For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Philippians 1:21

This afternoon I learned of the death of a friend of mine. For thirty-six years she worked as the office manager for a psychiatrist in Cincinnati. This afternoon, he met me as I entered the office with the news. He was devastated. She is not because she was and is a believer.

Over the last few years, she talked about her faith freely and we’ve had more than a few interesting conversations while I waited to see the doctor, Since she was diagnosed with cancer early in 2022, her focus remained steadfast. Early this year I gave her a copy of a daily devotional book by Alistair Begg and she told me how she appreciated his writing. Over the last couple of months, she stopped coming into the office and our interactions have been limited.

This afternoon I reminded the psychiatrist of her faith and the sentiment expressed in the verse from Paul above. It is difficult for him to grasp in this moment of grief, but I hope the truth of the Gospel will reach him.