Many years ago, as a young psychologist one of my first major life lessons was the “thin veil” between life and death. A physician asked me to go to the hospital to conduct an assessment on his patient who had no diagnosis but was in the process of dying. I went to see this young woman who was probably under forty and asked questions and listened. She told me emphatically she had no will to live, and she would be dying soon. The next morning, she died. I have never forgotten my encounter with this woman.
Fast forward to 2000, I had a bad accident at home that resulted in a severely broken arm that required a nine-month recovery. Since I was in a semi-disabled state and limited in activity, I spent a lot of intimate time with the Lord.
On several occasions He told me clearly NOT to come too close because “the veil between life and death was very thin.”
Even in the past couple of years with all of our imposed quarantine and isolation, I have been prone to draw near to God. On several occasions, I have heard “not too close because the veil is thin.”
As a psychologist I watched and heard stories of people who had given up their will to live—then they would die. I also saw people who were in miserable impossible situations, who were diagnosed with an incurable disease and died shortly thereafter—they wanted out. This happened to a dear friend of mine.
I have known people who loved Jesus so much that they were allowed to experience His glory during sickness, and they chose to go on home to be with the Father rather than come back to earth……or “return to their earthly lives.”
Many years ago, someone gave me a copy of My Dream of Heaven written by Rebecca Springer in 1895.
After a long illness during which her care was poor, she had little strength and consciousness (page 2). She was hundreds of miles away from her family. “During much of my illness I lay with my face toward a window, and my back to the room; and I remember thinking how easy it would be to pass through the window to the veranda. When the longing for the loved ones’ distant faces and voices became more than I could bear, I prayed that the dear Christ would help me to realize His blessed presence and that since the beloved ones on earth could not minister to me I might feel the influence of the other dear ones who are “all ministering spirits.” This was not an idle prayer for her, because the response came swiftly (page 3).
“One morning, dark and cold and stormy after a day and night of intense suffering, I seemed to be standing on the floor by the bed in front of the stained-glass window (page 3). She felt someone standing beside her and it was her brother-in-law Frank who had come for her. As she stood at the window with Frank she looked back at her bed where a “white, still form laid with a shadow of a smile on the poor worn face.” She was so weak that Frank picked her up and carried her and when she awakened, she had “stepped into heaven” (page 3).
This beautiful compelling book is about her experiences in heaven and the glory. (Much of what she experienced she was not allowed to tell, just like the Apostle Paul.)
I highly recommend anyone reading this post, purchase this book which will forever change your life. It will forever change your perspective on death and the afterlife for those who love Jesus and serve God. There are only a couple of things I want to mention concerning her experiences while in heaven.
“Day by day as we live our lives as mortals, we are building for eternity. We take to heaven the same desires, the same knowledge we had before death” (page 22).
“The purer the thoughts, the nobler the ambitions, the higher the rank we take among the hosts of heaven, the more earnestly we follow the studies and duties in our life of probation, the better fitted we shall be to carry them forward, on and on to completion and perfection here” (page 23).
Leaders are most always leaders and teachers in heaven (page 24).
In quick summary of the book, we have assignments when we arrive in heaven based on our rank and what we accomplished on earth. Great and gifted teachers continue to teach and unfold the mysteries of God to those who arrive in heaven from death bed confessions or late in life salvation. These souls who know little about the wonders of God and the beautiful mystery of Jesus and Holy Spirit are taught by the noble people who were strong leaders and teachers on earth. The book mentions assignments and responsibilities souls have while in heaven. They are doing the Father’s bidding.
Switching from the book to the reality of the past couple of years, most of us have seen and heard of many people leaving this life and stepping into eternity.
Could it be some of these people are now serving in Father’s house helping with the advancement of His Kingdom both on earth and in heaven?
Certainly this is very thought-provoking. I prayed over a young woman yesterday that she was one who could go behind the veil. I have this book under the title “Within the Gates.” My sister used to give these away especially in the 70’s and 80’s right after she got filled with the Spirit. She bought them by the case.
So good to hear from your Marion. Yes, the book has had several titles throughout the years. I have bought stacks of them throughout the years. I typically give them to people when a loved one dies. Thanks for responding. I have gotten lots of responses to this post. I think it has provoked a lot of thought. Brenda
Very interesting! Holy ,Holy, Holy are you Lord God Almighty! Worthy is the Lamb!
Yes and amen Shawn. Thank you for your faithfulness in reading and writing me. Bless you mighty woman of God. Brenda
Thank you Brenda! This book sounds so interesting! I enjoyed your article! Sending Love, Sheila Bobo
Hi Shelia, so great to hear from you. The book is amazing. Hope you can buy a copy and many for your friends. Thank you for reading what I am writing. Please forward to your friends and ask them to subscribe to the website, if you enjoy my writings. I no longer use Facebook, so I gave up a lot of readers. Hope you are well. Blessings, my friend. Brenda
Your blogs and books are soo eye opening. The older I get the more I yearn to be with Him and my loved ones. Thanks Brenda!
Hi Yvonne, I am so glad to hear from you. I always know I am on the right track when I hear from you. I received a lot of comments on the last post I wrote. I think it must have struck a note with people. God bless you my friend, Love to you and thanks for letting me hear from you and for READING what I write. It is so hard to be consistent with the writing. Hope this finds you well. Love, Brenda
Love this post. I bought the book. Comforting perspective/ I had three family member pass in the past 6 months.
Trudie, I am so sorry to hear about all of your loss. It has been such a hard time for families lately. I hope the post and the book brought comfort to you. Thank you so much for reading what I am writing. Please recommend to your friends.
Blessings,
Brenda