Almost four decades of studying the Scriptures, sitting under sound preaching, when looking death in the eye, how fluent am I?

I spend time reading Scripture, and sit under sound preaching. I write about the life-changing power  that scripture has been in my life. That doesn’t always mean I can speak it. Especially in the face of death!

Unfortunately, just this week I was tongue tied, as words from the Scriptures played hide and seek in my brain, garbling what I wanted to say.

Sometimes being silent is better than being fluent.

I hate that! I can see the verse – I know the words – but they dance around, concealing one portion and then another. What was I trying to say that did not come out sensibly?

Here’s how the frustrating game of me seeking words that kept hiding unfolded.

My friend’s mother is dying from complications of a head injury and a stroke. She brought her mom home to die, and asked for visitors.

The family made a space in the lovely living room, placing a bed in the center, so neighbors, family, and friends could visit.  I was glad I went. But the enormity of the reality scattered my words.

And maybe that was the point.

At the chasm that God established between life and death, watching a soul return to her Maker, maybe keeping my mouth shut was smart? I wanted to read the Scriptures, or sing hymns. But, I did not bring my Bible, or my hymnal.

So, while listening to others, and looking at the stilled body of one who was once vigorous, creative, and apparently a force to be reckoned with, I kept saying silently, I’m praying for you.

Our final breath is as momentous as our first. *  What do you say to one who stands on the edge of life as we know it, about to enter into life we can only imagine?

Leaving, I wanted to say the words to a benediction I have heard all my life:

²⁴ “‘“The Lord bless you
    and keep you;
²⁵ the Lord make his face shine on you
    and be gracious to you;
²⁶ the Lord turn his face toward you
    and give you peace.”’ Numbers 6:24-26

I tried – but I felt the words scatter. I think what I finally whispered was Christ is waiting for you. That much I am surely fluent in!

And at the end of the day – that’s my only hope: Christ is waiting for me, and you, dear reader.   It is a message worth mastering.

*In Christ Alone