Thursday, April 21, 2011

The Curve

It looks like an unremarkable highway scene.  Why will it always be infamous to me as "The Curve?"

This is the curve where the accident happened - the accident that took place right in front of me that claimed the lives of three of my siblings as we were on the way to the funeral home for my father's "viewing" before his burial.

Will I ever drive by it without remembering that night?  It's been over 17 years, and yet it's still a vivid memory.

This highway scene is on a Manitoba highway in Canada, and it looked much different in the dark of night in the middle of a blustery snow storm with only the head lights of cars trying to penetrate the night.

After leaving the scene of death at the accident and making sure the surviving relatives were stable at the hospital,  we finally got together with the rest of our family at the funeral home.  Breaking the news of what had happened was difficult, but my sister Betty calmed us as she quoted from Isaiah 55:8-9  "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways, says the LORD.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts."

Why is this scene of the accident so fresh on my mind again today?  Maybe it's because of  recent Easter and Passover celebrations, remembering when the Lamb of God was sacrificed in my place.  Maybe it's because I can't help but think about death and dying after trying  to watch "The Passion" movie again during this lenten season.  I say tried, because again I could not make it through the entire movie without turning my face away.  If facing the death of my family members was so hard for me and if I as a nurse cannot even bear to watch the reenactment of Jesus suffering,  how difficult was it for God to voluntarily let His Son face death so that I might live?

And that last sentence is where the HOPE lies.  It's because Jesus did not stay dead that I will see my family again.  Hebrews 7:24-25 says "...Because Jesus lives forever, ...He is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through Him."

My sister Faye, who was killed on that curve, loved this song written by Bill and Gloria Gaither.  We sang it at her funeral service.  It sums up what I've been trying to say:

God sent His son, They called Him Jesus. He came to love, heal and forgive. He lived and died, to buy my pardon. An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, all fear is gone.
Because I know, I know, I know He holds the future.
And life is worth the living just because He lives.

How sweet to hold a new born baby, and feel the pride and joy he gives. But greater still is that assurance the child can face uncertain days because He lives.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, all fear is gone.
Because I know, I know, I know He holds the future.
And life is worth the living just because He lives.

And then one day, I'll cross that river. I'll fight life's final war with pain. And then as death gives way to victory. I'll see the light of glory and I'll know that He lives.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, all fear is gone.
Because I know, I know, I know He holds the future.
And life is worth the living just because He lives.


I doubt I will ever forget that curve,  but I KNOW my Heavenly Father will NEVER forget the cross.  Because the grave could not hold Jesus,  I know I will see my loved ones again.  Because He lives, I can drive past that curve on my next visit to our homeplace in Manitoba!

Linked to Alphabet Thursdays @ http://jennymatlock.blogspot.com/search/label/Alphabe-Thursday

18 comments:

Mindy said...

I am so sorry for the pain you have suffered through, and though it is hard to pass that place in person or with your memories, I'm thankful that you keep giving the Lord glory even in your loss. I'm thankful for the resurrection power, as I think of your family being reunited again some day.

Sherry Southard said...

I too have lost several family members but am blessed by God's graciousness that He will allow me to see them again in heaven. I am proud that you have come out so seemingly strong through the great tragedy that passed before you. God Be With You Always

Patti Hanan said...

What a blessed promise we have in Easter. Because Jesus conquered death, we will see our loved ones again! Because He Lives is also one of my favorite songs. Thank you for this beautiful post.

Charlotte said...

I can't even imagine the pain you and your family went through at that time. How wonderful you could look through the tragedy and see a light at the end of the tunnel. I love that song too. It has been such a blessing to so many. This post is such good reminder of the temporary nature of this life and how we have so much more to look forward to because He lives. Thank you for sharing your heart.
Blessings,
Charlotte

Nikki (Sarah) said...

it's so hard sometimes to understand why some things happen....but being able to trust and rest in His promises....helps tremendously. Wishing you a gentle Easter....one that's filled with a renewed sense of His hope and joy.

Ginger~~Enchanting Cottage said...

My heart goes out to you,like Charlotte said I can't even imagine. We age so blessed to have eternity in Heaven.
God Bless,
Ginger

Anonymous said...

This post spoke to me in a very real and tangible way.... May God comfort you as you continue to grieve your family. May the joy of Easter Sunday fill your heart. Mine,too, as my heart is heavy.

Shirley said...

Esther, I remember when the accident happened and I was just shocked at the tragedy in your family. What is remarkable to me is that you and your family choose to not be bitter or to lose hope. I know in reading your blogs, in the face of everything, you are strong and encouraged in the Lord and He is using all of it to help others!
love and blessings to you!

peggy aplSEEDS said...

what a blessing to read your post and to know that even this great trial can become a testimony to God's faithfulness. how else could you have survived with such strength and hope?! a blessed an joyful Easter season to you!
hugs,
peggy
peggy aplSEEDS

Pamela said...

His ways are not our ways. And while we can't understand, HE knows. We still grieve, but as Christians we have the assurance God is with us. Becasue He lives!

Celebrating joyfully,
Pamela

Charlotte said...

Wow. I don't know what to say. That is a huge loss for a family to experience at one time...or any time. Looking at the curve in light of the cross is a good way to remember that the end of this life is not the end. It is the beginning of life forever with Him! Still, I know it is hard because we miss our loved ones. Thank you for sharing this...for sharing your heart.

I pray He will bless you and give you peace.

lissa said...

I think your belief has became greater/stronger because of this incident? perhaps.

I hope your day is sweet.

Heather{Our Life In a Click} said...

I'm so sorry for your loss and pain. Hopefully this post is helping you get it out a little. Sending you peace and hugs.

Unknown said...

So sad that it happened at all not to mention that it happened when it did.

Unknown said...

What a terrible loss! I am so glad you know they went to be with God.

~✽Mumsy✽~ said...

The curve looks very dangerous, and it's also a two ways traffic. I'm sorry for your loss, your pain, and your suffering! God is with you in your comforting words.

~✽Mumsy✽~ said...

BTW-to answer your question on my post, this is the link if you want to read about what happened to me: http://www.rawthoughtsandfeelings.com/2010/02/d-is-for-devotion.html

Jenny said...

Oh.

Oh.

My heart hurts here for you.

I can feel the tears in my eyes burning.

I am almost unable to write a comment for this heart-rending and love affirming post.

Thank you for sharing this.

You make me realize I can, indeed, survive anything if I cling to hope and the belief that things happen for a reason.

Thank you for linking this. Your timing was perfect for me personally.

Hugs and...

A+