Last week Rinas’s long time neighbor,
Mina, passed away. We went to Mina’s house to be with those who were suffering
through the pain of losing her. But for me, I wasn’t sure how to act there. I
was surrounded by sorrow, tears and crumbling voices that I didn’t understand. Culturally,
this memorial service was different than what I have seen. Mina’s mourners were
not those of blood but others in their small community and even more who are
related to others in the community; a long line and web of a family. Many of
them stay for more than one day, sometimes up to three, and I wondered what
they do during their time together. Hopefully, I thought, they grieve with
their hearts wide open, pouring out pain, but in time, turn and see the light
of God that says to let go, everything is ok.
I walked into the tight,
small room where the casket was placed in dim light. I looked down at the physical
body of Mina and my thoughts changed. I didn’t notice what was going on around me
but started to think about Mina. I thought of her spirit soaring high above us
all, full of life and love, and telling everyone to celebrate for her. I kept
looking down at her and thought of her being born, an innocent child, fragile
body of life, and then how all of our lives are delicate and temporary and we
live in God’s world. It is His world; He made it and everything on it. So we
are all His as well. This made think of one the most moving verses to me, one
given by Isaiah 40:6-8. “…And flesh is grass… The grass withers, and the
flowers fade, But the word of our God stands forever.” And then I thought about
Mina and how her spirit is at home, not a home we can see or touch, but in God’s
home in heaven (2 Corinthians 5:1).
I stepped back outside into
the bright sunlight and saw everyone hugging and shedding tears of what I
thought were their memories, some full of happiness and joy and others of hardships and
difficult times. I thought how quickly our lives pass and how each day is a
blessing. I was sure Mina would agree with me. I walked back to Rina’s house
silently praying for everyone behind me, but I also felt excited since I didn’t
know what the next day would bring.
