Escape of Notions

I met Joni when Chisholm School desegregated when I was in either 2nd or 3rd grade. She was much like me. We were best friends on the play ground. I had a little poem I used to sing to her everyday when I saw her. Over the years we would see each other in the store or something. I loved her to death! It never occurred to me that the poem I sang might have hurt her feelings because one sentence was kind of derogatory. Kids can say some cruel things. Anyway, I tried finding her to send her a Christmas card. I sent it to her last known address, but it came back undeliverable. I apologized in that letter if I had ever hurt her feelings. Well, she didn't get my apology before she died, and I'm truly sorry. She got married and I didn't know her knew name. Joni I'm sorry if I ever hurt your feelings. You were a great friend to me. I'll see you in Glory.

JONES, Mrs. Joni Merrell, 48,a resident of Wetumpka, AL,died Friday, May 15, 2009. Funeral Services will be held onFriday, May 22, 2009 at 2:00p.m. from Hillside MortuaryChapel Rev. Tyrone EavesOfficiating. Burial will follow inEastwood Cemetery Montgomery, AL. Family will receive Family and Friends onThursday, May 21 from 7:00p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at HillsideMortuary Chapel. HillsideMortuary Directing. She leaves to mourn: Her devoted husband, WayneJones; son, Perrin O'KeefeMerrell both of Wetupmka,AL; brother, Victor Merrell; twosisters, Verdell (Willie) Hightower and Linda Mays all ofAtlanta, GA and numerous ofnieces, nephews, cousins,and friends

Yesterday in church, the pastor said that 2 people die every second in the world.  Driving around we see all kinds of bumper sticker type signs saying, "Rest In Peace," or "RIP," which pay homage to some dear relative or friend who passed away. We even hear that phrase most of the time when stars die, like Heath Ledger, Steve Erwin, or Anna Nicole Smith.  Even at funerals, we hear "May he/she rest in peace."

Well, I've been thinking and it's time to share my notion of what I think about the phrase "Rest in Peace."

If we are a Christian, we can rest in the knowledge that we will LIVE, face to face, with our Savior Jesus Christ when we pass from this life to the next.  I don't think there will be any "resting" in heaven, other than being rested and restful in a sinless, perfect,and peaceful environment where we never tire.  My belief is we aren't sitting around on floating clouds eating cream cheese, but living, serving a risen Savior, and basking in God's Glory.

As an unbeliever, you can rest assured in knowing you will NOT be in heaven, but in an eternal torment created for Satan and his followers as your eternal reward for not accepting God's gift of redemption through Jesus shed blood.

As Christians, we are to be passionate about telling others the Good News of Jesus Christ  in an effort to  reveal God's gift of Salvation to a lost world.  Pastor Dave offered a question and follow-up statement as a passive aggressive witnessing tool.  It is SO easy to say, so I'm going to use it.  The question is "If you were to die today, are you 100% sure you will go to heaven."  The follow-up remark is "I'd like for you to think about that." 

To "Rest In Peace" is a contradictory phrase. If you are a Christian you CAN be at peace knowing Jesus is your Lord, but, we are NOT to rest because time is short and Jesus is coming again.  I think of the song, "we'll work 'til Jesus comes, we'll work, 'til Jesus comes, we'll work 'til Jesus comes and then be gathered home.  There is NO rest, but there IS peace.