Absolutely. Death, when properly prepared for, can bring peace. We must live every day as if it were our last. I am an Orthodox Christian (but not a good example of one; Lord, Have Mercy!). Every night before bed, I pray the Our Father with my wife, and then after I have laid down, I make the sign of the Cross and say the prayer, "Lord, into Thy hands do I commend my Spirit," echoing the words of Our Savior on the Cross. This is something many, although not all, Orthodox Christians do before retiring for the night.
My friend suffered greatly in his life, which is partly why he temporarily took the wrong path. There were many in my life who criticized me for continuing to be his friend. I understand their concerns; "a man is judged by the company he keeps," "surround yourself with successful people and you will be successful." I was raised a Protestant in the Midwest, so that message was ingrained into me (I converted to Orthodox Christianity in my 20s).
I did cease communicating with the rest of our mutual friends who continued down the wrong path and wallowed in the mud. But my best friend, despite committing some infractions which send him to jail, was clearly someone who had a conscience and was deeply hurt. I could feel the hurt in him. When I had been depressed, he embraced me and brought me into his family. His mother became like my mother. I asked him why he used to come around and pick me up to go with their family to events: "I didn't want you to be sitting in your house all alone." Imagine a 14 year-old dude saying that to another 14 year-old dude. So I stuck by him when he hit rock bottom, while being careful not to embrace his same mistakes.
I am not afraid of death, personally; the only reason I hope I stick around for awhile is for my kids' sake; but I thank God for the years He has given me, and I am ready to meet him and face His Judgment (and Mercy through Christ Jesus) when it's my appointed time.
There is quite a happy end to the story. I can't be too detailed, as I don't want to be doxed, but I ended up marrying into his family after his death. He will forever be a part of me.
Absolutely. Death, when properly prepared for, can bring peace. We must live every day as if it were our last. I am an Orthodox Christian (but not a good example of one; Lord, Have Mercy!). Every night before bed, I pray the Our Father with my wife, and then after I have laid down, I make the sign of the Cross and say the prayer, "Lord, into Thy hands do I commend my Spirit," echoing the words of Our Savior on the Cross. This is something many, although not all, Orthodox Christians do before retiring for the night.
My friend suffered greatly in his life, which is partly why he temporarily took the wrong path. There were many in my life who criticized me for continuing to be his friend. I understand their concerns; "a man is judged by the company he keeps," "surround yourself with successful people and you will be successful." I was raised a Protestant in the Midwest, so that message was ingrained into me (I converted to Orthodox Christianity in my 20s).
I did cease communicating with the rest of our mutual friends who continued down the wrong path and wallowed in the mud. But my best friend, despite committing some infractions which send him to jail, was clearly someone who had a conscience and was deeply hurt. I could feel the hurt in him. When I had been depressed, he embraced me and brought me into his family. His mother became like my mother. I asked him why he used to come around and pick me up to go with their family to events: "I didn't want you to be sitting in your house all alone." Imagine a 14 year-old dude saying that to another 14 year-old dude. So I stuck by him when he hit rock bottom, while being careful not to embrace his same mistakes.
I am not afraid of death, personally; the only reason I hope I stick around for awhile is for my kids' sake; but I thank God for the years He has given me, and I am ready to meet him and face His Judgment (and Mercy through Christ Jesus) when it's my appointed time.
There is quite a happy end to the story. I can't be too detailed, as I don't want to be doxed, but I ended up marrying into his family after his death. He will forever be a part of me.
IC XC NIKA
Thanks for the kind reply.
Wow