R.I.P so has been the norm. It has been the norm of many that when one loses a friend, or a close relative and puts a post on a fb, we now R.I.P and thus remains the in thing. I think the bereaved family of this loss needs more than just R.I.P. The presence of consolation. I recently attended a burial ceremony of a friend of mine... the speaker of the day spoke and emphasized much on the importance of togetherness and the presence of a person in times of need. John 11:19-23 And many of the Jews had joined the women around Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. Now Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in the house. Now Martha said to Jesus, Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you Jesus said to her, Your brother will rise again. The emphasis of this verse was based on the need to console, COMFORT and being there for people. It was consoling for Martha and Mary when the Jews came to be with them other than sending R.I.P. It was also consoling for them to see Jesus come and though grieve with them but to give them the assurance of their brother living again. As much as we tend to occupy our times so much with events that take us away from family, friends etc. we cannot avoid the fact that we need these people at one point or another. I remember the speaker mentioning that a person who does not have friends has a problem. That we cannot live without friends who are there for us and whom we are there for them in all times of life. The presence of the Jews during Martha and Marys time showed friendship was essential in all times. Once there was a story that was told of a man whom, every time he was told of fund raising and was invited all he could give was an envelope with the cash or a card. When he was told of a friend who was bereaved, he could still give an envelop with cash or a card of condolences. He did this for quite some time. Time came when he got into a situation where he lost a relative. Well, he started contacting friends and relatives. It was shocking that these friends and relatives kept a record of his doing and when that time came. The called to each other and said, Well, we are sorry to learn of the situation our brother has landed in, so how do we help? They gathered money well and put in a big envelop and send to him through one person. When he saw the envelop and no body was coming he asked what had happened and he was answered in the same manner you have been sending envelopes when called upon for a function so in the same manner these friends had to help you that way. The guy was torn in his spirit and learned why it is necessary to be there for beloved ones when called upon. We have had of the Golden Rule DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE OTHERS DO UNTO YOU? We need to look into our hearts. We recall of the old golden days when there was a ceremony or a burial just how people would flock for the function and support their friends. Yet in those days transport was an issue due to poor road infrastructure. There was no good communication because there was no mobile phones, neither were there things like TV or the so called internet but yet, a message was passed and the flow of people was tremendous. Right now we have good roads, vehicles plying 24-7, even flights etc but the norm is R.I.P or CONGRATULATIONS. Friends if we are in the vicinity whereby we can be of reach to whatever function taking place, lets stop killing our roots. ENJOY YOUR DAY
Posted on: Wed, 30 Oct 2013 06:54:54 +0000
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