Monday, August 06, 2012

On the Death of a Parent.

Today I was notified my father died. I was prepared... as prepared as anyone can be can be for such a loss. My father did die in the faith. On request of the police, since I was the first family relative on the scene, I had to go into his house before the coroner arrived. My father appears to have died peacefully. I am so grateful my parents, now both deceased, raised me from infancy with the Gospel.

Some people I know, even Christian people, have problems seeing someone who has died. But, as the Apostles Creed states: I believe in the resurrection of the body. As Christians, we should not fear death, especially those who have died in the faith. While I mourn the loss of my dear father, I was grateful to see him one last time. I believe in the resurrection of the body, and the life ever lasting.

15 comments:

Lockheed said...

So sorry, TQ. So thankful that your father is at home with the Lord.

Sam said...

May the God of all peace comfort your heart and the hearts of your loved ones, reassuring you that your parents have entered into the glorious presence of our risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and that you shall join them someday.

I have a mother that is sick and dying and yet she still doesn't know the Lord. I am trusting that God will draw her to his beloved Son so that she too can experience his perfect peace, love, and joy forever.

Ken said...

Hi James,
May the Lord give you and your family comfort at this time.

Thanks for sharing - "precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones." - Psalm 116:15

"Blessed are those that mourn, for they shall be comforted" - Matthew 5:4

The death of a parent is always hard - my dad passed away in 1996 and my mom in 2008. It was comforting that they were both believers at the time they died (my dad only repented and trusted Christ 3 years before he died (he was self-described as an agnostic before then), and my mom about 10 -12 years before she died. They gave me a conservative moral upbringing, but not a believing, Christian one.

What you said about the resurrection of the flesh is great.

Fran Szarejko said...

While we rejoice in your father's going to be with Christ it is still a painful time for those who love him. May God comfort you in your time of grief and strengthen your faith.

The Blogger Formerly Known As Lvka said...

I'm sorry to hear that, John. Memory eternal! +

Martin Yee said...

Hi James,

My prayers and condolences are with you in the departing of your dad to be with the Lord.

Peace and comfort in the Gospel promise,
Martin Yee

Andrew said...

I know how you feel. As I grew up my grandfather was the most important male figure in my life. He was my father figure and He never let me forget about Jesus Christ. Even when I went through a rather dark rebellious phase; it was his gentle prodding that prevented me from forgetting altogether. He died almost a year ago; and although I know he is with The Lord I miss him greatly. So my prayers are with you and yours, Mr. Swan. My grandfather and I, and your father and you, all share in the same inheritance and we'll not be parted long.

John Bugay said...

James, I am praying for you and your family.

Rhology said...

May the Lord Jesus grant you His peace.

Christopher Lake said...

James, I am very sorry for your loss. May God bring you comfort, and may your father rest in the peace of the Lord.

Paul said...

Having lost my father just two months ago, your writing is especially poignant to me...as are your words of consolation.

my condolences to you and your family, James.

Peace.

Edward Reiss said...

My sincere condolences to you and your family. VDMA.

RJ Patten said...

James,
How wonderful is the assurance bought by Christ. Your work here shines a light on this.

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
'Til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

TheDen said...

James,

So sorry to hear about your dad. I know how tough it is. You and your family are in my prayers.

EA said...

James,

I am only finding out about your loss now.

Please accept my condolences and prayer that the memories of your parents are a blessing and foretaste of being reunited with them in Christ.

Peace