I was thinking about my sister-in-law having passed away two years ago on October 3^rd, 2019.  My good friend and Bible Study teacher, Mary Jane, died in an automobile accident the same day in 2020.  As I grieved my loss, I also remembered them fondly. I was anticipating seeing my step-daughter and new granddaughter for the first time that afternoon.  What a paradox, experiencing the pain of loss and the joy of a new birth at the same time.

The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, a familiar phrase I learned in childhood, came to mind.  With the passing of loved ones, there is always someone born on that same day.  It’s the cycle of life, as they say.  Dust to dust.  God created my granddaughter in my step-daughter’s womb.  He knew the day she would be born and he knows the day she will die.  In Ecclestiastes 3:2, there is “A time to be born, and a time to die…”

It was a bittersweet day, full of sadness and grief, and yet full of excitement and anticipation.

But it doesn’t end there.  When I die, I will see my loved ones again in Heaven.  We will embrace in Paradise.   First, I will see Jesus Christ, who gave me new life when I accepted Him as my Savior.  It was because He died for my sins and rose again that my soul will live with God eternally.  He died for me while I was yet a sinner, so that I might live. 

Jesus, while I am on this Earth, I pray I can be used by your Holy Spirit to bring others into a new life knowing you as their Savior.  Then your death on the cross for me will not be in vain.  The cycle of life will not be broken.  Amen.

Bible Verses

The phrase “dust to dust, ashes to ashes” is often referred to in graveside services at a funeral.  It is referred to in the Bible in Genesis 3:19, “By the sweat of your brow, you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.” NIV

Ecclesiastes 3:20 NIV – “All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return.”

Paul talks about our reuniting with those who sleep in Jesus, in I Thessalonians 4:13-14 NIV, “Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.  For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him.”

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My quest is to be a free-lance writer. This has been my dream for many years, and now I believe it is the right time. God’s timing is perfect. I would like to write about social issues pertaining to poverty, domestic violence, the criminal justice system, religious education and other human interest topics. My past work experience included grant writing, writing issue papers, newsletters, creating flyers, brochures, news releases, and public service announcements. My business experience gave me skills in writing business plans, consignment contracts, newspaper articles, content for social media marketing and ads in a weekly paper. My purpose is to serve God and glorify Him through my work. View all posts by barbaraziogasgmailcom