It’s unexpected.
I could hear the footsteps of my husband on the stairs as I was cleaning the kitchen. I turned to see him peek over the banister when he softly called my name.
“Jenn,” he said, “Brother Josh is gone.” The look on his face instantly communicated what he meant, but I was temporarily confused.
“Brother Josh?” I asked.
“Yes.”
“What happened?” I asked.
“I don’t know.” He said as he turned and quietly walked up the stairs.
Quiet.
It’s a quiet moment. The unexpected.
My heart ached, and I could hear the voice of Brother Josh. I could hear his chuckle and see his smile. I remembered that every time I saw him at church, and he would lean over and say, “Good morning, Minister Jenn,” then kiss me softly on the cheek.
Brother Josh was a tall man with a slender build. He offered an easy smile and a quick laugh, yet he liked what he liked and was very direct and honest about it. In the most flattering way possible, I can best describe him as a kind man. His kindness was without pretense and exemplified the goodness of Christ. I remembered talking to him while speaking to teenagers at the youth facility where he worked. That is when I discovered that at his core he was a caring man working in the most frustrating conditions, yet he maintained an aura of hope. That was when I put him in “that” category. You know, the unsung black man category. Unassuming, king, strong, and faithful, that was Brother Josh.
So, a few days after learning of Brother’s Josh’s transition to glory, it’s Easter Sunday. I’m still trying to process what happened. We have learned more about his passing, but I still have questions. But then again, I don’t.
Easter or Resurrection Sunday is when we as Christians celebrate the resurrection of Christ and His victory over the grave. During this season we are reminded that when Jesus rose from the grave, he conquered death. But, what does that mean exactly? I sit here stunned by the news that a beloved friend has died yet my faith encourages me to believe that death has no victory in this situation. Paul asks in 1 Corinthians 15:55, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is they victory?” My heart answers that death is stinging my heart and it suffers from its latest victory.
The fear of death can grip us. It shakes us with its indiscriminate conquests. Some are slow while others come as complete surprises. Death seems inevitable.
Some of us will fall asleep. Others of us will be caught up in the twinkling of an eye yet we shall all be changed. You see, we find comfort in knowing that although we are mortal, we will experience glorious immortality. Our faith in Christ does take away the sting of death because we know this existence is fleeting. It teaches us that our time here is temporary and only a stepping stone to the place that Jesus has prepared for us. Jesus told us that he is going to prepare a place and when he comes back he will welcome us into his presence so that we can be where he is. (John 14:2-3)
So, as I read John 14 and 1 Corinthians 15 I find comfort from the Holy Spirit. He reminds me that Brother Josh is in the place that Jesus prepared for him. He reminds me that Brother Josh is walking on streets of gold and enjoying the heavenly choirs surrounded by all-encompassing peace. He is in the very presence of the Almighty God. I can see his smile and hear him chuckle. He has peace. He has joy. One day, I too will be where he is, and I will experience what he is experiencing, but until then I simply say, “See you later, Brother Josh.”