Facing Death

Sister Lou Whipple
When one reaches 80 or 90, it is normal to think about one's impending death. At 50, it is usually the farthest thing from one's mind. And yet, when one has a terminal illness, one cannot escape it. We just experienced the death of a 50-year-old sister in my community. It seemed unfair, unbelievable, and yet she faced it with courage and peace.

We have so many sisters in their 90's and one over a 100. Why did not God take them? They are ready, they have been waiting and praying for death. This sister could have had many more productive years. This is one of the hardest things to understand.

Yet as Christians we believe that we are destined for an eternal home where there will be no more suffering, no more tears, no more disappointments, but only joy and happiness. We will be reunited with all those we loved on earth and continue to discover more and more of God's wondrous mysteries. God wants to give us everything we've longed for, especially perfect love that never ends.

It is good to be reminded that this life is temporary, that God wants to give us something better, that he is never outdone in generosity. Still we grieve our loss, we grieve for her family and friends. We will miss her brilliant smile and her presence among us. .



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