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No Death is Light

When I was six years old, I watched a relative kill an animal which left a traumatic memory I still carry today. Even as a child, I couldn’t understand how someone could be so cruel or so callous. It impressed upon my heart a lesson that has never left me: death is terrible.

I still hunted, fished, and enjoyed eating meat, but I developed a deep appreciation for God’s creation. Around our house, my wife and I will gladly dispatch houseflies and spiders—they’ve worn out their welcome. Daddy long legs somehow get a pass. They never quite crossed into the “creepy” category. Beetles get gently escorted back outside. We feed the birds and keep a birdbath full for them. When one flies into our window and I find it lying in the grass, my heart sinks. If I accidentally step on a toad hidden beneath the mulch, I find myself apologizing—to the toad, to God, and to anyone else within earshot.

As I write this, we’re on vacation in South Carolina. Two nights ago, our pet sitter called with heartbreaking news. Our guinea pig, Midnight, had begun having seizures and was barely responsive. Yesterday the veterinarian said he was critical and recommended euthanasia. Five states away, we had to give permission over the phone. We never got to hold him one last time or thank him for five and a half years of companionship. Guinea pig owners understand.

Death was never God’s design. It entered creation through sin, bringing corruption, sorrow, and separation. Every grave, every fallen bird, every beloved pet reminds us that something is terribly wrong with this world. But for those who know Christ, death does not have the final word. I cling to God’s promise that one day there will be no more tears, no more pain, and no more death. In His presence, life will reign forever, and death will never be welcome again.

Two brothers: We lost Melvin (left) on 11/25…and Midnight (right) on 7/22/26…RIP Fellas.❤️
Handsome Midnight🙂

10 thoughts on “No Death is Light”

  4. Hi Eric, I am sorry for your loss brother. As a previous owner of dogs over the years and one cat, I remember their passing was deeply felt by the whole family. Praise God who has better plans for us in the Gloryland. May He continue to guide and bless you and your family today 🙏

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  5. thank you for sharing the pain of your loss of beloved family members. I often struggle asking the Lord if it’s OK to pray for a sick cat or dog as I watch one suffer who brings me so much joy. I hate death. But I’m so glad that my savior has defeated death. Soon no more sorrow, no more parting, no more dying. What a blessed day.

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    1. Never hesitate to pray for the sick, injured, or dying…for it reveals both faith in God and love for the suffering. I am so thankful that death will be destroyed one day, and we will dwell with the Lord apart from sin and suffering! Have a blessed day!🙏👍🏻❤️

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