WHEN I AM GONE.

Gone. Cold body. Eyes closed. Lifeless. Six feet under. And in a lonely world. That's death. One truth we tend to run away from is that one day we shall all leave this world and all our works shall be revealed and tested. Whenever I have an opportunity to visit the family of someone who has passed on, I try to check the little comments people say concerning the fellow who just passed on. Then I ask myself, what will people write about me when I am gone? You might hear comments like: "Thank God he’s dead. His own was too much. I just hate him, he’s too zealous. With his greed now what is he taking away?" Or people say: "I wish he was still around, he was a great man. He was so hardworking, kind, loving, a genuine believer and he put smiles on the faces of people around him". "He lived a good life and his life is a positive lesson for us. How I wish he was still alive. Maybe God will look at his good deeds and bring him back. He gave to the poor and needy, he fed the hungry, he was a true child of God and he will forever live in our hearts". I tell people these days: “I am not living a holy life because of you or because I love you. But because of three things; love for God, fear of God, and Heaven.” Most of us live our lives as if we won’t die. Some of us are so wicked, cruel, deceitful, and unfaithful and we forget we will surely give an account one day. My father does not like me saying this but it is the truth. I might not live long here on earth, but one thing I have begged God for is fulfillment of purpose. Life is not just about wealth, position, fun, and others, but about the fulfillment of purpose. When I pray for a group of people, I frequently say: “Peradventure death will not allow us to see each other next time, help us to make it to heaven”. So many people hardly say amen. However, you cannot live forever. One day, personal or general rapture will catch up with you. In the last six months, I have heard about the death of loved ones, which got me so emotional, especially for a close friend of mine. We are like flowers that fade quickly; here today, gone tomorrow. A wave tossed in the ocean, a vapour in the wind (from the lyrics of Casting Crown's Who am I) So live a good life. Many of us want our names mentioned in the Guinness Book of Records, Times Magazine, Ovation, Most Influential Man or Woman, Richest Man or Woman, and it’s all good but the real question is "Is your name in this book of life?’’ As I write this last paragraph, tears run down my eyes. I remember my special friend who has gone to be with the Lord and I also live daily looking unto Jesus so I will meet with Him on the last day. When you are gone, what will people say about you? Where will you spend eternity? Death will surely come at the appointed time and we shall all give account of our lives. So live prepared and ready. Romans 12:2. If you will miss anything, don’t miss heaven, the kingdom of God is at hand. When I, Ayodeji Samson Oluwadamilare Oke Anifowose, am gone, what will you say about me? Feel free to drop your comments.