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I was browsing the web and came across this video by Wintley Phipps. “Go Down Death!” It moved me a little so I felt compelled to share it with all of you:

For those of us who have ever lost anyone, the holiday’s can be a time of happiness as well as sorrow. This past Father’s Day was especially sad for me because I was mourning my father as well as my young daughter.

The upcoming July 4th weekend will be just as difficult. I plan to spend it, as most of you, with my friends and family. We will no doubt reminisce on things past and our thoughts will invariably converge on the memory of those gone to be with the Lord.

While it has been three years since I lost my daughter, and six since I lost my father, their memories and deaths are as fresh to me as if it were yesterday that I last talked to them.However, while I may mourn them both, I do not forget that God’s plan was fulfilled in regards to both of their lives.

 My daughter’s life inspired, touched, and convicted those she came in contact with during her short life. Her body wasn’t healthy. She couldn’t walk or talk, yet was able to testify to God’s Glory with her laughter, her touch, her eyes and with her smile. Many of us have healthy bodies and physically we can do anything, yet we find it difficult to do those few simple things my daughter was able to do. Who’s really the sick one?

My father, a minister, lived the life of Job that other ministers can only preach about. And as the old folks say, “He never said a mumblin’ word. He lived the life that he preached. He was father to more than just his biological children. He adopted the entire community…the state.  This actually became a point of contention between my Father and I. I didn’t realize what I had until it was gone. I have often said that if “I can be half of the man that my father was, then I’ll be a greater man than most others I see.” If there ever was a “perfect” man not named Jesus, my father would have been He.

(Wow that rhymed, I might need to make that into a song)

Both my Father and my Daughter died in the hospital after battling severe illnesses. My daughter took her last breaths in the arms of my wife, while my mother was with my father for his last moments. There is no doubt in my mind that both them were aware of what was happening before they passed. My father even prepared my mother a week before it happened. He already knew. There is also no doubt in my mind, where these two are now. I often imagine my daughter in heaven being bounced around on her Granddaddy’s knee with both of them smiling from ear to ear and their laughter filling the air.

This holiday, please remember those who have lost someone close to them. Give them some words of encouragement over the holiday if you can. The flowers you may have given have long since withered away and sometimes a pat on the back, an encouraging word or an understanding smile can mean so much more.

KDogg