The Lamb Slain

I know the Man who holds the keys to death. The Lamb Slain.

The scripture tells us that death has no sting. I believe this. But...there is a definite sorrow in being the one left behind when someone you love is in the valley of the shadow.

Recent weeks have brought me once again to this place. I have been an observer to two dear people who are in the process of dying. Leaving this planet and flying to Eternity. It is not pleasant for my friend Susan or my brother Michael. Standing alongside feeling so helpless to lift their suffering leaves me without words.

This evening I went to the hospital to visit as I have been doing for the last two weeks. My observations as I walked the halls consisted of some family members of another patient dressing in 'sterile gowns' before entering a room.
An elderly gentleman with a breathing tube in his trachea gasping for the gift of a breath.
My neighbor Susan , appearing small and shrunken under a soft blanket, finally resting from her pain.
Upon entering my brothers room where there were three other elderly men, sleeping, they all appeared already dead.

I turned and walked away down the hallway looking to Jesus. So much suffering. The hospital is a place of sickness, disease, dying and sad lonely humans . I won't dwell on the fact that every Thursday babies are killed for someone else's convenience one floor below.

The nurses are facing their own crisis of job loss due to the 'shaking of everything that can be shaken.' Still most of these ladies do an admirable job of ministering to people like Susan and my brother.

As I stood thinking and praying, I had to remember that Jesus has already paid for the healing and salvation of every soul in that place. Perhaps in the unseen realm there are many angels standing by to escort our dear ones the rest of the way.

For my brother and my friend, there will be great joy in heaven when they fly free of their sorrow and suffering. For me...I think I must look kind of stunned with a feeling of grief and frustration , waiting, waiting, waiting.

The Lamb slain....helping me carry the burden and helping me see with a heart of compassion as I walk this path with Him and those He has given me in the journey, to love and embrace in this valley that is ONLY A SHADOW.