logo
Login Subscribe
Google Play App Store
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinion
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinion
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
Faithful till the last breath
News
May 4, 2023
Faithful till the last breath

Recently it has been overwhelming, the number of deaths in and around our little town and in our corner of the world astounding even to me, someone who has dealt with a lot of personal deaths and worked in hospice for years. Some individuals seem to have gone way too early and others seemed to have had a very long, full life. Yet death is always sad no matter the age and the sorrow felt is the same.

We never want to say goodbye to our loved ones. We never want death to come in unannounced and take away what is ours. Yet every day someone else has to say goodbye. Someone else has to let go of what if and live with the reality of what is. Someone else is having to give up this old world but is hopefully headed to a better place.

In the processing of grieving and letting go of several people I have known and loved, I have realized one constant truth everybody dies but not everybody lives.

Sadly, many people go through their life without ever really experiencing all that life has to offer for them. Though we are all appointed to eventually die someday, not everyone takes advantage of the time they have now to live.

So I believe while we are still here we need to explore God’s amazing world. We need to pursue our goals and dreams. We need to find what makes us happy and do it. We need to fulfill our purpose. We need to live like we are dying because we are.

I’m not trying to sound morbid or cliché, I’m just saying tomorrow is not promised to anyone. We could die today in a car wreck or be diagnosed with a terminal disease. We could close our eyes for the last time today and would we have really lived? Think about it. Have you seen all the places you want to see? Have you done all the things you want to do? Have you made a difference in someone else’s life? Will you be faithful till your last breath?

I have known several sweet friends and relatives that have recently gone home, some unexpectedly, some battling to the very end. But what I think I am most impressed and inspired by are the ones who held onto their faith even in the midst of the storm. Those individuals who saw that their ship was going down but weren’t afraid because they held tight to their Anchor, Jesus Christ. I stand in awe at those individuals whose faith did not waver as the winds and waves overtook their earthly vessels. Though they knew death was imminent, they still held fast to their unwavering faith and stated “It is well with my soul.”

These are the people who have inspired me to live every day like it could be my last; to remember tomorrow is not promised to me. These are saints who have fought the good fight. They have finished their course and they have been faithful till their last breath. May we all strive to do the same and remember to truly live every day because everybody dies eventually.

Local church supports those with disabilities
A: Main, News...
Local church supports those with disabilities
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
July 17, 2025
Last week His Ability Ministries with Checotah First Assembly of God offered training for disability friendly churches with Lonnie and Janet Nance from Unlimited Ministries of Springfield, Missouri. L...
this is a test
Checotah says goodbye to cowboy legend Bill Duvall
A: Main, News...
Checotah says goodbye to cowboy legend Bill Duvall
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
July 17, 2025
Memorial Service for Bill Duvall Friday, July 18 at 11 a.m. First Baptist Church, Checotah When Bill Duvall was called to meet His Maker in the Great Round Up in the sky this past Sunday, Checotah los...
this is a test
Whole Hawg Days on the horizon
A: Main, News...
Whole Hawg Days on the horizon
July 17, 2025
Get ready for another funfilled weekend as the 41st Annual Whole Hawg Arts & Crafts Festival prepares to get underway, Friday and Saturday, July 25-26. The festival will consist of Arts & Crafts, a ro...
this is a test
A: Main, News...
Annual Memorial Service planned at Honey Springs Battlefield
July 17, 2025
Honey Springs Battlefield will hold its annual memorial service on Saturday, July 19, at 10:30 a.m. to honor the 162nd anniversary of the Battle of Honey Springs near Checotah. The service will be hel...
this is a test
A: Main, News...
Man facing obscenity charges
July 17, 2025
Ryan Troy Dick, a 52-yearold Sallisaw resident, is being held in the McIntosh County Jail pending his preliminary hearing on charges related to indecent photographs and videos sent to a former girlfri...
this is a test
A: Main, News...
Carey trial set on rape charge
July 17, 2025
Arnold Willard Carey Jr., 28, waived his right to a preliminary hearing on July 9 and his rape case was placed on the Sept. 29 sounding docket for the next trial. The McIntosh County resident has been...
this is a test
United for Oklahoma
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
A: Main, News...
Juvenile dies following accident near Longtown
July 17, 2025
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports that a juvenile, whose name and age are being withheld, was fatally injured in a single-vehicle accident that took place at about 10:30 p.m. on July 4. The deceased...
this is a test
Checotah bandies recognized at TMALA
News
Checotah bandies recognized at TMALA
July 17, 2025
Class of Checotah band students were recently recognized at Texoma Marching Arts and Leadership Academy (TMALA). TMALA Band Leadership was led by Ryan Edgmon, Director of Bands for Mustang Public Scho...
this is a test
Supporters walk to raise awareness against sexual assault
News
Supporters walk to raise awareness against sexual assault
By SHAUNA BELYEU GENERAL MANAGER 
July 17, 2025
The Muscogee (Creek) Nation held its Sexual Assault Awareness Walk (SAAM) last Friday, July 12, at 12 p.m. in Posey Park. The event was originally scheduled for April but was rained out. Community sup...
this is a test
News
Oktaha Trinity Baptist Church Vacation Bible School
July 17, 2025
The Great Jungle Journey An Epic Cruise from Genesis to Revelation July 21- 25 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. Ages: 4-12 years Dinner will be provided.
this is a test
Preliminary hearing set for man charged with murder
News
Preliminary hearing set for man charged with murder
July 17, 2025
Following a competency hearing on July 9, Wilburton resident Glen Edward Calvin, 54, was ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing in McIntosh County District Court at 2 p.m. Aug. 20. On a charge of...
this is a test
Facebook
Twitter
Tweets
Twitter
Tweets

MCINTOSH COUNTY DEMOCRAT
300-A S. Broadway
Checotah, OK
74426

(918) 473-2313

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Mcintosh Democrat

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy