Befriending Death by JMA Lyrics
[Intro]
[Verse 1]
We're afraid to talk about dying, so we make Death the enemy
But how then can we comfort someone, deeply and truly?
What about loving our enemy - even Death who's perceived as the greatest one -
Could befriending them be the true beginning of resurrection?
Today Death entered through my door twice: first, as I was catching up with a friend
Who told me he had lost his best bud and it feels like the end
Then my Mom called and said there's something I need to know
I thought her Dad had died who's diagnosed with cancer, but no...
Instead, her brother had passed away unexpectedly
I was shocked and asked, how does she feel
Though they weren't close, she's reminded of shared memories and recollections -
Regardless of the depth of connection, you're still hit by the pain of separation
So, how do we face Death when they come knocking on our door?
What if instead of fighting them, in order to truly mourn
We let them in and receive their hug, without hate or scorn?
Is Death just a guide leading us to God - another type of door?
[Hook]
What would it take to befriend Death
Invite them in, make tea, play chess
Treat them as a friend, not an enemy?
Oh, how beautiful the end of life would be?
[Verse 2]
Weeks earlier I left home knowing I won't see my Grandpa anymore
Calling him, I realized it's the last time we talk, at least on this side of the door
He wished "have a safe trip back" and I thought "you too," grateful for his life
Though we weren't close, it was a beautiful moment. The call ended, I cried
When we play chess with Death, there are no winners or losers in this game
Its sole purpose is to enjoy the time, the process of play
Once we become curious and play-full with Death, a new life springs forth:
We won't be afraid to, one day, hand-in-hand with an old friend, walk through that door
Months later my Grandpa’s health suddenly changed and he passed away
As I wasn’t at home, I couldn’t go to the funeral to stand at his grave
It didn’t matter because my family and I still found a way:
They video-called me, so I could be part of that meaningful spring day
[Hook]
What would it take to befriend Death
Invite them in, make tea, play chess
Treat them as a friend, not an enemy?
Oh, how beautiful the end of life would be?
[Bridge]
What if Jesus didn't kill Death in the tomb?
It doesn't take three days to kill someone, but it could
Show that instead, He became friends with Death
So He lost track of time as they had fun playing chess...
[Hook]
What would it take to befriend Death
Invite them in, make tea, play chess
Treat them as a friend, not an enemy?
Oh, how beautiful the end of life would be?
[Verse 1]
We're afraid to talk about dying, so we make Death the enemy
But how then can we comfort someone, deeply and truly?
What about loving our enemy - even Death who's perceived as the greatest one -
Could befriending them be the true beginning of resurrection?
Today Death entered through my door twice: first, as I was catching up with a friend
Who told me he had lost his best bud and it feels like the end
Then my Mom called and said there's something I need to know
I thought her Dad had died who's diagnosed with cancer, but no...
Instead, her brother had passed away unexpectedly
I was shocked and asked, how does she feel
Though they weren't close, she's reminded of shared memories and recollections -
Regardless of the depth of connection, you're still hit by the pain of separation
So, how do we face Death when they come knocking on our door?
What if instead of fighting them, in order to truly mourn
We let them in and receive their hug, without hate or scorn?
Is Death just a guide leading us to God - another type of door?
[Hook]
What would it take to befriend Death
Invite them in, make tea, play chess
Treat them as a friend, not an enemy?
Oh, how beautiful the end of life would be?
[Verse 2]
Weeks earlier I left home knowing I won't see my Grandpa anymore
Calling him, I realized it's the last time we talk, at least on this side of the door
He wished "have a safe trip back" and I thought "you too," grateful for his life
Though we weren't close, it was a beautiful moment. The call ended, I cried
When we play chess with Death, there are no winners or losers in this game
Its sole purpose is to enjoy the time, the process of play
Once we become curious and play-full with Death, a new life springs forth:
We won't be afraid to, one day, hand-in-hand with an old friend, walk through that door
Months later my Grandpa’s health suddenly changed and he passed away
As I wasn’t at home, I couldn’t go to the funeral to stand at his grave
It didn’t matter because my family and I still found a way:
They video-called me, so I could be part of that meaningful spring day
[Hook]
What would it take to befriend Death
Invite them in, make tea, play chess
Treat them as a friend, not an enemy?
Oh, how beautiful the end of life would be?
[Bridge]
What if Jesus didn't kill Death in the tomb?
It doesn't take three days to kill someone, but it could
Show that instead, He became friends with Death
So He lost track of time as they had fun playing chess...
[Hook]
What would it take to befriend Death
Invite them in, make tea, play chess
Treat them as a friend, not an enemy?
Oh, how beautiful the end of life would be?