Coy about D--th

Inevitable
Thankfully, national News reports still inform us that such-and-such public figure has died, but the coyness is spreading. As life expectancy has increased in the richer nations it's become easier to avoid thinking about death, but everyone must eventually face it, and we create problems for our partners, our children, and ourselves when we ignore our inevitable demise.

Love
Coyness about this subject leads to practical problems that we can easily prevent, emotional problems that we could ameliorate, a nd spiritual problems that need never be a worry. First, let's consider the practical issues. Have you made a will? If not, get on and do it for the sake of those you love. When someone dies without first making a will, the State steps in and dictates may happen with their assets. It's complicated even for those with obvious, legally defined successors such as marriage partners and children. For those whose relationships are not legally defined (e.g., those who cannot prove a marriage of civil partnership) matters are even more complicated. Making a will is an act of love to your successors. Do it!

POA
Making a will is an act of kindness to those we leave behind after our death, but "Powers of Attorney" make things easier for them before we die. If, in our final years, we develop physical or mental incapacity that hinders us from managing our affairs, our loved ones will not be able to manage things for us unless we've already given them legal authority. Let's say that another way - they need our prior permission. A Power of Attorney ^{[NOTE 1]} is a legal document that can enable our partner, our children, or a trusted friend or friends to take over the management of our finances and/or our healthcare. But it must be set up before we become incapable. Do it now!

Honest
Those are practical issues, but what about emotional matters? Emotions are personal, but become most problematic when they are bottled up inside. For emotional health, we must talk. As the saying goes, "a problem shared is a problem halved". So, talk about death. We don't need to be morbid. We just need to be honest. A sure way to provoke and prolong emotional hang-ups is to suppress and deny them. A useful way to relieve such issues is to talk about them - especially with those we love. Don't be a death denier!

Ready
So, what about the spiritual aspects? Faith is the surest cure for the fear of death. If we're sure about God, and confident in his mercies, there's no reason to fear the transition that will take us through to new life. Paul pronounced the ultimate response to such fears:
"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" ^{[NOTE 2]}
The apostle preached the Gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ, and lived in constant danger because of his faith. Living as a Christian in 21st century Britain, there's little chance that I will face the risks he did. So, what have I to fear? ^{[NOTE 3]} Let's not be coy about death; but let's be sensibly ready for it. Once that's sorted, let's live!