“Life and Death is God’s Business”
February 10 2010 marks the 10th year that my family and I learned how to live apart from our beloved (Mr. Dwayne Claiborne Gray; September 02 1961 – February 10 2000). He was my brother (the baby of 3), best friend (my brother in the Lord).
God allowed us to enjoy this gift for 38 years. I asked God in a moment of immense grief to teach me how to live apart from him.
His (God’s) reply to me was “celebrate each year I’ve given you with him”. At that moment my tears ceased and the celebration begun. I’ve got 28 additional years to go. So, I say to all my Selah readers who may have or will surrender a loved one back to the Creator but find themselves trying to figure out why.
This is a hard saying but necessary. “Life and Death is God’s Business --- Stay out of it”. Selah!
On this 10th anniversary of celebration, we rejoice in Dwayne’s memory with gladness in our hearts. Humbly thanking all who stood beside us in our moment of submission.
We cherish your encouragement, which has helped breathe new life into our family. God did his part as well as his people; they did not disappoint him with their love and support shared at that moment. All who were blessed to make the acquaintance of Dwayne knew how much he loved God, family, friends and kids (he had 9 nieces and nephews). All 9 were his heart beat. “The memory of the righteous will become a blessing”.
February 10 2000 was my greatest joy and sorrow. Wisdom speaks, understanding guided the way and our gift was returned to its owner. The reality of death brings life to them who value each moment with a thankful heart, a forgiving spirit and loving ways. Look at your loved ones seeing the gift that graced your existence and feel the blessings of the Creator’s creation. My Selah readers; live well, be well and do well and know that God lives!
We your family and friends pause in honor of your memory with joy, praise and love in our hearts!
You are missed my brother Dwayne.
Terence Efrem Gray Sr.,
1 comment:
I too, lost my brother Duane Toatley October, 2000. It was a sudden passing stemming from a car accident. It was a very difficult time in the lives of my mother, father, sister and myself. What saddens me to this day is I didn't get to see him and I could have. The evening he was over my mom's, I was saying I should go over there and hang out with the family for a while. It was later in the evening and I decided to stay home. The following day I was informed he had died instantly. My heart was so crushed and broken. I'm getting tears now just writing about it. I didn't get the opportunity to visually see, hug, kiss or speak to my brother before he was taken from me, from family and friends. What I've always known, but never really sunk in until his passing is...You never know when it's your time or anyone else. It's not in our control to determine that. It took me an extended amount of time to recover from his loss and begin to celebrate his new life. I miss him dearly and in my heart, he is in a much better place. My mom made the statement the day following his passing stating..."I thought I would die before my children". I told her..."You don't have the final say in that". Life can be long or short, but Living is a Blessing and our journey is to lead the Purpose Drive Life. My journey has been long with rocky roads, alot of twist & turns and road blocks. But my strong faith in God and my spiritual being aide me in staying on the straight and narrow and never losing sight of my destination. Peace and Blessings...
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