WE LIVE TO DIE

Ronélio Francisco Zandamela "

Well, since elementary school we've learned about this thing called... - and, for some, cursed - law of life. From the first steps of our learning, we are taught that, by nature, living beings are born, grow, develop, and die. I was already discussing my appreciation for music when rappers from my country decided to release a song titled "1001 Ways to Die." But, unfortunately, nobody chooses how they die. Who knows, if we could choose, the pain of death would be more bearable. Or perhaps we would all die happy, transmitting that energy to those who remain, so they could celebrate our departure. But, as Nikotina KF says in her lyrics: "(...) each one with their own way, cakes come out different (...)". Death can come from natural causes. It can find us awake or in deep sleep, in sad moments or in joyful moments. But nobody wants to die. Nobody truly prepares for death. And yet, there are those who prefer to hasten it, by means of a rope hanging from the beam of a room where, in the background, only screams can be heard. Yes, cries of pain. Cries from those who regret their actions and beg to be released. But what about failed deaths? How can deaths fail? Yes. Some suicide attempts go wrong; some poisoned glasses are broken before reaching the mouth; some stabbings are not lethal; some accidents cause only injuries. But if God created us and, in His time, will take us from the earth... Ah, yes! The Bible teaches that from dust we were created and to dust we shall return. Christians believe there is life after death. They depart for a better place and rest in peace. That's how we write in WhatsApp groups when someone passes away: "Rest in peace." But what about atheists? Atheists? Those who keep their beliefs confined to huts and justify their visit to the healer as a fervent expression of African identity. Yes, because we live in a world that only knows how to judge, read sentences, and accuse us of superstition. Those who buy years of life as if it were a birthday wish, with the famous phrase: "More years of life." But what about us? Who are "us"? We, the weakest among us, fearing the consequences of going to the hut, and clinging as we do to our faith, have reached the point of not wanting to tithe in church because the pastor will build mansions and buy high-powered cars. But let's return to the 1001 ways to die. What can be said about the doctor who died of malaria? What do you mean? After all, wasn't it enough to take doses of Quarten, Chloroquine, or Cuarinate? No. No, no, no. But what about the driver who died of a stroke? Death doesn't choose based on what we do, what we know, or who we are. It simply arrives. Death doesn't come because we are doctors, drivers, pastors, healers, atheists, or believers. It doesn't ask about our profession, our wealth, our faith, or our social standing. Death doesn't come because of what we do or who we are. It comes as a law of life. And perhaps that's precisely why, deep down, we don't just live to live. We live to die.

2025/12/3