Environmental Stewardship Commission

Reflection on Romans 8: 31-39
by Nan Stokes

This year the winter was mild, and spring seemed to come so early, with melting snow and warm temperatures. Even the pussy willows were "doing their thing" and making decorations for our tables long before we were expecting it. In the depth of the time when there was cold and snow, my friend died, and in that cold time, my thoughts were about how many of my friends seemed to be leaving the world – and me. Sometimes I am asked to read one of the lessons at the funeral, and choosing the words that speak to what they remember about their loved one is often a difficult task for the family members. But this time I went to my friend's funeral and sat with all the others who were mourning and listened to the lessons and how they spoke to me. This reading from Romans is one of those suggested, and it was so meaningful that day. My friend was a devoted and devout Christian and much of her life was dedicated to her church and her good works."For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." And nothing will separate my friend and me, not for all the ages to come. In this time of Lent, it is good to remember that we aren't alone.

Nan Stokes was an active member of St. Edward the Confessor Episcopal Church, Duluth, MN, when she originally wrote this reflection in 2000. Nan and we welcome your comments. Please address your comments or additional reflections to Nan Stokes or any MEESC member, or mail them to: