayl, this is a beautiful tribute to your son, and to God’s faithfulness.
Hugs & blessings of His peace ~ Wendy Mac
Dear Wendy, thank you so much for your comment. Hugs and blessings right back to you! xo
Gayl, this is just a beautiful way to frame the life and death of your son. I am so sorry for your loss and pray the Lord will comfort you in this first season without Stephen.
Thank you, Joanne. I appreciate your thoughts. Blessings to you and Merry Christmas! xo
Oh, Gayl, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this season of remembering. You are showing us the way through grief. Thank you for holding tightly to His hand.
Michele, thank you for your encouragement. Love and blessings to you! xoxo Merry Christmas!
So beautiful, Gayl. May God continue to make himself known to you as you both grieve the loss and rejoice that Stephen is with his Savior.
Thank you, Amanda. It is bittersweet but so comforting to know that Stephen is in no pain and is filled with joy! Blessings and love to you, dear friend! xoxo
Life and death, joy and sorrow. Continually praying for you and your family as you grieve.
Tara, thank you so much for your prayers. We appreciate them so much. Blessings and love to you! xo