October 1, 2009
Dear Family and Friends,
Bertrand Russell, known as the greatest mind of the 20th century, said this on his deathbed, “There is darkness
without, and when I die there will be darkness within. There is no splendor; only triviality for a moment, and then
nothing.” St. Paul was the greatest mind of the 1st century. Anticipating his death this is what he said, “To me, to live
is Christ and to die is gain… I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far” (Phil. 1:21, 23). Two famous
men, one did not know God, the other did. When it came to their views of death, knowing God made all the
difference. And so did contemplating what’s on the other side of that doorway called death.
This is the difference I again experienced yesterday. As Ruth and I walked into the lovely little chapel in Oakdale
Memorial Park, we found ourselves in a company of several friends from church: Catherine, Janis, Lanita, and
Margie. Many others, family and friends, were talking quietly but pleasantly as we gathered for the memorial service
for our beloved sister Pat Nicklin’s brother Danny Lee Lunsford. When the time came, the officiator had to raise her
voice, end all the conversations which were in good spirits and cheerfulness, and call attention to begin the service.
As a Chinese, I was amazed by the merry spirit and cheerfulness in the midst of a sense of hearty grief and sorrow.
Russell often reminds me of the many Chinese funerals and memorials I have attended. Ours are often characterized
by an overwhelming sense of loss, sadness, and a gloomy lamentation. Once in a while, you may come across an
outburst tears and wailing cry. For a rather reserved and indirect people, such a public display of emotions and
feelings is dramatic. A deeply embedded nihilism even casts shadow on Christian religious piety, moral values, and
one’s outlook on life…
“There are many rooms in my Father’s home, and I am going to prepare a place for you…” Like angelic voices from
Heaven, Pat and Diane’s beautiful singing drew me back from my cultural detour and the service began. As a
community, we had prayed for Dan Sunday after Sunday for months. This is a message from him to us all on his little
card: “By happy that we had many years. I thank you for your love you each have shown. But it is time I traveled
alone. So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must. Then let your grief be comfort by trust. It’s only for a little while
we must part. So bless the memories within your heart. I won’t be far away, for life goes on.”
My beloved, this is our trust: life goes on and we fear not. For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken
down – when we die and leave these bodies – we will have a home in Heaven (2 Cor. 5:1). There is a lot of
splendor. Heaven is our certain hope. So let us set our sights on the realities of Heaven, where Christ sits at God’s
right hand… Let Heaven fill your thoughts (Col. 3:1-2). As we mourn and cherish the many memories, may we live
today with the perspective that will be ours. When our time comes, our beloved one will greet us with a smile at the
gate and a “Welcome Home.”
In God’s grace,
Pastor Frank
Dear Family and Friends,
Bertrand Russell, known as the greatest mind of the 20th century, said this on his deathbed, “There is darkness
without, and when I die there will be darkness within. There is no splendor; only triviality for a moment, and then
nothing.” St. Paul was the greatest mind of the 1st century. Anticipating his death this is what he said, “To me, to live
is Christ and to die is gain… I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far” (Phil. 1:21, 23). Two famous
men, one did not know God, the other did. When it came to their views of death, knowing God made all the
difference. And so did contemplating what’s on the other side of that doorway called death.
This is the difference I again experienced yesterday. As Ruth and I walked into the lovely little chapel in Oakdale
Memorial Park, we found ourselves in a company of several friends from church: Catherine, Janis, Lanita, and
Margie. Many others, family and friends, were talking quietly but pleasantly as we gathered for the memorial service
for our beloved sister Pat Nicklin’s brother Danny Lee Lunsford. When the time came, the officiator had to raise her
voice, end all the conversations which were in good spirits and cheerfulness, and call attention to begin the service.
As a Chinese, I was amazed by the merry spirit and cheerfulness in the midst of a sense of hearty grief and sorrow.
Russell often reminds me of the many Chinese funerals and memorials I have attended. Ours are often characterized
by an overwhelming sense of loss, sadness, and a gloomy lamentation. Once in a while, you may come across an
outburst tears and wailing cry. For a rather reserved and indirect people, such a public display of emotions and
feelings is dramatic. A deeply embedded nihilism even casts shadow on Christian religious piety, moral values, and
one’s outlook on life…
“There are many rooms in my Father’s home, and I am going to prepare a place for you…” Like angelic voices from
Heaven, Pat and Diane’s beautiful singing drew me back from my cultural detour and the service began. As a
community, we had prayed for Dan Sunday after Sunday for months. This is a message from him to us all on his little
card: “By happy that we had many years. I thank you for your love you each have shown. But it is time I traveled
alone. So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must. Then let your grief be comfort by trust. It’s only for a little while
we must part. So bless the memories within your heart. I won’t be far away, for life goes on.”
My beloved, this is our trust: life goes on and we fear not. For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken
down – when we die and leave these bodies – we will have a home in Heaven (2 Cor. 5:1). There is a lot of
splendor. Heaven is our certain hope. So let us set our sights on the realities of Heaven, where Christ sits at God’s
right hand… Let Heaven fill your thoughts (Col. 3:1-2). As we mourn and cherish the many memories, may we live
today with the perspective that will be ours. When our time comes, our beloved one will greet us with a smile at the
gate and a “Welcome Home.”
In God’s grace,
Pastor Frank
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| Columns Section: 世紀網站專欄區 世纪网站专栏区: 008-002 王浩 專欄 王浩 专栏 Pastor Frank Wang Column 作者：王浩 王浩 Pastor Frank Wang Frank's Monthly Pastoral: 2009 October |
