Friday, March 7, 2025
But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died. ~ 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
Written by Michele White | Elder
When I think of my foundation in faith, I am grateful to my father. He would take me and my five sisters to church every Sunday and talk with us about the sermon on the way home. We were always encouraged to find a way to help someone, read the Bible or demonstrate an act of kindness during our week.
When my father passed away, I reflected on the last conversation I had with him. He told me in a very calm voice that he thought it was his time to go. I was filled with sadness hearing him say that and wondered how he was calm. I was grieving three weeks later when he passed. Strangely in the midst of grief, a memory of his granddaughter asking him what his favorite word was as she was learning to use a dictionary came to mind. His response was the word “blessing.” After she read the definition out loud, he reminded her that it is important to see them.
As this memory and many more were shared with my family, we all reflected on how his life was a blessing. He shared and practiced his faith daily with us all. Knowing he is with God gave us all a calm feeling. I am blessed knowing his faith in God lives in me.
Prayer: Lord, knit us together with all the saints, that we may gather strength for this journey. Amen.