by ktarcus

Created on: February 05, 2007   Last Updated: July 07, 2008

Death has a way of concentrating the mind, at the passing of a loved one we often take time out to reflect about what we are doing.
We also take the time to revaluate our perception of God and the afterlife.

For a great many people today, sadly the thought of there being a God looking down all benevolent and caring is long past when they assess their plight; refer of course to those suffering under the cruel hands of regimes that care little for the life of others other than their friends and family (Zimbabwe for one)

Seeing the effects of genocide and living through the nightmare has the effect of dissuading people that God really does exist.

Within so called civilised countries, the effects of disease such as cancer taking young children is concern, in fact the death of any child is a concern to none Christians and Christians alike.

Allowing God into a person's heart after personal Tragedy is a hard thing to do if they do not already subscribe to the premise that God exists.
Most religions advocate the theory of life after death, a place in paradise which is an idyllic resting place for all regardless.
For all that believe then this comforting thought will draw them closer towards God if he has taken some who have been suffering here on earth whether it be through illness war or famine.
Some may even turn to God after a close relative dies as they have no source of comfort within their grasp here on earth and feel that by embracing God they can at least channel their anguish in a positive direction.

Personally after watching the birth of three children and their subsequent death within hours of their birth; I found no comfort in God or any form of afterlife explanation to our existence.
It has taken many years of heartache and soul searching to come to the position I am in today, that perhaps, there may be an outside influence when it comes down to the affairs of man.

I am sure there are many who instantly turn to God when death is calling; I was not one of them.
As for getting to know him. Or perhaps learning more about him?
We are all of us individual and the concept of one is vastly different to the belief of another, let me just say that I believe many are drawn closer towards God after dealing with death whilst some are pushed further away from his house.

The choice ultimately is within you.
Remember though that no matter what choice you make at the time, He is always willing to wait.

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