Is death optional? No, but the fear of it is. Instead of denial, let Christ exchange your ultimate fear for his ultimate homeland security: heaven.
Why is it that something as inevitable as death is the last thing we talk about? We seem to be in the grip of an ultimate fear. The Bible calls it a "lifelong slavery." The good news is that God is the great emancipator of this slavery to fear. He sets us free and gives us instead the assurance of heaven. I have called it "forward nostalgia." We long to be where we have never been.
Once we allow God to remove this fear we can be ready to keep on living on earth, and to be equally ready to depart for an incredibly wonderful new life in heaven. It is a win-win, no matter what the future may bring. Death is not leaving home; it is going home.
"With a lifetime of reflection and study, Al Lawrence has directed us to prepare for the ultimate journey with forethought and firm trust in the goodness and greatness of God." Peter C. Moore, D.D., Dean/President Emeritus, Trinity School for Ministry, Ambridge, Pa.