Facing Immortality

Facing Immortality



   

    One of my all time favorite hymns is “Because HE Lives” by Bill Gaither. The very words “Because HE lives, I can face tomorrow, Because HE lives all fear are gone. Because I know, HE holds the future and Life is worth the living, just because HE lives” have spoken to my heart and soul for many years. My very faith, not just in these words but also in the hope of immortal life came to a real test in December 2008 when I was diagnosed with cancer. As a nurse of many years I intellectually knew the seriousness of this diagnosis, that if left untreated eventually I would die. As a human, it brought to mind that I would not live forever on this earth and death could be coming soon. Was I really ready to face the question that every human being faces, what happens when we die, does a part of us really live forever and where? It hit me that every human being has to face this question of immortality and the reality that it does not come on earth.

      From the moment we are born, we are moving ever closer to our death. Science tells us that cells, of which we are comprised, are born and eventually die. Even with the best of maintenance and care we were not made to live forever in this earthly form. No human being has lived forever on this earth though many seek to do so. Medical Science even tries to help prolong life with artificial organs, transplants and machines that can replace body functions. Even with the best in these, one simply cannot live here forever.

    There are more questions than answers I’m afraid when it comes to immortality, life after death. The Bible speaks of it in very eloquent terms especially in the book of Revelations describing a new Heaven and a new earth in vivid detail. Jesus tells us that in His Fathers house are many mansions and He goes to prepare a place for us. In the Gospel of John Jesus describes Himself as “the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in ME though he were dead, yet shall he live and he who believes in ME will never die.” HE challenges us to believe it to believe in Jesus as the Son of God. It truly does take faith to believe in a place that no one has ever been to, nor has anyone come back from to tell us what it is like. When I found myself facing the possibility of death due to cancer, I needed to think on what Heaven would be like and what Jesus meant regarding the Resurrection.

    I have had many conversations with my loving husband about what Heaven will be like. I am afraid I have a vivid imagination regarding this! I told him that I could see streets of gold with many brilliantly colored mansions, rivers of crystal clear blue water, flowers in every shape and color 1000 times brighter than anything we see here on earth, angels in white robes flying everywhere. Closing my eyes, I could imagine walking down the golden streets of Heaven running into Beethoven, Sir Isaac Newton, and Abraham Lincoln and being able to talk to them about everything. To be able to ask God about how things work, why things happened and fully understanding Gods plan for our lives. I went so far as to tell my husband that we could fly to other stars and planets. It would be a beautiful place. We really don’t know what Heaven will be like but it sure is neat to think about. It gives me hope for the future.

    Does all this mean that I am prepared to die? The answer is both yes and no. I know that I have followed Jesus instruction and made HIM Lord and Savior of my life, thus there is a mansion prepared for me in Heaven and the thought of no more pain and suffering, being with HIM forever is awesome. So yes, I am ready for that. The human part of me though, wants to be here on earth a little while longer, to experience more happy times with my husband, see more of this beautiful earth and hopefully impact others for the Lord. So in that sense the answer is no. I do know that God is in control of my life, my time here on earth. That belief is more profound now since my cancer diagnosis.

    I have learned how precious time is. I want to make the most of it, of every day. So if I yell a little louder during a Steelers game, cry a little at the traditional Holiday shows or eat a little more than I should, I am just living in and enjoying the moment. It might be my last so I’m going to make it count! Cancer has changed my life forever. It has drawn me closer to God, my family and friends and has inspired me to reach out to others in ways I would have never had courage to do. I have explored new avenues in my life and hope to continue to do so in what time is allotted to me. I have even reached out to new friends.  Facing my mortality has reminded me that life here on earth and future immortality in Heaven is beautiful. I choose life! I pray you will too!