Thoughts on Goldie's Passing...

I have taken a short break from my other ‘pieces’ to quickly explore my thoughts on Goldie’s passing.

I have chosen the word ‘passing’ carefully.

I did not know Goldie. I did not watch videos of her ‘famous’ BBA foray. In fact, I saw my first video of one of her songs, Skibobo, after her death was announced. However, even at that – I was touched by her death and I was incredibly saddened when I saw pictures from her funeral earlier today.

If there is anything that came to me strongly when I saw the picture of her corpse, it was the knowing that death to this life is only a beginning. Denrele Edun wrote her a moving eulogy, and I quote: “…and just at that moment, when someone at my side says she's gone, there are others who are watching her coming over their horizon and other voices take up a glad shout - there she comes! That is what dying is - an (sic) horizon and just the limit of our sight…”

Surely, death to this life is only a beginning of sorts – an awakening to another realm.

Goldie Harvey was a star. In many ways, she embodied the dreams and aspirations of many young Nigerians. While many may say they were not in alignment with her manner of dressing and other facets of her lifestyle – not many would turn down the fame, influence, and material resources that Goldie commanded at 31.

But in the end, how many of these things really matter?

The story is told of a certain man, Pahom, who chanced on a commune where a man could possess all the land he could cirumnavigate in one day. Crazed by insatiable greed, Pahom proceeded to wear himself out by walking all day: marking out a very large area of land, but killing himself in the process. In the end, all the land Pahom needed was a six feet plot – to be buried in.

When it's all been said and done

there is just one thing that matters

did I do my best to live for truth?

Did I live my life for you?

When it's all been said and done

all my treasures will mean nothing

only what I have done for love's rewards

will stand the test of time

Lord, your mercy is so great

that you look beyond our weakness

that you found purest gold in miry clay

turning sinners into saints

I will always sing your praise

here on earth and in heaven after

for you've joined me at my true home

when it's all been said and done

you're my life when life is gone

Death is only a beginning.

Koye.

PS:

1. Please find here a piece from last year exploring my thoughts from another funeral.
2. Go here to download ‘When It’s All Been Said and Done’, by Don Moen.