We don’t remember most of what goes on from day to day, but when a high or
low hits, it is like the needle skipping across a record, and it gets our
attention. We got the news our friend Frank died yesterday. It had been
expected, but still catches you off guard. I hadn’t seen him for over two
years, our friendship was based on quality of time rather than quantity. And
being both devoted to Christ, our conversations always seemed to end up there,
no matter where they started. The last time we met, I had just returned from
Albuquerque and had open heart surgery. I had made medical history, and should
have been dead, but I am a bonified medical miracle and can prove it, I have the
scar and the files to prove it. I had been described as the sickest person they
had ever seen who wasn’t dead, and came as close to death as you can come
without dying. Frank had recently been diagnosed with a rare lung disorder that
would eventually kill him yesterday, and we talked at a level few dare to. We
had talked long before, over a decade before, that as Christians we are not
afraid to die, and look forward to heaven. But we are not sure of the
process...which I think is what really scares people. The how, not the why, and
not the where, but again the how. And as I shared how I had seen heaven, and
all I could say to describe it was “I want to go back,” his interest piqued. We
hear theory, opinions, and promises, I had been there. I had the experience.
My words carried the weight of truth. Over lunch that day, we talked all about
Jesus, the difference he had made in our lives, and how he was the difference in
our situations. He was not afraid, but concerned for his wife and kids, as he
wasn’t going to be there. He was the patriarch, the strength, the one who they
looked too. Theresa used to describe him as being like Dr. Dobson, calm under
pressure, at peace. And as we talked, we found that Jesus was the main topic,
our love for him first, then our families. In our deepest darkest hours, we
were not afraid, we somehow knew it was all about Jesus, and were more concerned
for our families. Grace will do that, as I am alive today, my sons not orphans,
my wife not a widow. Today Kendal is a widow, his kids without a father for the
first time in their lives. But their father’s example, his legacy is all based
on grace, found only in Jesus Christ. RIP Frank, you now know first hand what I
did, and all of your prayers are answered.
Frank was one of the few people I would ride with. Different styles, but
we loved long distance. We did Torches together in 2006, and split off after in
Pittsburgh on or way home. We may separate while riding, but we never worried
about each other, we rode our own ride. Across time zones, and for weeks on
end. And our last one was visiting him and Kendal in Oregon. We took a special
day ride with him, and certain things were not said because when God is with
you, the words are not found. You cannot use earthy words to describe heavenly
moments. Theresa and I were riding with Frank another time when we were told a
biker down, his brother Tracy. Being the first on the scene, we got it
organized, and established calm, through Jesus. Later when in the hospital,
Tracy would be hurt more than we knew, we got to pray with them and his other
brother Mike. Frank left in tears after I prayed, Tracy would be OK and ride
again, but his brother Mike prayed with them for the first time. Out of
darkness, God brought light. And later we were told by the CDF firemen who
came, they never saw a more peaceful accident scene, and Christians doing what
they tell others they do, loving.
And so Frank went peacefully, and his future secure in heaven. We will
mourn his passing, as we are still doing a life sentence here. But on the same
day, as I hit a low, my son handed me a copy of the LA Times. Dance Spirit, the
group both he and Reagan are, was on the front page of Calendar section. Like
on the cover of the Rolling Stone, there they were, taking up half the page.
And it brought me great joy. It seems life goes on, after death in more ways
than one. Hearing about their successes around the world is great, but being in
the paper, in print is something else. Proof. Evidence. And his career is
growing, and we are so very proud and happy for them. Faith too is like that,
we believe, for faith is the substance of things not seen, but believed. Frank
now has the proof. We still must have faith, as no one who has died other than
Jesus has returned. We won’t want to, and I want to go back. Are you sure of
heaven? Are you at peace about your final destination, but unsure of the how?
I cannot tell you how or when, you have no input on when you die, just like you
had no input on the day you were born. But you can choose Jesus, by faith and
someday see him face to face in heaven. We are not guaranteed tomorrow on
earth, but can be assured of heaven after death. Real life. Frank knew, now he
knows. So do I. Do you?
The gates of hell are there to keep sinners in, because they would try to
escape. No one wants to escape from heaven. I cannot describe it, I just want
to go back. And someday I will. So will my family, who all have given it over
to Christ. What say you? When you lay me down to sleep tonight, if you don’t
awake are you sure where you will go for eternity? But while here you can make
a difference by how you live, by living for Jesus. Showing love and forgiveness
as he did. Telling others about heaven, and sharing testimonies. God told John
in Revelation to bear witness to what he has seen. To share about God and his
testimony. And see others come to Christ via your message guided by the holy
spirit. Frank is free from pain and discomfort now. New lungs that breath
heavenly air. I have a new aorta, and someday will have a new one too. Not
manmade as it is now, but one from God. Factory parts. And my heart will be
his forever.
Life goes on. So does death. You will live forever somewhere, only God
gives you the choice. Jesus and heaven, deny him and hell. Your choice.
Because Jesus loves you. This I know, for the Bible tells me so. And I can
too, and so could Frank. Will you join us? We know for sure. We are sure of
the where, we leave the how up to God. To his process. But I will leave you
with this, you just go to sleep. And it is not a dream. I know first hand. I
have Jesus. I was there. I hope you do too. Don’t be caught off guard. In
that twinkling of an eye we will all be changed. Forever.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com