by Ed Luebe, NCBC Elder

Friday, March 13th of 1987 is a day I will always remember.  At the young age of 24, Christine and I had been married for about 16 months and we were preparing for our first child, Melissa, who would be born on May 30th.  In the early morning of the 13th, my younger sister, Sue and I were at the bedside of my mom, who was dying from complications of colon cancer.  Knowing that my mom may not make it through the night, we had decided to stay and be there for her.  In the early morning, I sat at my mom's bedside as she struggled to breath.  Throughout the night this would be a normal occurrence.  As I held my mom's hand, she gasped like she had many times before, but this time I said, "Let go Mom."   That was her last breath on this earth as she was instantly ushered into the presence of her Heavenly Father.  

I Corinthians 15:55 gave me a new perspective.  "Where, O death, is your victory?  Where, O death, is your sting?"

In the midst of a great loss, I was comforted knowing that my mom's last breath was peaceful.  No struggle. No pain. No sting.  I had held my mom's hand as she passed from death to life.  

In those following days after my mom's death, I realized that it was a gift from God that allowed me to be with my mom when she was ushered into heaven. I also realized that if what I was led to believe my whole life about God was not true, then I would never see my mom again.  That was a defining moment that to this day has solidified my faith in Christ.  

As we celebrate during this Advent Season the birth of our Savior, let's be mindful of the reason He came. To die on our behalf and give us eternal life.  

On that day that my mom passed, I was reminded that Easter came early for the Luebe family.