Death is Not the End of Life

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;” John 11:25 NIV

In a bittersweet story titled “Wendy Martinez Legacy Project inspires movement for runner safety,” CBS12 News reported that a community

 of runners gathered in downtown West Palm Beach on Wednesday to honor Wendy Martinez, whose life was tragically cut short in 2018. Wendy, who was engaged and just 35 years old, was fatally stabbed while jogging in Washington D.C. Her murder shocked the nation. 

Since Wendy's death, her brother, Juan Martinez, has become a vocal advocate for runner safety. His advocacy has gained momentum as more women across the country express fears of similar tragedies. Juan shared his sister’s story with the group of runners, highlighting the importance of making public spaces safer for everyone. “I 

miss her every day. I love her to death, but being able to talk about her in front of people just brings her back to life,” Juan Martinez said.

And, you know, when it comes to talking about lost loved ones with others, you and I would do well to remember that, rather than adding to a survivor’s pain, sharing memories of those who have gone to be with the Lord can actually bring those left behind great joy. Yet most people shy away from doing so, 

thinking it will only cause further hurt. But, truth be told, as Spurgeon explains, 

“

Those that believe in Jesus Christ appear to die, but yet they live. They are not in the grave, they are forever with the Lord. They are not unconscious they are with their Lord in Paradise. Death cannot kill a believer, it can only usher him into a freer form of life.” Which means, for Christians, death is only a temporary separation. 

So, don’t be afraid to talk about the deceased spouses, parents, friends, and children of those left to mourn their passing with them my friend. Celebrate their lives and their salvation knowing that when they breathed their last breath here, they breathed their first breath in heaven. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for making it abundantly clear throughout the Bible that Jesus’ death on the cross conquered death once and for all, and that because of his sacrifice, all those who place their trust in You will spend eternity in heaven. Help us to truly understand this Lord so that we would find joy in the mist of our sadness and celebrate the days we had with our loved ones rather than the days we lost. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!