Both of us we unaware of the death of a young sports person, for which the out pouring of public grief, the lowering of flags and other symbolic acts were quite staggering.
In contrast, those who die on the street largely go unnoticed.
No symbolic gestures, no public 'mourning', no media coverage and no special events as a mark of respect.
'Bob', not his name, was deeply distressed, that people from his circle of friends go largely unnoticed when they die.
I know this to be so. Last year I took a simple service at the back entrance to a crematorium of a bloke who died alone on the street.
Disconnected from family his body arrived in the cheapest of caskets, with a cloth covering it, no flowers no tributes, just a few people who new him and me a complete stranger who had been asked to say a few words of hope.
I reckon 'Bob' has a point, on this I believe he gets the heart of Jesus.
All are created in God's image, we are all broken and struggle, but, if you entertain, people or are a 'hero' even those who don't really know you, will mourn your passing and the world is made aware of it.
Not even a sparrow dies with out the creator being aware!!
Thank you 'Bob' for reminding us to respect all who die regardless of who or 'what' they are.
It's only male sportspeople who are mourned, then only in Cricket or Football. A young woman hockey player was killed when hit by a ball a few days after the death of this cricket player, barely a peep was heard. We have a warped idea of heroism and no idea about how Jesus loves everybody the same. Every death is tragic and a loss. Those that go unnoticed are the saddest of all. Donovan
ReplyDelete