In Christ Alone

I went to church today for the second time since Ryan passed away. If I had known what the message was going to be about I probably would have chosen to stay home. The title of the message was "The Gain" based on Philippians 1:21-26

Philippians 1:21 "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."

To die is gain. It is hard to wrap my mind around the fact that death is gain. I sat and quietly listened as Dr. Koole preached about death and dying. How my heart was breaking, but I needed to listen. The message was a great reminder that for believers death is gain because it brings us home to live with Christ.

I selfishly wish that Ryan was still here with me. I wish that he was here with Lily and Wyatt. I wish that we would have the opportunity to grow old together and to raise our children together. Yet, I was reminded that Ryan is with our Savior. He was greeted face to face by Jesus Christ. What a day that will be for all believers -- we will all die, Ryan just got to go "home" first.

When Ryan was born he began a journey that was filled with joy, but it was also filled with pain and difficulty. Ryan had to struggle to breath each day of his life. He was always limited by his physical body in ways that so many of us cannot begin to understand. When Ryan died he began a journey that is filled with joy and only joy. Ryan is able to breath freely; he does not get tired; he is not limited as he once was. He is in the presence of our Heavenly Father.

"In Christ Alone"
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2001 Kingsway Thankyou Music


In Christ alone my hope is found;
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all—
Here in the love of Christ I stand.


In Christ alone, Who took on flesh,

Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied;
For ev'ry sin on Him was laid—
Here in the death of Christ I live.


There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory,
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine—
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.


No guilt in life, no fear in death—
This is the pow'r of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—
Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.