A Month To Remember
“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” ~ Thomas Campbell
The month of November has been associated with the remembrance of our loved ones who have gone before us.
That remembering is important; yet, it can also be very painful. The first year is especially difficult as people face important events for the first time without their loved one present. Birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays can all take on somber tones after someone’s death.
One of the things we learn, though, is that our loved ones never really die. They may leave us in this physical world but, as people of faith, we know that they have gone home to the Lord and are waiting for the day that we are called as well so that we can see each other again. That is one of the reasons that Christians embrace rather than fear death. We know that death is not an ending but a beginning.
If you know someone who is grieving the loss of a loved one, reach out to that person. Tell stories about that person that mean something to you. Those stories will give those who grieve new chances to remember their loved one and to cling to the hope of reunion for, whenever you speak of the person, he or she truly feels present once again.
FAITH ACTION: Pray for those who grieve the loss of loved ones and who dread the upcoming holidays that their memories may help them heal.