Question #1: How do you speak of your death? Jesus did not experience the aging process, but he faced death. From his prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane and several discussions with his disciples, it is apparent that he knew the hour and details of his coming crucifixion. Surprisingly, Jesus does not speak of death [...]
Usually, we visualize THE FINISH LINE as a place, a strip of paint across the track, a physical destination we strive to reach and crossover. For Heritage of Hope, THE FINISH LINE represents a delineation between our mortal lives and our eternal lives. In John 14, Jesus told the disciples he was going on [...]
#1 MAKE YOUR WISHES KNOWN: My mother’s passing was particularly sweet because we knew what she wanted. As Mom declined, she had discussed her death with her doctor and her options. She then made her preferences known to us. The hospital staff was very kind to all of us as they administered Comfort Measures Only. [...]
1. Give Permission To Talk About The End Of This Life. Our emotional needs are not served when we remain silent about death in our close relationships. Too often, the person who is dying avoids scaring his loved ones by not sharing his heart until the very last moment. Accordingly, the family doesn’t know if [...]
Eleven family members sat quietly awaiting the arrival of the funeral director. We were quiet, but tense. My father-in-law had been ill for some time, yet his death was sudden and caught us unprepared. His six capable, adult children suspended grief in their efforts to be responsible, helpful to their mother, and honoring to their [...]
