I am no longer afraid to die. Growing up, I used to think about how scary it must be. To leave this world and all the earthly possessions, comforts, and relationships behind. To one day, just stop physically existing on this planet. I have always believed in heaven, but it used to intimidate me to think about leaving earth and spending the rest of eternity in one place. Of course I always knew that heaven will be amazing beyond my wildest imaginations, and that merely being in the presence of God is unlike anything words can describe. But still, going to heaven forever? The thought used to confuse me.

But like I said, I am no longer afraid to die. This past month has shown me that I am confident in my relationship with Christ, so much so that I know where I am going when I die. But death is still a scary thing. I may not be afraid to die, but I still have some fears.

I am afraid to die without making an impact on the world. I am also afraid of my friends or my family dying. Maybe that is selfish, but it’s what I fear. The past month has probably been one of the most spiritually challenging that I have ever lived. And like a lot of people, the natural reaction is to go through the stages of grief or to be angry at God.

While this is absolutely warranted during times of pain and sadness, it can not be where we stay forever emotionally. Because no matter how big the tragedy, the story does not end there. God will always have the final say. One of my favorite worship songs is “Christ is Risen” by Matt Maher. Some of the most impactful lines of this song are:

These words are so simple, but so true, and are something that we must hold onto. Death has no victory because our Savior has already beaten it. Hell has no victory because the glory and the might of God are unmatched. And we, the Church, have the responsibility to stand in the light. Our time on earth is so short, we should be doing everything possible to make each day count.

Most importantly, something that I struggle with often, let us never take for granted our school. Believe me, there are a ton of things about Westminster that frustrate me. Whether it is a new rule that is being enforced or an overpriced lunch item, we must never forget how fortunate we are to go to a place where a relationship with Christ is priority number one.

This community is special because despite our differences, and despite the things that may divide us, when it really counts we are all here for each other. Let us never lose sight of how important it is love well, live fully, and make every day count.