Monica Moore Brown

And then one day, I'll cross the river,
I'll fight life's final war with pain;
And then, as death gives way to victory,
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives!

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!

They sang this song Easter morning at my church.  I have sung this song my entire life, but had never noticed the lyrics to the other verses as much as I did Easter morning.  You see I lost a friend on Easter eve.  A wonderful, beautiful friend to the horrible disease of cancer.  She had no warning.  No time to say goodbye.  She went in on Monday because of what she thought was a sinus infection.  No pain.  No signs, and by Saturday she was gone.

It is so senseless.  She is so young.  She has two boys, a senior and a freshman.  She has a daughter that is in the 5th grade.  They were her life.  She has blessed this world with 3 excellent human beings that are a beautiful light in this dark world.  They are kind, they are generous, they are good.  She has intentionally raised her children and because of her love they are a blessing to the planet.

The world lost a beautiful being on Saturday, April 4th.  Heaven gained a fantastic addition.  When things like this happen in this world I can lose sight of the ultimate goal.  I am saddened by the hopelessness and the bad things that seem to scream from every turn.

I am thankful for this song during this time of mourning because I know the lyrics are true.  I will see my friend again, and because Christ lives I have nothing to fear.