Tip of My Iceberg

I’d known him longer than I hadn’t. He was my husband’s roommate in college, sharing not only a room but names that were too close for coincidence.

You’d never see two more opposite people.

John Fred Carlson was a man of integrity, dry humor, and deep compassion. He was quick to laugh and even quicker to care for others. He was neat where my dear husband, John Frederick Rogers, also a compassionate and caring man, was a total and unapologetic mess. People identified them by what they saw: John Fred was an early riser and had all his classes finished by noon–which was when John Frederick began his classes, the forever night owl. John Fred was more private; John Frederick more outgoing.

John Fred married my twin sister two years after we married, and I can only describe their union as beautifully close and tender. They didn’t truly start dating until after our wedding, but their relationship was something many envied because of their genuine love and kindness for each other.

The four of us enjoyed not only family ties but honest friendship. Being together was always a joy.

John Fred passed away on July 5, having outlived his brain cancer diagnosis by almost two years. He had three brain operations, each one taking a little more of him, but he never lost his love for his wife and children or his wonderful wit. Even though he was mostly paralyzed at the end, his demeanor was still gracious–even a bit snarky.

My sister is in deep grief. She’d hoped for so many more years with the man she loved. She’d understood all that the doctors had told her, and she hurt desperately for her husband who was confined to a body that wouldn’t do what he’d ask of it.

Gayle was with him when he passed into eternity, absolutely certain she will see him again because John knew and loved Jesus. The guarantee Jesus gives is to all who call on His name in faith–they will be His beloveds forever.

Losing those we love to the ultimate thief–death–affects all of us. We will all die at some point, for death is the result of the brokenness of this world. We have no guarantee of how long we have; God alone knows the length of our days. John’s death was neither a surprise to Him nor an anomaly. He’d lived out his earthly existence,

Given the option of returning, John would never want to com back. He’s home with Jesus, never again to be hampered by pain, paralysis, or problems.

When Jesus’ dear friend Lazarus was sick, his sisters sent word for Jesus to come to them. He waited to leave, knowing Lazarus would die–which he did. Once Jesus arrived, both sisters mentioned that they understood if He had been there, Lazarus wouldn’t have died.

“Jesus told her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in Me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in Me and believes in Me will never ever die.’” John 11:25-26a

Jesus wept with the sisters, fully understanding their pain and loss. Even though He knew He would raise Lazarus from the dead–a picture of what He will do for all who believe in Him.

This is Gayle’s guarantee that she will see John again. The loss is painful here for a time.

To be assured of heaven forever, that’s a promise to invest in.