Today’s scripture: Isaiah 61 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Terri Brown):
Each time I read Isaiah 61 I am struck by verse 3. Mourning is discussed, which to me would be a sad event. But instead of heavy laden grief and the dense sorrow which is conveyed in many chapters of the Bible in the Old Testament, this verse refers to the practice of rejoicing as the we pass from this stage of life to a new one. The references in this one verse points exactly to my belief that when I die, there is to be a celebration of my life. I know of others join me in this approach and have made plans accordingly.
To me, so many funerals have been too somber. I recently lost a client who had become very close to me in her last year. She chose not to engage in any life-saving efforts or chemo treatments for her cancer. When it was discovered, it had already spread to far. Her family initially had difficulty with the decision and wanted to continue all life-saving efforts. Eventually, they also realized that any treatments and extension of her life would be for them, not for her.
A few years before she had already set aside a plan for pre-burial. She paid a small bit of her disability fund monthly into a trust. When she passed away, it was paid up enough be considered paid in full. It was her desire to make sure her family did not have to worry about any funeral expenses. This was her way of making the experience more pleasant.
As family members sat around her room once she was moved to hospice, many stories were told which brought great laughter. Everyone knew this was the way she would have wanted it.
She was a comic in life and her antics brought so much laughter. She told me stories where her co-workers would go behind closed doors with stifled giggles in order to let out a big laugh to not disrupt the office. This was a gift she brought where ever she went. Some of her good humored statements just ended with a smile which had to be returned in kind.
I continue to think of her often and how she touched my life with joy and sorrow. But I mostly remember the laughter and grins. I often looked forward to times spent with her because I never knew what to expect. She often shared her appreciation of my place in her life. This made the difficult times satisfying, and there were many for her. Now I celebrate her life and consider her a whimsical angel, exchanging witty comments with my equally entertaining Dad in heaven.
I know a song which best conveys the message of this verse. The song has been sung by several artists, but the version I like is by Crystal Lewis. Years ago I sang it before the church because it is so meaningful. It is perfectly titled, “Beauty for Ashes.”
When you have time, use the link below to listen to the song. The lyrics are printed on the video so you can appreciate the words. Use this as a time to reflect today on what God gives us to help us deal with rough times and some of the negative moments of our lives. We do not replace the mourning, despair or suffering, but it helps us to move from one place to another. God gives us Gladness for Mourning and Peace for Despair. We can chose the time and the place to handle this.
Thought for the day: Listen to and contemplate on the words to the song.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.