Luke 19:10 “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”

In the week since my mother received her crown of life, I have received a multitude of messages and condolences and hugs and words of encouragement from my friends. I want you all to know how much my family and I truly appreciate your kindness shown to us. The heartfelt concern and care has been a tremendous blessing to all of us.

One of the ways people express their sympathy at a time like this is to say, “I am sorry for your loss.” I have said it myself more times that I can remember over the years. And the sentiment is understood. It is an appropriate and accurate expression of the way we feel. We have “lost” mom in the sense that she is not here among us, we cannot see her or have a conversation with her or laugh with her or hug her again on this side of heaven.

As I heard those words “I am sorry for your loss” over the past week, I was thankful for the love I felt from the people saying them. And I am grateful that God also spoke to me loudly and clearly and reminded me that mom is not “lost.” We know exactly where she is. She is with her Savior, in the place He prepared for her, because she believed that He paid for her sins and defeated death for her.

As one who has now “lost” both of my parents, I prefer not to think of it in those terms. I am sure there will be times in my grief that I feel that way, but I would rather focus on what a gift it was to have them both. I cannot imagine not having had them in my life and the tremendous blessing they were. They loved me and cared for me. They taught me about Jesus. They showed me His love and grace and mercy and forgiveness in my life. They will always be with me because they are part of who I am. And I rejoice knowing that I have not lost them. I know where they are and that I will see them when I am privileged to stand before the Lamb on His throne.

Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.