Saturday, May 17, 2008

Spiritual resources for the terminally ill and caregivers: It is finished

Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last. (Luke 23:46)

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (John 19:30)
Sometimes, there's nothing more to say. Death is one of those times. At this point, the loved ones go about the sad task of the preparations for burial. Mostly, people are huddled together crying. Just a word for the bystanders: "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn" (Romans 12:15). Please do not try to "fix" someone's appropriate sadness over a loved one's death. Just share it.

2 comments:

  1. It's true. There's time to simply accept death and be quiet. It's a sad, but also holy time. It isn't the time to over-talk, or be preachy.

    My mother passed away in my home and I was priveledged to be beside her. We have much to learn from death--and life.

    Tnank you for your gentle and insightful blog.

    ~Carol D. O'Dell
    Author of Mothering Mother: A Daughter's Humorous and Heartbreaking Memoir
    available on Amazon
    www.mothering-mother.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for the kind words.

    Less than an hour ago I got the word from my neighbor: It's finished.

    Take care & God bless
    Anne / WF

    ReplyDelete