I have always had little patience with atheists, especially fundamentalist atheists who “prostlytize” and try and “convert” me. I have generally treated such people with a very uncharitable attitude of disdain.

While reading Jessica’s posts, I began to understand, at least on an intellectual level, what being an atheist requires of the adherent.

I take the existance of God for granted. God has walked with me my entire life, even at those times when I pushed Him away and ignored Him. I know, deep in my heart, that should I die, there is something wonderful waiting for me. I don’t know what it is, but I know that God is there, so it has to be really good.

I am now thinking about what it must be like to be atheist, and contemplating your own demise. Looking at the end of your life, and knowing that that’s going to be it.

You may even entertain the possibility of God, but if you are secure in your atheist “faith” you push it aside as “weakness”, and dispise yourself for even entertaining the idea of some benevolent “sky daddy” who is going to make things wonderful for you for the rest of eternity.

This is a profoundly sad thought for me. And in the case of Jessica, it’s not her death I mourn, because death is simply a doorway to a different kind of life. I pray for the endless mercy of God, and I pray that Jessica has the opportunity to accept it.

Bring peace and comfort into the midst of tragedy for those whose life she most deeply touched.

We ask this through Christ our lord, amen.

An amazing young woman whose life really was too short.