A family friend passed away unexpectedly recently. He was a quiet man that often kept to himself. Though he was one of my dad’s best friends. They knew each other since they were kids and stayed friends over the years. He passed away young considering, and he will be missed. When my dad called to tell me the news, I was saddened. Being that he was a quiet man and I had not seen him since I was young; I was unsure if he was a believer. I asked my dad if he knew, and indeed my dad did. A couple years prior my dad had wanted to be sure and had it confirmed. They spent a whole visit talking about God and faith and by the time my dad left there was no wondering, for he was a believer. My dad cherishes that day now more than ever. He did not get to have the goodbye he was hoping for, but he has the hope that it is not the last time he will see him again. Friend, may we not ever have to wonder. May we spend our time with others sharing God’s word, His grace and His love. For we do not know their last breath here, or ours. It is the peace of knowing that the goodbye here is temporary, when we know we will have eternity with them someday. This man made me a small replica of a piano music box that he gifted me for my graduation. It sits on my dresser, and I have carried it with me through the years. Now it serves not only as a sentimental gift from a family friend, but as a reminder. To always share the message of God, to always discipleship. If we love them here, we must love them enough to want them with us long after the breath in our lungs and where forever resides for those who believe. Spread the word friend, to everyone you know. For when their time is up, sometimes that is the only solace we have in them being gone. Love them enough to have those conversations.

Erin Fitts-Brower

Mark 16:15-16 NIV

 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

1 Thessalonians 4:17 NIV

After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.