Senator Ted Kennedy Died

Ecclesiastes 12:7

We will face death. The cessation of life is assured. Unless the Savior comes and raptures the people of God before our last breath, we will die.

The news media announced: SENATOR TED KENNEDY DIED. I recall being in my third grade class, when the announcement of the death of President John F. Kennedy came. I was watching the coverage of a victory speech by Senator Robert F. Kennedy, when moments later the news media reported that he had died from the violent attack on his life. On the morning of August 26, 2009, the announcement came that the final of four brothers born to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Kennedy had died. Each death different, yet similar. Joseph, the eldest son and first to face death, was killed in war. Teddy was the only one of the brothers to see life and death as a process born out in length of time void of death by human hands. He died of cancer, which is still an infectious ill to be conquered in human medicine. Like his brother, the Senator that fought for health care, civil rights, education, and fair treatment of all people faced the end of life.

I never stood in the office of his brothers. However, visiting his office was a high time during one of my visits to the Capitol. My younger daughter found in some of her Washington, DC experiences Teddy Kennedy to be the man of interest and intelligence often attributed to him. I was wounded and deeply sorrowed at the death of his brothers. I was young and so immature in faith, when learning of their demise. While human loss still saddened me in the death of "the lion of the senate" as he has been referred to, I rejoice in the mature belief that Senator Edward M. Kennedy conquered death, because he was not consumed by it. He lived until he died. Reports from his "loving wife" - Vicki states that until his final day, he arose out of bed each day. I believe in facing death on yesterday, his soul arose from the bed to live everyday in eternity.

Many will speak now of his immeasurable contributions. He will be laid to rest near his four brothers, who made their marks as to earn a place in Arlington Cemetery outside of Washington, DC. Fitting for each, for sure, and none having given more time in the capitol of these United States of America than Ted Kennedy. All tributes will be well deserved and prayerfully well made. I have read the remarks of two great leaders - The Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. and President Barack Obama. In both I heard words of appreciation to the Kennedy legacy in the fight for human rights. I encourage you to read them both. They are historical statements of a historic life.

History cannot record the final story. The final story is beyond the time of history. History reports what has been "his story". What history cannot capture is the records of his eternity. We can only speak in hope of knowing for ourselves an eternity free of discord and filled with peace. I end in the same hope for the souls of all children of God, who came to believe and preceded us into everlasting existence. Live on Teddy Kennedy, live on!

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy and save our lives. Amen.