| Response |
I agree with you. Death is a very hard thing to feel glad
about. When we lose a loved one there is great sorrow and for different reasons. Sometimes it is because we wish we had
done better in our relationships with them before the death occurred. Sometimes we are sorry that we didn't do a better
job of helping the individual enjoy life more while we were together. Other times, we are sorrowful because the
relationship or friendship was so meaningful, so fulfilling and worthwhile that we can't imagine finding other
relationships that will take its place. Sometimes we are sorrowful because we do not understand the nature of life and
death and we think that death is some final act in a play and that when death comes, the play is over and there isn't
anything else past that. All of these bring sorrow.
The great blessing that we have as faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that we know that
when death occurs and the spirit leaves the body it returns to that God who gave it life. We return home to that Spirit
World or paradise, as some call it, where we are in a state of peace and rest where there are no more tears and
sorrows of the world, but rather a peacefulness and loveliness which is exhilarating and wonderful to us.
Over the years, I have come to realize that when we lose a loved one to death, if we are wise, we will, in our sorrow,
remember the great and virtuous things done by that individual. We will feel more of a sensitivity to the direction of
the Lord in our lives. We will be able to experience one of the great mysteries of God, which is that God can change men's
hearts and as a result of our suffering, in our grief for the loss of that loved one, and we can become more kind and
charitable, more
gentle and meek and allow the entire experience to minister to our own education. It is then that we will draw ever closer
to God.
Remember, that life goes on for those who have passed on to the other side. They are not just existing in some
unknown spiritual realm, but, in fact, the same sociality that they had with their loved ones who had passed on before them
will be renewed in that Spirit World. If they have not had the opportunity to hear and understand the gospel message while
on the earth, they will have the chance to hear it there. If they have had a chance to hear the gospel message and they
have accepted and embraced it fully, they will assist our Savior in teaching it to the countless children of God who are
there waiting to hear it so that they can properly be judged and be resurrected and receive their glorious reward.
This is one of the major tenants of our religion, Lisa, and the thought occurs to me that it might be important for you to
visit with a couple of representatives from our Church so that they can explain to you exactly what we believe and why we
believe it, not just on the subject of where do we go after this life, but to also know where we came from and why we're on
the earth. After you've had a chance to hear and understand their message, you'll be able to determine for yourself
whether it would be worth pursuing. . If you would like me to send those representatives, please email me back with your
address and phone number and I'll be more than happy to take care of this for you.
Sincerely,
Donny Osmond
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