By Demetrius E. Moffett

The dash between the year of our sunrise and sunset is the life story that we write. It’s the means by which we are remembered.

How will we best remember our loved ones, classmates or friends? What part will we play in helping them to write their autobiography? Are we spending quality time with them while they’re here or will we be the one crying out with guilt because we missed out the opportunities to share in their life’s experiences?

More importantly, I’m speaking toward the relationships between parents and children.

Are we developing a life and lifestyle wish I had done this or that?

Life is but a blur.

Here today, gone tomorrow.

e that helps cultivate the family bond? Are we teaching our children the value of caring and sharing? Are encouraging them to sit at the feet of living history?

If the answer is no, what then are we teaching our children?

When the time comes to celebrate life, they will have little to nothing to say.

We must teach our children the value of family and the family values that we have shared throughout our family history.

Serving in the capacity of a pastor, families have graciously afforded me the opportunity to share in the process of home goings of their loved ones. I’ve observed the interactions of family members and had the honor of listening to them as they shared the “dash” in the life of their dear departed.

The experience that really touched me and provoked me to think was listening to the third and fourth generations speak about the valuable life lessons taught by the patriarchs and matriarchs of the family.

These heartfelt words could only be expressed through having healthy relationships which cultivated peace in this season of passing.

Will we have peace or perplexity with their transition? Will the grief of guilt grip us or will be able to praise God with peace?

Death is not racist, prejudice or gender bias. All of us will taste its bitterness.

There’s a time to be born and a time to die. 

Life is but a blur.

Build your memories on the foundation of their dash.

For peace will help with the process.

 

Demetrius Moffett is Senior Pastor of Orange Church of God, 1911 North 16th Street in Orange.