Saying “goodbye” to a loved one is an experience that most of us dread. However, it does happen to all of us from time to time; whether it’s a grandparent, parent, sibling, aunt or uncle, or friend, it happens. Learning to deal with the sorrow and sadness, and the sense of loss, we must look beyond the death and grave; we must look into the realm of eternity. Titus 3:7 tells us that being justified by his grace, we become heirs having the hope of eternal life. First Peter 1:3 tells us that in God’s great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. I look at it this way: when born again we are birthed from a sinner to a saint; when death occurs in this life, Christians are birthed into heaven eternal; there is no sting in death to this world because we are birthed into a better place-the presence of God in heaven.

As I was dealing with the loss of my sister this past week, I wrote a little remembrance or tribute to her that I want to share with you. It is my hope (and prayer) that as you read it, it will bring comfort to you if you are in a similar situation, or at least help prepare you for one in the future:

Saying Goodbye:

No longer will I see your face
No longer will I hear your voice
No longer will I hear your laugh
But you live on in your family
And in my fondest memories

The love you showed to everyone
Lives in those who love you
Each is stronger this is true
Because in their lives they had you

So for now, our faith is in God
For His comfort to see us through
That this grief and sadness will bow down to this hope
That we will see you again in eternity
When we are re-united with all our family

Written February 19, 2022,
By Mary Ruwe

I will have to say that I don’t think it’s possible to not grieve or have a sense of loss at first when a loved one goes ahead; but with the hope of seeing them in a better place, it does ease that pain. I know this from experience—from my parents, 4 of my siblings, my husband’s parents; not to mention several close friends. This hope that we have been given by God Almighty is a wonderful comfort and a peace.

If I could encourage you in just one thing, it would be to receive this Gift of Salvation for yourself, and then to share the saving grace of Jesus with others. It’s easy, just believe in your heart, and say with your mouth, that God sent Jesus to pay for your sins, and raise Him from the dead; say that you believe and receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior. (John 3:16-17; Romans 10:9-10, 13)

The best legacy we can leave our families and friends is the hope we have in Jesus Christ.