DEATH
Death: The end of life
As a medical school fraternity, we have lost several souls in the past few months. It suffices to say that sometimes we question the reason for such happenings. Some perceive it as doom right on our doorstep, cuddled with the uncertain future ahead in the career path. It is so hard to see the glimmering eyes of someone you know as a photo tries to show you their capture of the happiest moment of their life. As you sign that condolence book, you know deep down where the body lies, the light has been snuffed out and the smile that you once cherished is no more.
Prayer 1
A smart brother, oh my,
An intelligent sister, we cry,
In the ground, they now lie
Lord why, do they have to die?
It is easy to question God’s intentions in such moments as we may have envisioned a different picture of the life a comrade would have had. I heard someone ask, “Why would God take someone before their time?” These are difficult questions that may not make sense to us, especially when grieving. It is not our role to ask whether it is one’s time or not as only God knows the answer. Isaiah 57:1 talks about how devout men are taken away before their time while Ecclesiastes 7:17 alludes to the death of the wicked before their time. The book of Ephesians also talks about how the length of your life is dependent on obedience and filial piety. Crucial to this is understanding that these pieces of scripture are in tandem with one another and also comprehending that there are a lot of variables in which God, the omniscient one, is the only one who knows how to weigh the scales.
Prayer 2:
Repeated demises are leading to a dearth of good
Even when people are trying to make it out of the hood
Dying by the throes like a chicken brood
The purpose of my life, oh God, is not yet understood
As the clincher above states, we need to understand our life’s purpose. But before we get there, it is important to note that mourning is natural. It is also crucial to fathom that life may have served its purpose on earth and one can only hope that come judgement day, the soul would be allowed in the pearly gates. This therefore builds up the case for celebrating the life of someone instead of insisting on dwelling on the death. (If I gave candid thoughts about this some forensic pathologists would lose their jobs 😂).
Is it only me or do people get an existential crisis when someone around them passes on? I usually can’t help but imagine whether people will show up at my funeral and say good things about me. I therefore sit and often wonder if I have attained my life’s purpose. Faith and God’s grace come a long way in these situations and turning to the often-overlooked basics of Christianity is the only way to go. “Read your Bible, pray every day” has become a mundane task for us Christians. Why am I convinced that this is the most important answer? Have you ever noticed that most people turn to God/ spiritual support only in times of trouble/hardship for deliverance or strength? It is evidence that most people, if not all, know that the answer is God but it is human nature to be stubborn. The aforementioned statement, however, does not rule out seeking professional help (just to be clear 😂).
UNSULLIED
Unsullied: not damaged or made dirty by anything
God’s response
My child, why do you fret
Don’t you know that in me there is calm?
Or haven’t you experienced it yet?
Worry not for I have you in my palm
Haven’t I given you the Word?
Haven’t I given you the Spirit?
Nothing for me is too hard
The strength is available you just need to seek it
Oh my child, have faith in my hands
And Hades will worry you no more
Live upright and observe my commands
And I will personally design your life lore
Don’t be so focused on the plot
Because you are not of this world
Again I say talk to me and read the words I jot
Only then will you be saved from Gehenna’s scald
When the time comes and you are buried
Or when the sound of trumpets blows the sky
Will I find your soul unsullied?
My hope is that I don’t pass you by
Many times we are asked where we would’ve gone if Jesus were to come right now or if we were to pass on today (I just shuddered at my answer right now). Did you shudder with me? 😂 (I know you know the feeling- It’s always a slight heartbeat skip or shiver), or were you fine? Either way, I am just a messenger and only you know the true answer to that question.
Toodles!
Donata Kut.
