Wednesday 4 December 2013

My little brother

Last night just before midnight, my "little" brother, Gregory, went to meet Jesus.  My family are Firm believers in Jesus Christ as the Son of God made flesh.  We also believe that Christ was crucified as a sacrifice for our sins and that he took away our eternal punishment by dying on the cross himself, and that He was raised to life again through the power of God, and that One Day the same will happen to us and all those who die before Christ returns again.  In other words, I know that physical death is not the end of my little brother and that I shall see him again.   Greg battled cancer for nearly 2 years and for awhile he was in remission.  Only last Tuesday, after finding out the month before, that they didn't expect that he would live another 6 months, he was admitted to the hospital where he died a week later.  He was a good man with a wife and 2 children, and he lived for Jesus.  He didn't understand why he had the cancer he had but, he didn't blame God or turn his back on Him.  Greg said that there was a reason and that God would use it for His purpose.   His final week was filled with physical pain which was greatly alleviated by the pain-killers that he needed to take just to get through the days and the nights, but through it all, he remained cheerful and with a smile on his face, because he believed that whatever God had decided for him would be the Best and if he was able to survive the cancer, he would be happy but if not, he could die happy because he knew that This life was not the Only Life.  I believe this too as does all of my family.  I weep and grieve for my beloved little brother but I can rejoice and thank God that because Christ was raised from the dead, one day I will be too, and so will anyone who puts their faith and trust in Him.  So truly, though right now, my heart is breaking over and over, I can still with confidence say to anyone who reads this that whatever happens to us, whatever pain and grief we have to go through, whatever situation seems hopeless and unfair, God can comfort and sustain you, God can encourage and keep you and give you hope, God can save you because He loves you, because GOD IS GOOD.

elizabeth

56 comments:

  1. I am very sorry to hear you have lost your brother Elizabeth. You have my sincerest condolences. Catherine XXX

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  2. Dear Elizabeth,
    My sincere condolences. It must be hard to loose your brother. I do hope you find peace and help from your church.
    Hugs Dorien

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  3. I am so sorry to hear of your loss, Elizabeth. My heart is with you and your family. May your Faith keep you strong and bring Happiness back to your days.
    Mini hugs,
    Betsy

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  4. Praise the Lord for his deliverence of your brother to Heaven, although it may be only mourning here on earth. As we know, there is no more pain for him in that perfect place but a new body with no pain or wrong.
    May the Lord bring you comfort and peace during this difficult time, the kind that only He, and no other, can bring.

    In Christ,
    Lorne

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  5. I am so sorry for your loss but so glad that your brother is now healed and in the arms of our Savior. I pray that God will bless you and your family with peace and comfort.
    De

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  6. Piango per i tuoi pensieri....le tue parole....per il tuo dolore....Condolianze, Elizabeth.

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  7. My sincerest condolences for you and your family. I am so sorry you lost your little brother. May your faith give you strength and carry you in this time of sorrow.
    Hugs,
    Véronique

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  8. Elizabeth, I am praying that you and your family find comfort & peace during this difficult time. I lost my brother many years ago after a long illness. Even though we know they are eternally happy & not suffering anymore, we still grieve and miss them. Sending you hugs from Georgia,
    Lisa

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  9. I am so sorry for your loss. You have my sincere condolences, Elizabeth. xo Jennifer

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  10. Heartfelt prayers for you and family Elizabeth, may the peace that passes understanding come to you in your hour of grief.

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  11. I too am sorry for your loss and offer you my sincere condolences. Wishing you and your family and loved ones all the strenght you need.
    hugs,
    Gee

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  12. Such sad news Elizabeth my thoughts are with you and I hope your strong faith helps you and your family through this heartbreaking time.

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  13. My love and thoughts are with you and your family Elizabeth. It is good you have your faith and I am sure many happy memories to comfort you.

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  14. Oh Elizabeth, I am so sorry to hear this news. What a comfort to know that your brother is now pain free and standing in the presence of the Lord.
    I know it is hard for you right now and I pray that Jesus keeps His arms gently and firmly around you as you mourn.
    Lots of love and hugs to you and your family.
    Sam

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  15. Elizabeth, I want to send along my condolences for your loss. I also share your belief in Jesus as my savior, and am so encouraged that you were willing to share the message of the Gospel in the midst of your sadness. God bless you. -Alessandra

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  16. Elizabeth,
    I am so very sorry you and your family are going through this time. However it appears your brother was able to say "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith" 2Timothy 4:7 Hallelujah!
    Lots of love

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  17. This is a very sad time to live for you, but your brother is at peace, serene and no longer suffers. Dear Elisabeth, your brother will always be there as long as you think of him.
    I send you all my sweet thoughts and condolences to you and your family. Hugs, Léa

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  18. Oh honey, I am so sorry for your loss and the loss your family is feeling. I hope for strength and love to grow in your lives, let it be fired by the legacy and life your brother lived.

    Big crushing hugs!

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  19. Элизабет, примите мои искренние соболезнования. Это очень большая потеря...

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  20. chère Elizabeth, c'est une peine immense que de perdre un être si cher. Votre frère restera vivant en vous, dans votre coeur. Acceptez mes sincères condoléances. Je vous embrasse très fort. rosethé

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  21. Dear Elisabeth, please have my sincerest condolences. Your brother will always be with you in your heart and memories. The strong Faith will help and comfort you and your family. Bigh hugs
    Kikka

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  22. Dear Elisabeth, it hurts to hear about your brother passing away. I wish you and your family all the strenght in the world to bear this loss. Hugs,Liduina

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  23. this is a very sad news. it is so difficult to accept to see from a loved one. I do not know the words that comfort in a moment so sad and painful. I think very hard on you and your family.

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  24. Oh Elizabeth, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I am glad that your faith gives you and your family strength at such a terrible time. You are in my thoughts X

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  25. О, дорогой друг! Мне очень жаль! Примите мои искренние соболезнования вам и вашей семье! Вера в Бога это большая поддержка в такую трудную минуту! Ваш брат любил Бога, и Бог любит его!
    Татьяна

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  26. Dear Elizabeth,
    I am sorry to read this and I wish you my sincere condolences. I wish you and your family strength this periods. I admire the faith your brother had in God. Myself I believe in God too and I am sure that He'll take care over your little brother.
    Hugs, Vall

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  27. Dear Elizabeth, I'm so sorry to hear that you have lost your little brother, though it is so heartbreaking to feel his physical loss the comfort in your faith must give you strength to pull through. My thoughts are with you and your family at this sad time.

    Much love, Fi XX

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  28. Hello Elizabeth,
    I cannot think of any words that can help with the horrible pain I know you are going through. You all who were touched by Greg and who were privileged to have him in their lives will be in my thoughts and prayers.
    Love
    Giac

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  29. Oh my Dear I am so sorry and very sad to hear about your little Brother, you are in my prayers and you are always in my heart Elizabeth. I've been fueding with my brother but I think today I will call him and let my resentments go.

    Big Hugs to you
    Marisa

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  30. Elizabeth,
    Wat vreselijk dat je broertje is gestorven. De ziekte heeft hij helaas niet kunnen overwinnen.
    Mijn oprechte deelneming voor jullie allemaal.
    Heel fijn dat jullie zo'n geloof hebben wat jullie steun geeft.

    Groetjes Thea

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  31. I have no words that can comfort you in this difficult time. I send you my thoughts and condolences to you and your family. I wish you all lots of strength.
    Hugs, kisses and so many thoughts
    Wyrna

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  32. Dear Elizabeth, It is difficult to find words of comfort. My condolences to you and your
    family. Be strong and keep your faith in God.
    A warm hug, Drora

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  33. I think very hard on you, Elizabeth, and I wish you my sincere condolence.
    There is a sentence which pleases me a lot because I am religious also, Elisabeth:
    "To die, it is one light which goes out BECAUSE THE DAY GETS UP FOR HIM..".
    Big hugs
    Noëlle

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  34. Even with such a strong faith it is hard to lose someone close. Be stromng and surround yourself with good people!:*

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  35. I'm so sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family.
    Hug, Faby

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  36. I am AMAZED by so much Love and Concern from Everyone and I THANK EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU for your great kindness and considerate words! They have meant so much to me and my sister Beverly. Bev and my brother Greg were very close to each other and his loss has been like loosing a best friend. This week and the next will be a major adjustment for all of the family members, but I will be back very soon, I promise. Thank you All, once again for such an out-pouring of LOVE and Concern. It is Comforting.
    God Bless you all

    elizabeth

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  37. Dearest Elizabeth, I am so sorry to hear you have lost your brother. You have my sincerest condolences.
    Much Love. Ilona

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  38. I am so sorry for your loss. But it is great to hear about your strong faith. Hope you and your family can remember the good times and always keep the faith in a good God. Hannah

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  39. Lo siento mucho. Son momentos duros pero hay que tener mucho ánimo.

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  40. I'm so sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family.
    Hug, Irina

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  41. Dear Elizabeth, I am so sorry for your loss! What a beautiful faith you have and it will carry you through this difficult period of mourning! My condolences to you and your family! Please take care! Your brother's suffering is over and that is one reason to rejoice. It's never easy to watch someone we love suffering! Our Lord came for him and took him to a much better place where there is peace for him and joy and eternal rest!

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  42. Those are beautiful words, beautifully put. You bring tears to my eyes. Dear sweet Elizabeth I so sorry for your loss. Now your brother watches over you and your entire family until you can all meet again. Take good care of each other through this difficult time.
    big hugs♥,
    Caroline
    Caroline

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  43. I was very sorry to read that your brother died. It is a terrible loss. Even if it brings a lot of sadness and pain the belief in God helps a lot. You wrote a beautiful message.
    Geneviève

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  44. Elizabeth, really very sorry to hear this about your brother. Your brother sounds selfless, remaining positive through this ordeal. His suffering is over now, something to take comfort in, and I hope you and your family can get through this difficult time with ease. My thoughts are with you all.

    Sarah.

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  45. Элизабет, я очень сожалею. Но я уверена, что Грег сейчас в лучшем из миров, гдет нет боли, нет болезней, нет зла. Есть только любовь и благость нашего Господа Иисуса Христа!

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  46. I am so sorry for your loss. My sympathies to you and your family.

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  47. My sympathies to you and your family. You have written, so eloquently, what I also believe. May God comfort you and grant you peace now as He welcomes your brother home.

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  48. Dear Elizabeth, I am sad to hear you lost your little brother. You have my sincerest condolences and I wish you a lot of strength for the coming weeks. Hugs, Sandra

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  49. Dear Elisabeth,
    I’m deeply sorry to read about the loss of your loved brother. My words can’t really help, just know I’m very close to you in this time of sorrow.
    I send you my warm embrace.
    Ersilia

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  50. Dear Elisabeth.
    I feel bad for not having known before this sad news, for not having written before some words of encouragement and love. I am very much impressed and frankly I feel deeply your loss.
    I understand that you feel very sad, but I would try to console you with these words and send you all my love and I wish you much strength and hope.
    Hugs

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  51. Dear Elisabeth,

    I know no words of comfort....I think you know them best though. I am terribly saddened by your loss. So sorry I am late with this comment.

    Linda

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  52. Elizabeth, I am truly saddened by this news! My prayers go out to you and your family. My heart is overjoyed that your little brother knew the Lord and knew exactly where he was going. I can only hope to be that strong when my time comes. What a great example he must have been to your family!!! Blessed be the name of the Lord. Job 1:21

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  53. Dear Elizabeth, I am so so sorry for you tremendous loss. When I read your blog I couldn't help crying myself for what a beautiful person your brother must have been. I can see God is with you and I'm sure your brother is watching you and wants the very best for your life and your family. Love and Hugs, Jean

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  54. Once again I want to Thank EVERYONE for all of your kindness and well wishes! What a great blessing and comfort it has been.
    Blessings and Peace to all

    elizabeth

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  55. Melissa J Crosby3 April 2018 at 16:52

    I have just stumbled across your wonderful website. I am sorry that your brother died but rejoice thst he knew Jesus as his Savior!

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    1. Thank you for taking the time to respond to this particular post Melissa and you are so right - I can and do rejoice that he knew JESUS as his SAVIOR, becuase there is nothing more important in this life; than knowing JESUS ♥ :)

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