Isaiah 41:10 – Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. (NASB)

It is easy to write about something that I have experienced personally, but much harder to write about someone who is dying of AIDS.

Last night, I had a dream. In my dream, I found out that I had contracted this terrible disease called AIDS. At first I did not want to accept the fact that I had this disease. Shock. Questions bombarded my mind: "How?" "When?" "Where?" and "Why?" I felt angry and confused. I asked myself over and over again, "Why me?" I went through a time of denial. I lost weight. My appetite for food was diminishing very quickly. I remember sitting on a sofa and telling my younger brother that I had AIDS and that I was dying. I remember the shock on his face. And then he seemed to go through the same emotions that I went through. I remember us hugging. I also remember telling him that we will see each other again some day by the grace of God. God granted us a time of peace that went beyond human understanding in that hug. We felt His presence. Then I awoke from my dream.

Whatever circumstances God has allowed to happen in our lives, God is there with us. He is ever watching, listening and waiting for us to reach out to Him, as a child reaches out to a father and cries, "Abba, Father, I am hurting."

2 Thessalonians 3:16 – Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all! (NASB)

Matthew 28:20b – Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. (NASB)

Prayer: Dear God, it is so hard for us to say goodbye to someone who is dying. Help us to put our trust in You. You are always with us, watching, listening and waiting for us with outstretched hands when our final hour comes. Amen.

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About the author:

Rosemary Hagedorn <rosyhagedorn@gmail.com>
Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada
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