The Love of a Father

If there is one thing we are guaranteed in life, it is that at some point we will all experience death. Death is inescapable.  Yet the loss of a close friend or family member always showers us with an overwhelming amount of emotions.  In my college group at church this past Sunday we discussed the ways of grieving which, coincidentally, connects with my previous blog. There are three ways to grieve over a loss: (1) Intellectually, (2) Emotionally, and (3) Supernaturally (Spiritually). Whether a person grieves intellectually, emotionally, supernaturally or a combination of the three, it is important that we grieve. Grieving for a loved one helps us cope and heal. The intense, heart-breaking anguish indicates that a deep connection has been severed. Without a doubt, grieving is painful, but it is also necessary.

In the last chapters of the novel “Peace Like a River” I was confused and saddened by the death of Jeremiah Land. When Dr. Nickles says, “Your father should not have died, Reuben, Did you know that?” I began thinking back on the foreshadowing of this event.  On page 261 Jeremiah tells Rueben “I would take your place, son” as Rueben is suffering with asthma. I am in awe of the love Jeremiah has for his son. Jeremiah is seen as a Christ-like figure in this novel. This led me reflect and question: What kind of love is it that a father would lay down his life for his son?

This event is symbolic of the fact that God loves each one of us so much that he gave his son Jesus Christ so that we may have eternal life.  After all, God is Love. Do we as Christians show that same love towards others?

As I began reflecting more on Reuben, I noted that on page 299 it says that as he  “shut [his] eyes, the old morte settled its grip..”. The word morte means death in Portuguese. In the chapter “Be Jubilant, My Feet” Dad and Reuben found themselves looking at heaven from a distance. Jeremiah gave up his life for Reuben and as “the current got him” he drifted off with laugher and in song.  What a joyous moment that must have been!

Often times it is hard to deal with death without being angry or bitter at God and asking “Why God?”. I feel that this experience of viewing heaven from afar helped Rueben with acceptance and brought him joy to see that his dad was happy and with the Lord.  We may not be able to ‘view’ heaven, but I feel that prayer and God’s word can give us that same sense of peace by knowing our loved one is in a better place. This release can also help one move on within ones own life. Going forward doesn’t mean forgetting about the loved one who died. Enjoying life again doesn’t imply that the person is no longer missed. It simply means that your grief has run its course.

God’s word provides some uplifting words of encouragement for those whose loved ones passed away. The bible shows us that God’s view of death is much different than ours is. As Christians we should challenge ourselves to be up lifters also and to provide encouragement and comfort to others suffering with the loss of a loved one. Ask yourself: When you experience the loss of a loved one, do you rejoice and praise God for that person’s life? Or do you get angry and lose hope? Like I mentioned previously, grieving is good, it is a part of life, but what you reflect on and think about should be positive not condescending towards God. This is a challenge for me; I hope it helps you to reflect on your own actions as well.