A Year Since...

My friend Perry died last year - July 5.

Unexpectedly.

Unnecessarily.

Unresolvedly.

Today would have been his birthday. Facebook reminder - weird. Such is the world we live in now.

My post from a year ago no longer plays the song that helped me mourn because the soulless music corporation that owns the copyright is now blocking the video. Thanks for nothing Sony.

It still hurts.

Perry was a man of deep faith in Jesus Christ. I'm supposed to be, too. But it still hurts. And my pain is nothing, I'm sure, compared to what his wife and daughters feel today.

Faith is belief in what we cannot see. I have faith in God's plan. But I can't see it. Maybe one day.

But not today.

Today I see the hole left by my friend's absence. But I don't believe in the hole even though I see it and feel it. The feelings are real. But the truth is stronger. One day it will make me stronger.

Jesus said,
"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:20b

Jesus is here, but so is the hole. Jesus makes it bearable.

Shalom my Brother, Perry.

Theme Song for This Week

I'm Still Breathing

Just a note to say life has been busy. We are grandparents. We will soon be permanent "empty-nesters". We are seeking new directions. We are dealing with old issues. All is change. Christ is constant. 50 is nearly upon me. Goals, dreams and aspirations remain doggedly fixed upon the horizon. Life has been - very "life-like" of late. I cannot be any more specific.

Shalom