In the Midst of Tragedy.

"Where, O death, is your victory?

 Where, O death, is your sting?"    

- 1 Corinthians 15:55

     In this past week alone, I've received the trying news of three individuals' deaths whom I personally knew. My heart is heavy for fellow friends and families of these souls. Tragically, one of the deaths was a young, beautiful, nineteen year old girl, named Taylor, who I knew from high school FCA. My Facebook newsfeed is filled with sweet tributes, nostalgic photos, posts regarding prayer, and encouragement to others' affected by the loss.

     In the midst of a tragedy like this, many are feeling the sting. The sting of a loved one no longer here. The sting of, "why?" So when 1 Corinthians 15:55 asks death where its victory and sting have gone, what is it referring to?

Jesus.

     As believers, Jesus' death and resurrection have given us victory over death (and all our sin). In this chapter of the Bible, Paul was reassuring the Corinthians (and us) that Jesus' resurrection from the dead was a real event and a real victory. Someone shared an illustration with me once involving a young boy sitting on his mother's lap. The two were just sitting together, loving one another, when all of a sudden, the boy became very afraid of a bee buzzing around nearby. The boy cried out to his mother. She told him not to be afraid of the bee. As the young boy, still fearful, asked why, his mother opened up her hand. She pulled out a stinger and showed it to the boy. The mother told her son he didn't have to be afraid because the bee had already stung her, therefore it could not sting him. He no longer had any reason to fear.

     In this way, Jesus has forever removed the "stinger" for us. We have no reason to fear death for Jesus has conquered it for us, giving us full access to eternal life in heaven. No longer do we say, "Goodbyes," rather we say, "See you later's." Taylor was a beautiful woman of faith, kindness, and strength. My heart smiles confidently knowing she is laughing, dancing, running, and soaking in the everlasting love, joy, beauty, and peace of being beside her Father in heaven. Ah. Rest in peace, precious angel.

     Though many of us here feel the sting and heartbreak of losing a loved one, my heart fills with hope as I witness a community come together strongly in love, support, prayer, and encouragement. It's truly beautiful to be part of a body of people, like family, who in the midst of tragedy, stop and turn to God, as well as to one another. I love that. That's how we were designed to be, dependent upon God and a part of genuine, supportive community. More than just in the midst of tragedy, but at every moment of every day, depending upon our Savior for guidance, wisdom, strength, love, and peace.

     Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to this purpose." I already see the goodness and beauty of a powerful, uniting community beginning to form. Let's trust God. Let's forgive one another and never stop loving others. Let's make the best of each day that we have and breath that we take. Life is precious. Let's continue to pray for the Ziebol family, as well as for all of those affected. Jesus, bring comfort and peace in the midst of tragedy. You are good and You are forever, Lord.