This Sunday we will be celebrating All Saints Day. It’s a Sunday where we remember those who have died in the past year, but what I have found is that so often people long to also name others, some who have been gone for years. It is important that we honor the recent deaths, the losses of 2021. It is also important that we name those who are never far from us, even if they have been gone for decades.
When we have loved someone it leaves a mark in our lives. My friend recently posted about her baby who was born and died on the same day. 15 years ago this one who she knew intimately in the womb took her first and last breaths. Her child is always with her, always loved, and so my friend wanted to name this. She needed to share that love publicly and for my generation that takes place on social media.
On all saints we light candles as we name those we are remembering. We think of the losses of this year. I am thinking of Ruth, Carolyn, Rhonda, Halyna, Dustin, Jeff, Vicki & Wynetta. Some of them people I knew, some of them folks I have heard about. All who have died this year.
And I’m also thinking about John, Jack, Betty, Bernie, Colleen, Chris, Eric, & Greg.
We know that our lives are finite. We will all die and we are all touched by death in our lives. And we know in Christ’s death and resurrection that death is not the end. God is bigger even than death. And those of us who have lost someone know that love never dies.
So take this space to honor those you remember today. Light a candle. Share their name below and know that all of us, here and departed, are held by the one who never lets go.
-Eilidh
Recent Comments