Because I live, you also will live.

John 14:19b

Like my wife, Lois, her sister, Marilyn, was raised in church and taught God’s Word and His love. Unfortunately, Marilyn suffered from bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, kidney problems, and cancer. These afflictions caused her to be extremely angry, hateful, and potentially violent. Yet, her faith was there, accumulating many Bibles and religious books. When her cancer reemerged and she stopped dialysis, Marilyn began to die. Lois then asked Marilyn if she knew where she was going and Marilyn responded that she was going to heaven. In spite of her years of illness, Marilyn knew she was a child of God. Their parents, by the power of the Holy Spirit, taught their daughters not just how to live but how to die. When Marilyn died, Lois knew that Marilyn was, finally, whole and free of pain and anger. Marilyn is happy and at peace.

Gordon Freese
St. Louis, MO

Dear Father, help each of us to know that in death we have a new life awaiting us in Your Son, Jesus. Amen.

Reflect: From what pain and sorrow will your new life free you?

Read: I Thessalonians 4:13-18 and Revelation 4:1-5