Finish line

You might think this book is about death, but actually, it is all about living.
How we view the end of life greatly determines how we live it while we are here. The runner who looks forward to the finish line has a clear view of the race ahead. He will not get distracted from his goal. Like a focused runner, we need to know where we are headed through this life so that we can live it to the fullest.
God’s word uses the metaphor of a race to encourage us on our journey of faith. But before we can grasp the life-giving truths behind this metaphor, we need to face the reality of death, preparing our minds to think clearly and our hearts to embrace God’s purpose for our lives.

Death has been called the great leveler. No matter our background, perceived strength or influence, each one of us will have to face death sooner or later. With such a certainty before us, it seems of utmost importance to prepare ourselves for this inevitable experience. Each one of us will die. Taking the time to consider this may help settle our minds and hearts when we face the passage of those near to us as well.
There are no easy answers to death, but there are answers. We just need to know when to seek them, and ask for the grace to understand and accept them. This takes time, but it will come if we wait in faith, trusting our Father to give us the good gifts we need.
The first part of this book is mostly a collection of memories. Most of the stories are reflections on the passing of an individual I knew. I have changed the names and a few of the details to be sensitive to those who know one of the people.
In each account, I have tried to accurately relate the person I knew and the events surrounding their passage from this life to the next. After each story, you will read a brief explanation from scripture regarding death...and life.
In the final chapters, I explore some difficult issues such as the passing of children. I do not offer commonly used words of comfort in the face of such tragedy. Grieving in silence alongside them is the better part of wisdom. But, eventually, truth must also be considered, even in these cases. There are answers to these deep, disturbing questions as well. The difference is that we, as people, can understand the truth regarding the questions, but only God can know how the answer applies. The answers do not change because He and His truth do not change. But only He can know the heart of each person involved.
At the end of the day, we need help facing death, whether it comes ＂naturally＂, suddenly or through a long, painful struggle.
If we respond rightly to God’s offer of life in Christ, we can rest assured that He will be with us in our passage from this life to the next.