Day of the Dead and the Living

Last week-end was Día de Muertos. I first encountered this Day of the Dead when we lived on the Mexican border, and later encountered it on a visit to Spain on this same November day. It is now practiced around the world in many cultures, often for a three-day holiday, October 31- November 2. On this holiday, traditions include building private altars, making face masks of the deceased with their names on them, consuming the favorite foods and beverages of the departed, and visiting graves, leaving possessions of the deceased. For many, it is a time of partying and celebration; for others, it is a time of introspection. While it is good to remember deceased loved ones, I prefer not to grieve, but rather celebrate their ongoing life. The Apostle Paul wrote, “I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope” (1 Thess. 4:13) or better paraphrased in The Message, “Regarding the question, friends, that has come up about what happens to those already dead and buried, we don’t want you in the dark any longer. First off, you must not carry on over them like people who have nothing to look forward to, as if the grave were the last word. Since Jesus died and broke loose from the grave, God will most certainly bring back to life those who died in Jesus” (1 Thess. 4:13-14, MSG). Because the hope of the believer goes beyond the grave we don’t go about it in the same way as those who believe that death is the final end. Someday, it will be said that Dan Crawford is dead. Do not believe it. On that day, I will be more alive than I have ever been. Grieve earth’s departure yes, but also celebrate new life in heaven.

Join me this week in praying for the following global concerns:
• Pray for those from Texas and the Dakotas who will be participating in a Vision Tour in Vancouver and on Vancouver Island, Canada this week.
• Pray for Blu and Darbi as they continue to serve at the New Day Orphanage in Zambia.
• Pray for those who serve in the Hope Center in Izhevsk, Russia. In September they assisted 135 refugee families.
• Pray for the 214,000 Polish people living in Lithuania.