Thursday, June 15, 2017
Dear Mary-&-Robert, Ann-&-John, William-&-Olivia, John-&-Lori, Family, Friends:
I was saddened to learn of the death of Thomas on May 18 2017. Please accept my deepest sympathy at your loss. It is sad to lose a loved one in death at any age, but hopefully at 86 years of age, and after such marvelous experiences in life, it can be said of Thomas what was said of Isaac at Genesis 25:39 "he died old and satisfied with days."
May I share some verses from the Bible that bring continuing comfort when we suffer the loss of a loved one?
First, it was never our Creator's purpose that anyone should die, ever! When He put Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, they had the prospect of endless life, in ageless bodies, in perfect health, on a perfect Earth (Genesis 1:28). Adam and Eve could have passed that life on to us, but they sinned and lost everything for themselves ... and us. (Romans 5:12)
Next, it comforted me and softened my feelings toward our Creator, Jehovah God, to learn that it is Satan who causes imperfection, aging, sicknesses like cancer, and death -- not God (Hebrews 2:14).
Finally, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, are our guarantees that this Earth will yet be a peaceful, global paradise and that Thomas will be resurrected to enjoy it. Remember Jesus' words at John 5:28-29a and John 11:25: "I am the resurrection and the life," and "all those in the memorial tombs ... will be resurrected." Until then Thomas, Rest In Peace.
May you have comfort and peace from these promises until the day when you can be reunited with a young (Job 33:25) and healthy (Isaiah 33:24) Thomas.
With deepest sympathy and genuine respect,
Harolyne Grant
PO Box 11311
Honolulu HI 96828-0311
papernpencil@aol.com
