Times like this polarize people. Everyone who knows what’s happened will respond in some way. Whether it is grief, or joy, shame or love, hope or hopelessness, anything... we see them all. And they are all valid, as are the condolences, the arguments for and against; those are real questions. What is this life anyway?
These reactions are striking to me. I am an outsider in this—I did not know her long or well, but I do know those who did. For a few, her death shakes their very foundations; some may even crumble. For others, their reactions will pass. The significant difference being how much is invested and where the remainder of their hope lies.
Hope is a tricky thing though. A phrase that keeps coming into my mind is, “You win some and you lose some.” A portion of me has been wondering about the purpose behind this—why the loss now? It never makes sense for someone so young to be cut off. What could she have done with the rest of her life?
But that is not it at all. For starters—this is not a loss. I firmly believe that, especially now. Today at the reunion I heard story after story of how Jess was a light to so many people. Each of them saw her joy and love, that she truly “lived life to the full,” and so many knew that it was based in a love for Jesus.
John 3:16, one of the most commonly known verses says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Jess loves Jesus because of her belief in Him and because of His power over the grave. She had no fear of life because she knew that life was her gift from the Father who gave everything to ensure it.
This is no true loss. For a time, this will sear her family and closest friends, but Christ the good doctor can repair the damage. It may, however, take a lifetime.
These few are the true victims. Her family can never fill that spot again, and her friends have also lost so much. Their recovery will take time, friends, and God.
Jess was not perfect—she struggled as well, falling some and succeeding some—but she lived well. Complaining that she had so much left, in the end, just discounts the time she did have here. God has his timing set, and works through everything that happens to us. I am full of joy for how much I did know Jess and for what she meant to so many of you, and sorrow for how little I knew her and for what her loss leaves you with, but overall I have hope and excitement for how much more you and I will know her in eternity!
I sincerely hope that these words can help—death takes its toll on us all, even while we still live. I believe fully that God uses times like this for absolute good, but we are definitely not going to understand that right away. Seek the great Counselor for comfort first (John 14:26) and try with all your heart to trust God through this. He really, truly, knows what he is doing.
Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will comet o him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:23-27).
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