The Sting.

Death is defeated...truly defeated...but there is still a sting, even if it will fade and disappear in light of the coming glory.  Our very dear friend, and Kiki's mentor at Belhaven University, Dr. Wynn Kenyon, passed away yesterday.  He was a professor at Belhaven College (now University) for many years, a brilliant theologian and philosopher, an elder at Redeemer Church in Jackson, MS, a loving father and husband, a generous and kingdom-minded steward of the gifts that God gave to him, and a compassionate and gracious lover of people.  This man has touched literally thousands of lives with the grace and love of God.  We feel the sting, even though we know death is defeated.

Here is a hymn that a friend posted on facebook a day or two ago...I don't even know the title yet, but I love this, and fight to believe it right now:

"It is not death to die, to leave this weary road and join the saints who dwell on high who've found their home with God. It is not death to close the eyes long dimmed by tears and wake in joy before you throne, delivered from our fears.
Oh Jesus, conquering the grave, your precious blood has power to save. Those who trust in You will in your mercy find that it is not death to die!
It is not death to fling aside this earthly dust and rise with strong and noble wing to live among the just. It is not death to hear the key unlock the door that sets us free from mortal years to praise You evermore. "

Pray for the Kenyons, for Belhaven, and for Redeemer as you think about it.  They definitely feel the sting.