Separations come in many forms, and they tend to nag at us. 

A phrase found in the Bible, “Absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” is found in 2 Corinthians 5:8. It means to be separated from one’s physical body, essentially referring to death. The thought behind the phrase is that when a believer dies, their spirit leaves their body and is “present with the Lord” in heaven.

The phrase is used by the Apostle Paul to express his desire to leave his earthly body and be with God, signifying that death is not the end for believers but a transition to a heavenly existence. Usually, separation or absence from something has a negative connotation, but in this case, Paul sees it as being advantageous. Death of a loved one usually leaves us hurt and broken, but there is some relief and hope in knowing believers will live in eternity. May we live in such a way that we will join our loved ones one day!

Let’s use the word separation from a different perspective. The focus across America today is the pain and agony families are having because they are being separated. It is inconceivable to even think about children being left behind and separated from their parents because of deportation. Immigrant parents are reluctant to send their children to school or church because of ICE. Children are absent from school and it has a cause for fear and disdain in the communities. Schools are facing renewed fears over heightened immigration enforcement.             

It is frightening also to think that children of immigrant parents born in the United States are being threatened to be deported. If that be the case, would we African Americans be placed in the same category? Just a think about!

Some of us will have to face the reality of going to a nursing home or Living Assistant Home who must be separated from family, friends, church, etc. Let’s not forget those we love who have to make those tough decisions.   

Yes, it is heartbreaking to watch such inhumane actions being taken against immigrants, for the actions of our government have gone beyond deporting immigrant criminals only. However, the deportation of today’s immigrants is nothing compared to what African Americans had to endure during slavery. As we look back over our history, we may recall that slaves were often traded or sold and treated as chattel. There were times that a spouse or children would be separated from their parents and never to see them again. Imagine the trauma families suffered because of such bizarre behavior. Women were used to bare children for their white slave masters, only to be sold to another slave owner in some cases. Men and children were beaten, branded and treated worst than animals.

May I suggest that we not raise the head of ugliness and hatred and ask the question, “How can one human being treat another human being with such hatred and evil simply because of one’s race or color?

When we think about separation as it relates to marriage, let’s not be too quick to judge either party, for no one but the couple knows what happens behind closed doors. The danger of separation in a marriage is that it can lead to divorce and have a devastating negative impact on children. Marriage can and should be one of the most honored and respected institutions in society. No two persons are ever going to see eye to eye on every issue, but the ultimate goal is for two people to respect, honor, trust and love each other unto death. One of my suggestions regarding marriage is that two people really, really get to know each other before marriage. Even with that being said, we never get to know a person totally.      

May we be careful in these times of uncertainties that we do not separate ourselves from God. As Christians, we are expected to live differently from the patterns of the world. We are called to align ourselves with God’s will, and set our eyes on eternal things. Separating from the world requires commitment, strength and courage which comes from God. Relying on God causes us to remain steadfast in living a holy life.

Regardless of how separation has played a role in our lives, let us hold firmly to Romans 8:59, Paul gives us an absolute confirmation that we could never be separated from our God. “Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”                  

How wonderful it would be if we could love everybody and live in unity and harmony.

Just my thoughts!

Robert Earl Slade, Pastor