An internet search says, “You would bid someone a fond farewell when the person is leaving, but you’re happy for their situation.” That’s not exactly what I thought it meant, but close. I take it to mean someone you liked is leaving and you have to say goodbye.
Bob Barker recently passed away and though many mourned his death, I wouldn’t say I bid him a fond farewell by either definition. He hosted the Price is Right TV game show, but I didn’t know much about him besides watching him on television for many years. He was called an animal rights activist and was accused of harassing the ladies who worked on the shows, but it never made the headlines like other scandals. He seemed nice enough on the shows and had dementia during his later years. I hope he accepted JESUS during his 99-year lifespan.
Jimmy Buffet also died, and though he was in his 70’s, many were shocked and mourned his passing. I remember hearing him singing “Margaritaville” which is like the wild lifestyle that he rode to wealth and fame. He kept his battle with skin cancer quiet, possibly because it didn’t go well with his “partying beach bum” image. Though he died of cancer, it seems he too had plenty of time to turn his life over to JESUS. I didn’t know Jimmy Buffet and wasn’t a fan of his music or apparent way of living and can’t really bid him a fond farewell.
One person I could bid a fond farewell was my friend and Christian Brother, Robert Garcia. When he passed away, he fit both definitions. Though I miss him terribly and know he wanted to stay a little longer with his dear wife Mary, I was so happy about his new situation!
How can you be happy about your friends who died? Because “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil 1:21 KJV) and I know for Robert it is too! Having suffered for over 70 years in this cruel world, he went straight to the arms of JESUS! With no more physical or mental limitations, no more aches and pains, he won’t ever get hungry or tired and will never feel different or left out. He is fully enjoying the love of GOD and will never want or lack for anything. More than happy for Robert, I am more than a little jealous of him. He has finished his tour of duty and is now reaping the rewards! Yes, his precious family and friends had to say goodbye and endure this life without him, but that is only for a little while. I am comforted that it won’t be long until we too can bid a fond farewell to this life and go to be with JESUS and Robert forever!
You’re not perfect! I know you have failed in the past and will fail in the future. How is it you can know you are saved and will go to Heaven, when you deserve death, just like I do? You are right, “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23 KJV) but I am saved “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Rom 3:24 KJV) because “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:16-17 KJV). That includes all of us who repented and believed in and accepted JESUS as their LORD and SAVIOR! I am one of those and you can be one too!
Wayne Lance (2023) – That’s Good News to Share!