Mixed Emotions and A Happy Death? -Sydney Snow
We are nearing the end of this book and I honestly do not know how I feel about it. The lessons and experiences Saint Augustine talks about in this book are very valuable. The experience he is recalling from his early life teaches us, the readers, what not to do as Christians. They also teach us that no matter what we have done in our lives, God will still save us. He wants to love all of us. I love that about this book. The thing that really throws me off about this book is the way it is worded and set up. I cannot fully get into the book because of that reason. Even though I cannot get into it fully, I still think this book is a good read and contains valuable information.
One part of book 9 that stood out to me is in chapter 29. In this section, Augustine's mother dies. He wants to cry and grieve for her, but he says those emotions were "checked and silenced by the youthful voice, the voice of my heart." He did not think it was right to celebrate his mother's death with tears and sadness. Because she was virtuous and faithful, he did not believe they should mourn in sadness. They knew she was off to a better place. Heaven. He believed they should be happy that she is going to Heaven, which is why he will not allow himself to shed tears. I could say that we have somewhat of the same mindset but also not at the same time. Today, it makes us feel better knowing, or believing, that a loved one or close friend is going to spend eternity in Heaven when they die. It gives us a sense of closure. But we also mourn. We cry. We get depressed. We have very noticeable differences in our daily routines. But having that sense of closure helps us move on. I can't even begin to understand how Augustine kept himself from crying. If my mom died, especially a mom that played a huge role in my spiritual journey, you would not find me rejoicing. You would find me sobbing and crying uncontrollably until I could finally rejoice in knowing she is with God.
Sydney Snow
P.S. I commented on Hannah's and Katie's post.
One part of book 9 that stood out to me is in chapter 29. In this section, Augustine's mother dies. He wants to cry and grieve for her, but he says those emotions were "checked and silenced by the youthful voice, the voice of my heart." He did not think it was right to celebrate his mother's death with tears and sadness. Because she was virtuous and faithful, he did not believe they should mourn in sadness. They knew she was off to a better place. Heaven. He believed they should be happy that she is going to Heaven, which is why he will not allow himself to shed tears. I could say that we have somewhat of the same mindset but also not at the same time. Today, it makes us feel better knowing, or believing, that a loved one or close friend is going to spend eternity in Heaven when they die. It gives us a sense of closure. But we also mourn. We cry. We get depressed. We have very noticeable differences in our daily routines. But having that sense of closure helps us move on. I can't even begin to understand how Augustine kept himself from crying. If my mom died, especially a mom that played a huge role in my spiritual journey, you would not find me rejoicing. You would find me sobbing and crying uncontrollably until I could finally rejoice in knowing she is with God.
Sydney Snow
P.S. I commented on Hannah's and Katie's post.
I too built an emotional bond to Augustine's mom. Maybe its because I put myself in the story and when he lost his mom I too lost mine. Also, I believe that Augustine is writing to help his church know how to be Christians in an age that Christianity is still confusing.
ReplyDeletespencer wood