Michael Allen, circa 1990-something. This is how I’ll probably always think of you, Friend. Rest in Peace.

This morning I got word that a good friend from high school passed away. I still don’t know the details, but I was compelled to write. This has become my thinking grounds: the place where I process my emotions and find healing, or at least peace to begin healing.

All I can think about is how thin that veil between life and death really is, and how none of us are immune. Interestingly, these are the same thoughts I was puzzling over just yesterday, as it was Ash Wednesday – ashes to ashes, dust to dust. As I have mentioned before, I like the way Ingrid Michaelson’s song Breakable explains it. We are so fragile.

But as someone who believes in the power of Jesus’ sacrifice, I cannot forget that death does not have to be the end of my story, or yours.

His resurrection conquered death and made a way for our spirits to be redeemed from death. Though our bodies will return to the dust, our spirits will some day be free from this earth, free from all bondage and affliction, if we accept His precious gift. “Oh Death, where is your sting? Oh Grave, where is your victory?” (I Cor. 15:55).  This is the HOPE that I have in Him. And I hope to see all my dear friends in His presence on the other side. I look forward to running with my brother Joe one day, and also hearing a “Sarah-my-girl!” from my precious friend Mike who left us just this week.

As always, hold your friends and family close, and never miss an opportunity to tell them you love them.

I love you, my dears.