It is Well

As I sit here listening to Kristene DeMarco sing It is Well, I wonder how it is....

How is it that I can be at peace at the death of a much loved uncle.  Yesterday I heard someone say that he left such a legacy.  I wondered if they knew all of the story. I recall being about five years old going to visit him and hearing so many stories.

My mom is the youngest and now only has one surviving brother. She was very close to my uncle Gilbert much like I am close to my own brothers but for different reasons. My uncle and I had many conversations in his last few weeks.  Most of them were of fishing-his earthly passion.  Some were caution related. You see, even having served as a law enforcement officer for thirty years, he would still say things like "be careful and lock your doors!" "Don't leave your purse in plain sight or always be aware of your surroundings!"

Two things have resonated with me the last few days. The first is his awesome testimony. He was a man that loved hard. He loved my aunt with a passion that surpassed words.  We didn't need words.  His actions were all we needed. She was a woman of faith that lived out 1 Corinthians 7:12-15.

I believe it was her example of faithfulness and dedication to Christ that led him to Christ.  A man that was a non- believer led the charge and spoke of the God that saved him. Words that might have never been spoken had she not remained faithful.

The second thing is my intense need to say I Love You. As I heard the news, I was in Miami and I longed to be with my family. I wondered if everyone that should have said "I Love you," got the chance to. Upon death, there won't be an opportunity to share those words.

Many are grieving, many are sad, many know the hope of eternal life but the pain still lingers. In my heart, I am forced to be strong for reasons known only to me but I find my peace and consolation in the arms of Christ.

Pray for our family as we return to God a husband, father, brother, grandfather, and uncle. We pray for peace and despite the motions we must go through we will know.......It Is Well!

Whosoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. John 5:24

Gilbert R. Guzman
1935-2015