Out of The Ashes

Volcano Flower - Mount Etna, Italy

Have you lost a loved one recently? It hurts. Death brings sadness into our lives, often at a point when it hurts the most. We miss the person that has left us SO much. It's only natural. But out of death can spring life - like a flower out of the ashes.

Two of my best friendships have been born out of death. One, the death of someone's mentor at work. The other was the death of someone's marriage.

There is an amazing thing that happens when we reach out to someone who is hurting. When we open our hearts up to share some of the burden that others are carrying, we draw closer to one another. Where once only superficial relationships existed, now deep, meaningful relationships bloom.

One of the blessings that can arise out of  a tragedy is how so many of our relationships are enhanced by all those who show us how much they care.  Perhaps our being in relative darkness that the light of others, and the light of Christ, can shone so brightly.

Why do jewelers show their diamonds on black clothes? It's because the darkness makes the light reflected by the diamonds seem so much brighter.

As we walk through this world we will encounter many hurting people. Let us shine the light of Christ in their lives so they can see, and even feel, what Jesus' love can do.

^"13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. ¹⁴ For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.

¹⁵ For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. ¹⁶ For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. ¹⁸ Therefore comfort one another with these words." - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Let Faith Arise - Chris Tomlin
Rise Above It - Switchfoot