I guess it should have come as no surprise then, that my English lesson on leaving a legacy and writing your own epitaph made people uncomfortable. No, uncomfortable doesn't seem strong enough to describe the atmosphere. You would have thought that I had just announced that we were going to go out back and dig our own graves as a class project. The looks of confusion, horror, and "Are you serious?" abounded.
Of course I understood their concern (to an extent). After all, I used to avoid the topic myself. It wasn't as though I wasn't sympathetic to their plight. The assignment was simply to write what you want your legacy to be (in at least three sentences) and what you'd like as your epitaph. I read several examples of serious epitaphs (He was always a gentlemen) and several humorous examples (I told you I was sick).
I was expecting some humorous excerpts and maybe a few sweet ones. So I was surprised at the number of students that said/wrote "I don't know" or "I don't want to talk about this".
After finishing my last lesson of the day on this topic, I had time to reflect on my own past fears and the very real fears of those around me in the present.
Here are my thoughts:
It seems that there are two types of people in regard to death (and everything, really):
1. Those whose fear overcomes their faith.
2. Those whose faith overcomes their fear; even if that faith is a belief in something other than God.
As a Christian, I look to the Bible to give me wisdom on fear, faith, and death. Here are some examples:
Do you fear missing out on life (marriage, children, etc)? Find out what God has to say on the subject.
-Philippians 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
-I John 4:18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
-Matthew 6:27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single cubit to his life's span?
If you are a Christian, then whether you're dead or alive, you have Christ. He is sufficient for all your needs. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Do you fear the actual event of your death?
-Psalms 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
-Psalm 112:7 They will have no fear of bad news;
their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
If you are a Christian then you have nothing to fear because you have given the Lord control of your life.
Do you fear the unknown?
-Psalms 34:4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
he delivered me from all my fears.
-Proverbs 1:33 but whoever listens to me will live in safety
and be at ease, without fear of harm.”
and be at ease, without fear of harm.”
If you are a Christian then seek the Lord and trust that what He says is true.
I realize now that my fear of talking about death existed because my fear was greater than my faith. My fear overcame my faith in the One who brings life. I was focused on the singular event (death) or my feelings regarding death instead of the promise of life to come. Knowing that God is with me in life or death brings a peace that consistently surpasses my fears. I can't say that I don't fear anything or that I want to be put in a martyr's position. I can say that I know who my Redeemer is, no matter what life or death brings.
The truth is that life is only found in death. Death to selfish desires,thoughts, ideas, etc. allows God to create a new purpose in us which makes us feel more alive. Will you have the faith to put these things to death, or will you let fear win?
If you find death a difficult topic to discuss because of fear, I would challenge you to examine why that is.
After reading this post, I just know this is going to be a very impactful year.
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