Gone But Never Forgotten

Well, I just returned from a week long camping trip to Gettysburg. This was Gettysburgs Bike Week but we always extend our trip beyond the scheduled activities.  I had the pleasure of sharing this week with 23 members of the Mountain Riders, our church motorcycle ministry.  16 Bikes roared the glory of God through Gettysburg Battlefield and beyond. 

I am always filled with awe at the sacrafice made on this battlefield; the lives lost and the blood shed for the freedoms we have today and this Battlefield is a wonderful memorial for those who fought.

While we had a wonderful time of riding and fellowship with tons of laughs, our hearts were broken when we learned that one of our dear brothers in the Mountain Riders, Ed Rogers, had been in a severe motorcycle accident on Saturday afternoon and was in critical condition at Maryland Shock Trauma.  Immediately, we gathered in prayer and selfishly asked God to put Ed back together but reluctantly conceded that it would be God's will whatever happened.  Like worker bees we went to work notifying members of our group and doing what FAMILY does, offering support and love. Sadly, God decided He needed a biker angel and took our friend home to heaven on Monday afternoon. 

Ed's smile was amazing and he always knew how to make you laugh. Ed knew the Lord and was always a humble servant. Although we know that Ed is riding a golden Harley on the streets of Heaven and that Jesus welcomed him with open arms, our loss is no less easier.  We try to figure out why? Why would God take someone in such a senseless act? The questions can keep us running in circles with no answer to be found. 


I know that God has predestined when we will leave this earthly life and that this body is only temporary. "We know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands." 2 Corinthians 5:1 But I still ask why? It still makes me angry that death would impose itself in such a vicicious way! Death in any circumstance is an unwanted intruder and I find myself almost confronting God with my questions. But instead of resenting my questions and turning a deaf ear to my cries, God welcomes them.  Why? Because if I am crying out to him in my pain and anger, then I am communicating with Him.  He can then turn my pain and suffering into strength and make His presence known.
Jesus promises, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Matthew 5:4


We mourn out of our selfishness and that is okay. It's okay to want to keep our friends and loved ones forever, but we are to mourn for only a little while, because in Christ Jesus, we will be alive with them again.
1 Corinthians 15:51-53 tells us: "Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed- in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed."

 I cling to the promise God revealed to the apostle John who wrote the book of Revelation:
"I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men and he will live with them. They will be His people, and God Hismself will be with them and He will be their God.  He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:3-4

So friends, mourn for we must, but rejoice that God's promises to those who love Him are infalliable. We will cry when we say goodbye but will smile when we say, see you later.
Rest peacefully in the arms of your Lord, Ed. :o) see you later.

Until next time,
Cat