"Our Heavenly Father, who gives us so much to delight in, also knows that we learn and grow and become stronger as we face and survive the trials through which we must pass. We know that there are times when we will experience heartbreaking sorrow, when we will grieve, and when we may be tested to our limits. However, such difficulties allow us to change for the better, to rebuild our lives in the way our Heavenly Father teaches us, and to become something different from what we were—better than we were, more understanding than we were, more empathetic than we were, with stronger testimonies than we had before.This should be our purpose—to persevere and endure, yes, but also to become more spiritually refined as we make our way through sunshine and sorrow. Were it not for challenges to overcome and problems to solve, we would remain much as we are, with little or no progress toward our goal of eternal life."
-President Thomas S. Monson ( "I will Not Fail Thee, nor Forsake Thee" Oct 2013)
Losing a Loved one
Recently, a wonderful woman I know was admitted to the hospital for a planned knee surgery, and the unexpected happened. Her condition became critical and a few days later she passed away. She had lived a long life, yet her death came by surprise. Shortly thereafter, a funeral service was held in her honor- to celebrate her life and the influence she had on so many of us.
There is Life after Death.
When I first learned of her passing away, I truly sorrowed for her loss yet my mind was immediately brought back to the knowledge I have: There
is life after death. As I have reflected upon my testimony, and the comfort and peace which comes from this knowledge, I have felt inclined to share some truths with others who may be struggling with the loss of a loved one- or any other difficulties in their lives. From reading this, I hope you will find the comfort you so desire.
Turn to the Savior.
I wish to begin by saying, I know that nothing can replace the loss of a loved one. That loss can be devastating but I also know that, when we feel so burdened, there is someone who has already felt all the pain and sorrow that we are feeling and He pleads to us:
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
(Matthew 11:28-30)
Jesus Christ is that person. He is our Savior. He wants us to turn to Him so that He can lighten our burdens that are too hard for us to carry alone. He knows precisely what we are going through (see
Alma 7:11-12;
John 3:16,
Matthew 26:36-44). Only He can calm the storms of life. Only He can fill an anguished soul with peace. All we need to do is let Him. We can
do that by pouring out our hearts to him through prayer (See Bible Dictionary on
Prayer ).
We need not fear death.
If we have not yet experienced losing a loved one to death, we all will experience it some time in our lives, for everyone must pass from this life (
2 Nephi 2:11). It is part of God's eternal plan (
The Plan of Salvation). When that time comes, we need not fear. We can rely on Jesus Christ our Savior to strengthen and comfort us. I testify that our loved ones live on, and are doing a great work in heaven. I testify that they are engaged in our lives. I testify that our deceased relatives are not far from us at all. We are only separated from them through a thin veil. Sometimes the veil may feel thinner than other times. If you don't know this for yourself, you can know this too. Turn to the lord in prayer and he will answer your earnest plea. He will fill you with the knowledge that surpasses all understanding.
I Testify of this in the name of Our Savior, Jesus Christ, through whom I know these things to be true.
_________________________________________________________________________________
If you have any comforting words to share regarding death or trials (or any positive comments) I would encourage you to share them at the bottom of this post.
________________________________________________________________________________
Videos:
We're Still A Family
He will Give you Help
Until We Meet Again
____________________________________________________________________________
President Thomas S. Monson, Prophet of the church of jesus Christ of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, addressed this subject of trials and death at the latest General Conference. It had only been 6 months since his beloved wife of almost 65 years passed away. of her death he said:
Of utmost comfort to me during this tender time of parting have been my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the knowledge I have that my dear Frances lives still. I know that our separation is temporary. We were sealed in the house of God by one having authority to bind on earth and in heaven. I know that we will be reunited one day and will never again be separated. This is the knowledge that sustains me.
Good timber does not grow with ease, The stronger wind, the stronger trees.
The further sky, the greater length.
The more the storm, the more the strength.
By sun and cold, by rain and snow,
In trees and men good timbers grow.8
( "I will Not Fail Thee, nor Forsake Thee" Oct 2013)
_________________________________________________________________________________
Topics:
- Body leaving the spirit
- When we die, we we remain who we were before.
- We will all experience adversity.
- Finding peace amidst death
- Christ will lift our burdens
- Atonement of Jesus Christ
- Christ suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane
- Resurrection
- Spiritual death
- Temporal Death
- Why we must all die
