Tuesday, January 18, 2011

What Is This Thing That Men Call Death?

Given a recent tragedy in my family I felt inspired to talk about death. When I heard of this tragedy the
first thing that popped into my mind was a poem by Gordon B. Hinckley former president of the church. The poem goes like this:

"What Is This Thing That Men Call Death?

What is this thing that men call death?                                             
This quiet passing in the night?
‘Tis not the end but genesis
Of better worlds and greater light

O God, touch Thou my aching heart
And calm my troubled, haunting fears
Let hope and faith, transcendent, pure
Give strength and peace beyond my tears.

There is no death, but only change
With recompense for vict’ry won
The gift of Him who loved all men
The Son of God, the Holy One."

   In this poem he talks about the strength that God can give us.  Personally, I love the line "There is no death, but only change..." As sad as death inevitably is, there is always something we have that we can turn to... the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel is always there to offer comfort. Through this gospel, we know that there is more to this life; this life is merely a time for "men to prepare to meet God." (Alma 34:32) I know that there is more after this life. I know that Heavenly Father loves us, and I know that he has a plan for us. Although at first death, or better yet "change", is a time of tears, God will help and give you strength. Lean on Him - He is there.

1 comment:

  1. That poem is exactly why we have a familey in this life, so that after death we will be with them forever.

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