In Times of Sadness

This past week has been embraced in sorrow. Sorrow in the loss of a wonderful friend and great man who will be greatly missed here on this Earth. We do however rejoice in the Sovereignty of our Lord, remembering His great promise that death is not the end but the freeing of our earthly bodies in exchange for our heavenly ones, perfect and free from the flaws of this world.

For the first time ever, I have to say goodbye to a friend I held very dear to me. I have been wrought with emotion. I know my friend's pain has ended and he is now being embraced by The Mighty God, but it is difficult to grasp the reasons, and the timing, that God chooses to call His children home. The 'untimeliness' (in our earthly opinion) also brings to the forefront of my mind James 4:14, "...whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away."

I always find it fascinating that God decides how and when to reveal our weakness and in turn display His Glory, turning the darkness to light and ultimately back to Him. I sat in church on Sunday and was overwhelmed by the references of death and life that were touched on; that service was directed towards me. Life is just beginning at our death; we go on to meet our Savior, the Prince of Peace, at the gates of His glory and finally revel in the grace and love that we were designed for...for eternity. What a gift. What a testimony to the greatness of our God.

In the words I heard on Sunday, I was moved. Grieve for the loss of the presence of a great friend, a wonderful man, a heart that touched many but rejoice in His grace, in His forgiveness, and in His promise of eternal life.

Brandon's Celebration of Life Ceremony was amazing, over 800 people were there. The church had to send people to the sanctuary overflow! Bubba made a HUGE impact on this earth, to everyone he came in contact with. Again, everything God touches turns to Glorify Him.

Brandon 'Bubba' Brooke, you were a blessing in the lives of so many and it's no wonder God wanted you home sooner; I am sure He missed you in Heaven for the 28 years you were here on the earth with us.

With love.