Life is a gift, fragile and quite fleeting, and yet it is filled with so much purpose. Death though inevitable, often feels abrupt and harsh, leaving behind a trail of grief that each of us must figure out how to navigate. Recently, my family experienced this firsthand with the passing of my beloved Aunt Merilee. Her passing has left a void in all our hearts, but it also reminded me of the profound truths God has given us in His word about life, death, and the hope for eternity.
Aunt Merilee was very dear to us all. I cannot imagine the hurt and pain her children are all experiencing as they mourn her passing. She was one of the matriarchs of the family that exuded strength, bravery, pride, love, selflessness, and resilience. My aunt endured many hardships and challenges yet she persevered and never gave up. She also had many joyous moments in our life. Her family was always a source of pride and joy. She loved her children immensely. She was tough but loving and nurturing. She would work tirelessly to make sure her children had what they needed. Aunt Merilee never hesitated to be there to help out during any family crisis or celebration. Her generosity, kindness, and sacrifice have left an undeniable mark on everyone she encountered.
My relationship with my aunt was a special one. She would call me her adoptive daughter and we would joke that she was my real mom due to our similar features. This of course would upset my mom and my cousin but it was our thing, our special bond. It breaks my heart to know that she's no longer with us.
The Bible reminds us that our lives are but "a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14). Our time on earth is but a moment in the grander story of God's plan. It is important to remember that our time here is short. Our interactions with each other are but for a moment. Let's make them meaningful and ones that will last even after we are gone.
In the days following my aunt's passing, our hearts felt heavy with grief. When someone close to you passes, you can find yourself oscillating between memories you shared together, the laughter, the joy, and the pain of their absence. When my father passed, I went through waves of emotions. There were even moments I doubted he had passed and what kept me going was the memories and continuously reminding myself that he would want me to be happy.
There will be moments of stillness when the pain of losing your loved one hits you. Yet, in the stillness of those moments and in the pain of those moments, we are to remember that "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (Psalms 34:18). God is near. He is even more present in your brokenheartedness. He knows and understands how you feel. God wants us to draw close to Him during those painful times. As He draws close to us, will you draw close to His comforting embrace?
Grief is not linear. Some days, the pain feels unbearable and other days it is manageable. But through it all, I am learning to embrace both the sorrow and the joy. "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die." (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2). Death reminds us to cherish the life we've been given and to trust in God's timing. Grief has a way of humbling us, reminding us of our fragility, our humanity, and hopefully reminding us of God.
Aunt Merilee taught me about self-sacrifice, love, and the importance of family. In honor of her, my dad, Rodney, Uncle Rodrigue, and all the loved ones who have gone before us, let us live life more intentionally. Let us remember that we are here for a purpose and let us strive each day to live in it. Aunt Merilee touched so many people with her love and she will forever be in our hearts.
If you are grieving, I encourage you to lean into God's word and His presence. Allow yourself to feel the depth of your emotions, but also invite His peace into those tender spaces. Life, death, and grief are all part of the journey, but through it all, God remains faithful.
Rest in peace, Aunt Merilee. Until we meet again.
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." (Revelations 21:4).
God bless you!
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