| Living in the Promise: Grief, Hope, and Life Everlasting I am grieving with you. We’ve just lost two more friends at Resurrection, right on the heels of losing a beautiful soul in January, Susan Broussard. I had the sacred honor of sitting with one of these souls as they took their final breaths. In those quiet, holy moments, I felt the veil between heaven and earth grow thin. There was grief, yes—but also a deep, unshakable peace. I was holding the hand of God at that moment. I felt God in her heartbeat and as others sang beautiful Gospel songs. “Midnight Cry” by our very own Forever Blest. And the room sang “Total Praise.” The full circle of life was revealed to me once again. We know that loss is never easy. Whether sudden or expected, it rips something from us. But it also invites us into something deeper—a sacred space where memory, love, and hope intertwine. And in that space, we hold on to the promise that death is not the final word. Jesus says in the Gospel of John 14:2-3 (inclusive language): “In my Abba’s house there are many dwelling places… I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, you may be also.” Say “Hallelujah” with me! That promise—of reunion, of belonging, of eternal life with Jesus—is where our hope is rooted. We do not grieve like those who have no hope; we grieve as those who know the story continues. We may not know the day or the hour, but we do know the truth: There will be a time when we are reunited. Whole. Healed. Home. So how do we live now, in this space between loss and reunion? We live in hope. We tell their stories. We carry their values. We plant something in their name. We sing the songs they loved. We show up for the people and causes they cherished. We do not let despair settle in, because our hearts know a greater truth—that death is but a doorway to heaven. Beloved, if you’re hurting today, let this be your reminder: You are not alone. God is near to the brokenhearted. And your loved one’s light has not gone out—it shines now in eternity, and in you. So take a breath. Light a candle. Say their name. And walk forward, not in despair, but in promise. If you need prayer, we will pray with you. Text RMCC Pray to 97000 and our Prayer Warriors will raise up what is on your mind and in your heart and soul. For the last 24 years, my time at MCC churches and Resurrection MCC, I have experienced unconditional love in many ways from these people. Visit us in person on Sunday. Have your spirit filled. Make new friends. Bring your prayer requests to the prayer wall during communion. We are an open and affirming church. What does that mean? It means everyone is welcome at the table. Everyone. This Sunday, we are blessed by the Word of Rev. Alfredo Pena, who brings us the “Peace Be With You, and With Your Spirit” for our message. You can watch on YouTube HERE.Be blessed, people of Resurrection, friends, family, and beloved online community, and to those who have not made their presence known to us. Make yourself known. Know that you are loved. Know that people care and want to hold you up in prayer. Worship with us. In times of the storm, YOU are the source of my strength. Yours in the Light of Heaven, |
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| Suzette Cotto Digital Media and Online Ministry suzette@resurrectionmcc.org |