Rest in Peace (From a Christian Perspective)

(Note: These are my reflections on life, death, and life after death, as my husband, Frank, passed away from this life to the next. I included this page as an insert to the "thank You" notes that were sent.)

Frank now has no need of faith and hope, because he is there – at rest and in peace.

A well-known author, Washington Irving is the namesake for the Hudson River town in which I attended High School. The school was Irvington High School and the imprint on my class ring is Rip Van Winkle, one of Irving’s storybook characters. We would agree that the story is morbid, and unlike Frank’s life. However, that is what I first think of when I hear the expression “Rest in Peace” due to the fact that the name Rip stands for Rest in Peace.

Upon the death of my husband I heard the phrase “may he rest in peace” and was reminded of the character Rip Van Winkle. At the same time I was given a booklet entitled When Mourning Comes, by Max Lucado. In it I read some Old Testament Bible verses. For example “Good people are taken away, but no one understands. Those who do right are being taken away from evil and are given PEACE. Those who live as God wants find REST in death.”(Isaiah chapter 57: verses 1,2). There it is - Rest in Peace!

No doubt, death was God’s way of taking Frank from the evil of this painful disease – melanoma.

Also included in the booklet was the Bible verse “All the days planned for me were written in your book before I was one day old” (Psalm139:16). I further read, “Ironically, the first to accept God’s decision of death is the one who dies”.

As difficult as it is on our family and friends, Frank lived a wonderful life and is now resting in peace. He is ready to get up at any time and dance I may add!

With love,
Vickie and family

"For the godly who die shall rest in peace." the Living Bible translation