All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls.” 1 Peter 1:24
“Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” James 4:19
When I saw Chadwick Boseman’s picture, I didn’t know what had happened. His image kept on popping up in news feeds. I decided to stop and read. I was surprised not only by his death but also by my reaction. My heart melted. It was as if someone had stabbed me in the heart. I could feel the pain of losing a brother so young. He left a legacy of Black Panther, and Black Panther had died. He was so young and successful, but he lived a short life.
I tried to unravel my feelings. Why did this hurt so bad? I’m not one of those celebrity fanatics; I don’t follow them or know them by name. However, Chadwick’s work on Black Panther gave black people a voice. It gave them courage and made them believe in themselves. It embraced the Afrocentric culture and liberation that many are yet to see.
His death so young allows us to think and ponder our own. It makes the reality of our limited stay here on Earth a reality. Often, we get so caught up in this life that we spend little time preparing for the next. We have to realise that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed to any of us and that we have to ensure our spiritual house is in order when the time to give account comes.
The saints used to meditate and ponder their departure from this life as a method of urgency. That allowed them to seek God fervently concerning their souls. They didn’t take life for granted and lived every day as if it was their last. St Isaac said, “Fix your departure in your heart.” Let us remember that our lives are indeed like a vapour and live life abandoned to God.
Dear Heavenly family, we pray for Chadwick’s family at this time as they grieve his loss. Comfort them and be with them. Lord, we also pray that his soul rests in peace. I pray that we will look at his passing and consider our own, Lord, give us the grace to be ready when our time comes. Lord open our eyes to see the actual condition of our souls and the grace to seek you for healing and inward transformation.
Much Love in Christ,
Your Sister,
Ruth 
Pursuing Holiness