This is a post I knew I would someday have to write, but hoped I never would.
Two days ago our father, Jay Edison, passed away unexpectedly at home. He apparently fell asleep sitting on the couch and just never woke up. Thankfully it appears he didn’t suffer, for which we are very grateful.
Dad was an amazing man and an incredible father. He dedicated his life to helping others, both as a physician and later as Health Director for ADRA, traveling to 48 countries helping to organize child survival programs and other much needed humanitarian and health interventions in the developing world.
Although he loved helping others, Dad’s passion was his family, willing sacrificing his own comfort to give us a good life, yet always being ready to play catch or ping pong, give a hug or some much needed advice. But his greatest desire was that we would know Jesus and be ready when He comes. Daily Dad led us in morning worship and in everything he did he pointed us to Jesus, both by his words and, more importantly, by how he lived his life.
The next few days are going to be rough for our family and we need your prayers. However, though our hearts our breaking, we “will not grieve like people who have no hope.” (1 Thessalonians 4;13 NLT). For us this is not “good-bye”, but “see you soon”!
Dad knew Jesus as His dearest Friend and his Savior. He was ready for this day. We will see him again! Right now Dad is resting, just taking a little nap, but someday very soon Jesus will come back to wake him up.
On that bright morning “the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God.” Then Dad and all “the believers who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
So, yes mourn with us today, but also rejoice! Jesus is coming soon! The night is almost over! A new day is about to dawn! Soon God “will wipe every tear from [our[ eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain.” (Revelation 21:4)
We will see Dad again! I can hardly wait!