Another First!

By Pastor Jeff,

This past Fathers day was another first that I hoped I would never have to be part of the ever growing group of parents that have lost a loved one. My eldest son Jeff passed away September 28th, 2017 and I never realized that I would then be part of this group. As result our family will forever have an anniversary date that we would gladly trade for a day much happier. We also have to endure holidays, birthdays, family events without the pleasure of seeing and hearing him laugh or make a stupid joke.

My heart goes out to any parent that has had to bury one of their precious children for any kind of reason. In my conversation with some I realize that the heartache will always be there and in a way I’m glad for that. He or she was a part of your life and I can’t count the hours that were invested in raising up your child. We shouldn’t just cast it aside with the old saying, “time heals all wounds”, some wounds always leave scars that can be clearly seen.

I’m forever grateful to have friends that pray and support me, but they cannot nor do I wish that they can fully understand the pain the lost of a child no matter how they were.

I do and never have lost my faith in this ordeal, if anything my relationship with Jesus has grown stronger as He continues to remind me that He loves me, John 3:16-17, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” I love my son that much as well as any of my children that I would gladly do the same in that I would lay down my life as well.

Jesus was God’s first and only begotten, but He loved us so much that He gave His own life that we are not bound to this sinful and dying world for we have this promise, John 14:1-3, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” Jesus Christ is my comforter and though I have more first coming as my birthday, the anniversary of his death, I know I’m not alone and will give Jesus all my heart, soul, mind and strength!

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