Friday, May 16, 2008

Beauty in Death?

I don't know if any of you have heard of Randy Pausch. He has been on Oprah and has also written a book. He is famous for his "Last Lecture" and was named on of the top 100 most influential people in 2008 (just google his name and you will find it). He is in the last stages of pancreatic cancer and has an amazing outlook on life. It was said about him that he is shining a light on a beautiful part of life that we often forget about...death. I know that it's a part of life. We all will die...although, I am hoping I am raptured...I just never thought of it as a beautiful part of life. It's all in our attitude, I guess. I think it's an awesome witness when a Christian has a positive outlook and points to God through it all. It speaks volumes about where their hope is. I don't know, it just got me thinking. Never thought there was any beauty in dying but I guess if you look hard enough, you can find the beauty in anything. Any thoughts?

4 things to add:

Stephanie said...

This made me think of my papaw. I used to be like you were. I hated being around people who were dying. I dreaded ANY visits to the hospital. Until my papaw was diagnosed with cancer. A True Man of God! When they diagnosed him, he was told he would have 6 months to live - he only got 2 weeks. Those last two weeks of his life, I was able to be with him everyday *which I would NEVER trade for anything* and saw his peace in knowing that he was going to see his King! He would just lay on the couch listening to his ~bluegrass gospel~ songs (:-P) and just raise his hand in praise to our Father, tears streaming down his face. Humbling, I tell ya'!!

Hollie said...

I've been thinking about this topic a lot lately with the current events that are happening in my life right now, and I've never really thought about it as a beautiful part of life. I'm not afraid to die myself but it seems like everyone around me who has died or is close to the end of their life is not a Christian (that I know of). That scares me! I can and have been praying over and over that God would not take my grandma until she is His and, you never know what happens in the moments before death but still there is uncertainty. I understand where you're coming from when talking about it being beautiful from a Christian point of view but right now I'm having a hard time finding beauty in death! Know what I mean?!?

Erin said...

I have seen him on Oprah. I agree that he has a wonderful outlook on death but often wonder what his outlook on life was prior to getting sick. I certainly agree that looking at death from a "I know I am going to heaven" perspective changes things...but is it changing how I am living?

Bonnie said...

Hmm, Well to be completly honest...I'm terrified of death!! I guess it's normal to be afraid of the unknown. I had problem with it when I was a child. I used to lie awake all night afraid to die. BUT I think I will post something that I got in my email that I thought was nice!