The Tools of Faith – Loss and Change

©DeniseBeverly

I am a man of faith.  Like many Christians will attest, faith rarely comes easy.  But then again, isn’t that the essence of what faith is about?  It is believing without seeing, it is accepting Truth without any physical, tangible evidence in the real sense of the word.  As an understatement, it is about complete and total Trust.  It is a way to live.

My life has been blessed with loss and change, what I call, the tools of faith.  I have sadly lost many friends, family, neighbors, classmates and cherished pets.  Change has molded my life via education, various jobs, and personal life experiences; all resulting in emotional and spiritual growth.  Yes, I have been blessed.

Many of my losses and changes were very difficult to comprehend and accept, especially the loss of both of my parents.  It is, however, precisely times as these where faith is tested, verified, relied upon and strengthened.  Time and time again, like a steel shield tempered by intense heat and a hammer, my faith has protected me; my faith has grown with me.

I’ve come to understand that the world, by design, is imbued with paradoxes, resulting in a balance of life that is precariously sustained by unknown forces and which yields continuous learning about self, purpose, determination and goodwill.  I cherish the opportunity to learn, with the anticipation of that learning leading to love, compassion, sacrifice, humility and honor.

Tomorrow, September 6th, is a very special day for me.  It offers me a valued opportunity to remember a very good friend’s birthday.  The bittersweet aspect, however, is that this will be the first birthday celebration without the “guest of honor” being physically present.   You see, my friend, Michael Dymond, passed away this year on May 30th and would have been 67 years old tomorrow.

Mike was perhaps, given my extended stay on this rock, one of the nicest and compassionate human beings I have ever met.  He endlessly sported an optimistic demeanor, beamed like a beacon when discussing his family, always lent a hand if and where one was needed, and never, ever missed an opportunity to console, support and help a friend in any way he could.

The world lost a God-fearing and decent human being this past May and accordingly, I am still coming to grips with the loss.  Without fail, loss introduces change.  Whether it be change of heart, relationships, responsibilities, or thoughts; loss and change work together to forge and test your faith.  The good news is that your faith grows and becomes stronger, if you allow it.

In the ongoing tug of war between old and new, difficult and easy, simple and complex, and joy and fear, one thing remains certain; it is the people in our lives that help to make us who we are and who we strive to become.

One of Mike’s favorite sayings when asked how he was doing, was “Just like an Angel”.  Little did Mike know just how right he was.  God bless you Mike.  Leave the “Light” On, I’m not sure when I’ll be coming home.

In the constant battle of good and evil, I choose good; I always choose good.  Be well.

This post is In memory of Michael G Dymond (Sep 6, 1946 – May 30, 2013)

 

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