In loving memory of Uncle Victor Samy..

Just yesterday, i received an sms from clem that Fr. Joe announced at mass that Uncle Vic had passed away from a heart attack. I was in shock and disbelief..I even called clem to ask which Victor Samy, and he replied,"How many of them do u know?"

This incident has left me in much contemplation..On one hand we grieve the loss of a loved one, someone who has truly been the light of Christ in this world of darkness, on the other, we know by faith that he is in a better place, with our creator.

He was a man of great faith and wisdom, a soldier for Christ. He and his wife had carried on a devotion to Mother Mary, going to various households for 9 day novenas, and night after night, w/o fail, they'd be at the house praying and leading the family, nudging them closer to Jesus and His loving mother.

It's amazing how i recollect and see that Uncle Vic was there for me, God's voice and hand for me, at many a critical juncture in my adult life. Firstly was praying and advising me on my signing on decision. More recently, i vividly remember my mum arranging for me to speak to him after my breakup last June/July(He was a counseller at CSC) and through speaking to him, God revealed to me His great love and how God was all part of this plan and i remember leaving that session with him feeling a deep sense of peace and purposefulness, knowing and seeing for myself, how tangibly God was in charge of all these.

I went to his wake tonight, after intercessory at SFX. I always had a fear of the dead, the dark etc, since young.. kinda like a childhood trauma but this got better over the years, esp when i had the call of duty to fulfil in Army and all. However, i am still averse to this kinda stuff. But, as we went to pay our last respects, there was a drawing in me to go closer to the body, something i would never do.I felt a close affinity with Uncle Vic, and i knew that there was nothing to fear for he was a man of God.I left the wake with a host of inexplicable feelings welling up in me.

As i sat in my parents car on the drive home, i began to recollect my encounters with Uncle Victor, and i was telling him in my heart how much i missed him and how much his words, his living testimony had such a great impact in my life and moulded me to who i am today.Indeed, God was using him to mould me in many ways. Then i started sobbing rather uncontrollably and then an awareness of the song that was playing dawned on me.

It Is Well With My Soul
Words by Horatio G. Spafford - Music by Philip P. Bliss
Philippians 4:4-7

When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come
Let this best assurance control
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate
And he hat shed His own blood for my soul

It is well, with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul
It is well with my soul
When all life's about to lose control
It is well, it is well with my soul

My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought
My sin not in part, but the whole
Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more
Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord O my soul!

And Lord, Haste the day when my faith shall be sight
The clouds be rolled back like a scroll
The trumpets shall resound, and the Lord shall descend
Praise the Lord, it is well with my soul!

When i heard this, i began to sob even louder in the realisation that i felt that he was speaking to me in the song. Don't be sad, don't wonder why i left so suddenly. It is well with my soul! Praise the Lord!

Indeed, this experience has taught me a lil more about the mystery of everlasting life after death. That it is not such a paradox to celebrate and mourn death at the same time.

Just a short sharing and reflection before i end off..

"How fragile is life? How little a time we have on earth.. If we do not start doing God's ministry and work now, then when?What is constant in this transient life? One day when we are gone, will we have been Jesus to someone in need?"

Thank you Uncle Victor, for making the world God's heaven on earth and for being God's voice and hand in my life.

Praise the Lord! It is well with my soul, indeed!

Love,
Rhino No. 7