Death--The Final Frontier.

A good friend's father-in-law passed away this week.  That event, coupled with discussions I've recently been having with my mother and sister about my own father's mortality inspired me to craft this post in a venue normally reserved for explorations on personal development and leadership. Let's call it an "advanced topic".

It appears that the discussion of #death in our modern western culture has become verboten.  Euphemisms abound: "passing to the other side", "going south", "it was his time", etc.  Bring up the topic of facing our own death with friends or co-workers and watch how quickly they become uncomfortable and attempt to abruptly steer the conversation to a more "light-hearted" subject.  "So, what TV show did YOU watch last night?"

On this Good Friday, I believe it is helpful to keep in mind that even Jesus suffered and died.  And, the image of Christ on the cross is a powerful reminder that our own death is certain (only the time of our death is uncertain).   If you have the courage to explore the inevitability of your own death, then I can recommend The Tibetan Book of the Dead without reservation.

For those of you who are grappling with the loss of someone close to you, I'd like to conclude with part of Psalm 23 for solace:

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."