Ultimately, with every new life, there is a promise of death. This is fact.
But when a life is cut short, when that inevitable end comes sooner than expected, that's when we lose our grasp. There's no official guide that explains God's reasoning or His timing. Regardless of age or health, regardless of what state of life we're in, we can never truly be certain of how much time we have left.
As a Christian, I believe God can and will use the worst of situations to do wonderful, even beautiful things. However, until I meet my Maker face to face, I will never comprehend the purpose of a life cut short. In those situations, the best we can do is pray. We can pray that God gives the family peace, comforts them in their mourning, but beyond that, we're powerless. Some argue that it's not right to question God, but sometimes, it's inevitable. Sometimes, that one word is all that we think about, consuming us and forcing it's way through our lips, "Why?"
Sometimes, we spend long nights on our knees repeating that simple, unavoidable question.
But in the end, it's not always our place to know God's plan. That's what faith is for. Only through faith can we rest assured that He is in control, He does have a reason, and it is for the best, even if it doesn't always seem that way.
Faith, while fragile, is the structure that we must frame our lives with. Despite every obstacle, every tragedy we face, faith keeps us in check. Knowing there's a God who does, in fact, love us reassures us in the hardest of times. Though the tears may come and disfigure the path, blur our vision, God is there to pick us up, dust us off, and show us that the peace He brings surpasses anything this life can throw at us. Faith stirs within us something not everyone can claim.
Hope.
Hope which sprouts joy in the midst of our sorrow and pain. Joy that while a life was ended here on this earth, life has begun anew with the Creator, a perfect life devoid of physical pain and heartache, a life that can never be lost.
I love you Popaw, and I'm praying for you and your family. Hold tight to the memories you have of your precious sister, and take heart in the wonderful truth that, one day, you will see her again.
