Overcoming the Fear of Death
To the extent that our paths must trace Christ’s, the fear of death is not only understandable, but natural. He himself cried out in anguish, “My father, why have you forsaken me?” and begged him, “Let this cup pass me by.” When I first heard the story of the crucifixion from my father, I could not stomach its cruelty, and everything in me rebelled. Why couldn’t there be Easter without the horrors of Good Friday? Over the years, however, I found an answer that I could accept: just as there can be no spring without the cold of winter that comes before it – just as the glory of a sunrise would be nothing if it did not break through the darkness of night – so the pain of suffering must precede the triumph of new life. In finding this faith, I gradually overcame my fear of dying.
Ebooks on Overcoming the Fear of Death
Be Not Afraid: Overcoming the Fear of Death
In this hope-filled book, stories of real men and women offer hard-won insights on dealing with uncertainty, loss, grief, and the fear of death. Arnold knows that the biggest challenges in life are the ones that won't fit the script. All the same, he is convinced that there are plenty of common truths worth holding to the light.
Now Is Eternity
A collection of seventy short but striking meditations to battle weariness and despair. The beauty of these glimpses of eternity will comfort and help with overcoming the fear of death.
Articles on Overcoming the Fear of Death
Resurrection:Life After Death
Across all cultures, men and women have found consolation and courage in the belief that death is not the end, but that it is followed by another, better life to come. How this next life will come about and what form it will take are questions that have occupied the human race down the centuries. Also in Spanish
Of Gettysburg, Dignitas, and my friend Krista
Jesus' commands do not change, but the twenty-first century is rewriting the definition of love. "Love your neighbor as yourself" no longer means you cannot kill him. The easy solution of assisted dying or assisted suicide leers, a sinister phantom, at the beginning of this new decade.
Esther: Facing the End of Life with Courage
Esther’s only wish now was to fulfill God’s plan for her life and to find peace and forgiveness. She knew she didn’t have much time left, and prayed that—when the time came—she would not have to die alone.
The Last Hour: Thoughts on Dying and Letting Go
Stories of love and compassion from those who have lost loved ones. It is clear from these stories that nothing is so crucial at the bed of a dying person than an atmosphere of peace.
Facing Death: Letters from Carole Neal
"Up until a few days ago I said that I had no fear of death and had no difficulty with that at all. I'm sure I have heard that said by many people. In actual fact, I became very afraid of losing life, of losing Dale and the children, and of really facing God. I guess I don't spend a lot of time on my knees, but I'm always asking God to show me who he is and how he is. I feel that this has unfolded in a wonderful, wonderful way in our life together; that God is not the fearful (horrible almost), being that I knew as a child and who I have been continually afraid of, but there is a tremendous love and warmth and genuineness there as well as wonderful humor..."
When Children Suffer
Stories and memories from parents who have lost a child: comfort and hope for those who fear death.
"As we look back on that night, we can see now that Mark John was slowly moving into another world. He went trustingly, even happily. It was as if we were standing before the gates to eternity, and we could take him that far, but then we would have to leave him. He would go in, and we would have to wait."
When God Takes Over: Thoughts from a Cancer Patient
A cancer patient explains his thoughts as he confronts the fear of death:
"Death is a bridge that everyone has to cross, but Christ promises everlasting life. It is as simple as that. In a way, to face death is a freeing and a victory. We cling to this earth—and rightly so—and yet we all have to let go of it. God rules over everything in the whole universe, and the victory belongs to him."
Benson John Fischli
Memories of a baby from his parents who overcame their fear of his death. "In those hours we were surrounded by unseen spirits, and carried by powers far beyond our own. Never once did we feel anger toward God, or question why this happened to us. In fact, Benson’s death seemed to draw us closer to God, and to each other."
Despite Pain
Despite pain so great that he was taking daily doses of morphine (and still grimaced whenever he stood up or sat down), he stood tall and straight, head thrown back, as he belted out Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus.” It was his last Christmas, and he knew it, but he was radiant. He would not let anything put a damper on his spirits. That was my Grandfather—Ben Zumpe.