Have you ever seen a dead body? I don't mean in a hospital or on a program like CSI. Have you ever seen a dead body in a place where everyone else is alive, where it shouldn't be. I have.
Once, in Santiago, Chile, I was at these shops near my house. There was a horrific car accident at a large intersection near the shops. Two cars collided and exploded. Being the curious person I am; I had to have a look. The smell hit me before I saw anything; the smell of burnt rubber mixed mingled with the stench of melting flesh. I saw the burtn skeletons of two cars and I saw the black, charred remains of the passengers. Their journey was over. As a fourteen year old, I still remember this.
Once, in India, I was on a bus from Chandigarrh to the airport in Delhi to travel home. As we travelled on the highway, we swerved all forms of vehicle or animal. It was a journey of survival. Along the way, I saw a dead body lying on the side of the road. We never stopped to see who this person was. Nobody did. Nobody cared.
Life is a gift and it is beautiful. But, here is the twist; I meet dead people every day. What I do mean by this? Their bodies are alive, they breathe air and blood is pumping through their veins. But, I look into their eyes and they are dead. Despair has overtaken their Hope. Their joy is extinguished by grief. Peace has been crushed by doubt.
Once, in Santiago, Chile, I was at these shops near my house. There was a horrific car accident at a large intersection near the shops. Two cars collided and exploded. Being the curious person I am; I had to have a look. The smell hit me before I saw anything; the smell of burnt rubber mixed mingled with the stench of melting flesh. I saw the burtn skeletons of two cars and I saw the black, charred remains of the passengers. Their journey was over. As a fourteen year old, I still remember this.
Once, in India, I was on a bus from Chandigarrh to the airport in Delhi to travel home. As we travelled on the highway, we swerved all forms of vehicle or animal. It was a journey of survival. Along the way, I saw a dead body lying on the side of the road. We never stopped to see who this person was. Nobody did. Nobody cared.
Life is a gift and it is beautiful. But, here is the twist; I meet dead people every day. What I do mean by this? Their bodies are alive, they breathe air and blood is pumping through their veins. But, I look into their eyes and they are dead. Despair has overtaken their Hope. Their joy is extinguished by grief. Peace has been crushed by doubt.
In my favourite movie, Gladiator, Maximus (brilliantly played by Russell Crowe), says "Death smiles at us all; all one can do is smile back." One of the few certainties in life, is death. It is too easy to allow the darkness of fear and doubt to consume your spirit. Instead, allow the light of peace and hope to enrich your spirit. I am inspired by the words of Jesus of Nazareth, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
What do people see when they look in your eyes? Light or darkness. Life or death.
4 comments:
I can't say I have ever seen a dead body apart from on TV shows. Wow what a great question, it's defiantly something to think about
great post....there are certainly many dead people who are alive!!
wow. Poignant and challenging. I've never seen a real dead body. I spose it hits you just how fragile physical life is and drives you to the inevitable question: where does life come from and what's it all for? Nice quote from a master teacher, by the way :)
you've been to Chandigargh?? when? what for? and good post by the way!
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