“When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 15:54-57
Dear HBIC Family,
I learned early on that one of God’s greatest gifts are the people in our lives. I have also learned that one of life’s greatest tragedies is that it is so very easy to take people for granted. We do not intentionally do this. Time, distance, and being at different places in life can sometimes do the growing apart for us. Nevertheless, it is important that we hold on to not only memories of old, but the people who God has blessed us with and the lessons they have taught and modeled for us along the way.
Years ago, I learned all these lessons a very hard way. My cousin Anthony and his family had arrived from Liberia and were living with us temporarily before settling down in Philadelphia. Over the course of this time together, Anthony and his siblings became like younger siblings to me. I remember the first time they heard fireworks, got ready for church, and ate “American” food. I also remember Anthony’s great love of God and deep desire to live a life that made a difference. Though I was five or six years older, he made such a strong impression on me.
Anthony wanted to be a doctor. It was a profession that would allow him to help not only the sick, but the family he left behind in Liberia as well. So, it was nothing short of cruel when Anthony got sick and doctors scrambled for diagnosis and solutions. It was painful to see him suffer, while trying to hold on to any little glimpses of hope. I made a point to talk to him daily, but my hate for hospitals made my visits weekly. The Friday Anthony died, I was supposed to go visit him. Last minute plans came up, and I opted to go see some friends back in Harrisburg. The phone call from my mother was one of the saddest and lowest moments of my life.
The next few days were a blur, but looking back, it was probably my first few days in pastoral ministry as we scrambled to plan end-of-life services here and even back home in Liberia. Peace and sleep were very hard to find. Anthony’s funeral marked the beginning of all of our healing as we remembered the life he lived, celebrated his love for God and us, and shared memories and lessons we learned together through his life. These are some of the same lessons that will lead to very special services this week.
On Sunday, we will be having “A Celebration of Life” Sunday. We will be hosting child dedication and thinking of new life and our pledge to love and support our HBIC children as a community and family. We will also be spending some time remembering Terrance Miller, Jane Monn, Betty Oldham, Mary Ann Rodrigues, Buck Saurman, and Della Taylor – sisters and brothers God called home to glory. To prepare for this week’s services, I invite you to read and meditate on 1 Corinthians 15. After you read and reflect, I would like to ask you to spend some time praying for the families of our dearly departed sisters and brothers.
In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul clearly outlines the importance of Jesus’ resurrection and its impact on our faith, life, and destiny. God raised Christ from the dead, so we the living and those who have passed on are not lost in our sins. Christ’s resurrection is the first fruits of the resurrection to come for all those who are now absent from their earthly bodies. Christ’s resurrection reminds us of our shared victory over sin, death, and destruction.
While we wait for Christ’s return, we must live in light of the resurrection. This week we remember those who have left us. In so doing, we give thanks to God for their lives, their love, and the memories and lessons they have passed on to us.
God bless you all.
Love in Christ,
Pastor Hank (1 Corinthians 15:54-57)