Heaven

I belong to a Mom's online SIDS group and the recent topic of discussion has been on Heaven. Below is a question posted by one of the Moms.

Question from a mom:
"OK so I know that nobody has THE answer but what do you beleive? I am not "religious" at least not in a christian God and Jesus way but consider myself spiritual. I beleive there is something greater out there than our physical presence on earth and definately believe in angels and "heaven" So my question is what do you believe our babies are like as angels? Are they all-knowing, all-understanding, beyond intelligent but soul understanding or are they concordanate with their age for their intelligence and abilities? Can our babies tell what we are thinking/read our thoughts. If I say "I love you baby" in my head and not out loud does he hear me? If so does he also my negative thoughts when I am frustrated or angry. Can he see me at all times? Does he understand everything or is he just a happy baby without me but doesnt know why he left me? I cannot wrap my mind around this! I am so lost!"

This post made me so sad. I can't imagine what it is like to lose your baby and have nothing greater than yourself to pull you through it. It is interesting that she used the word "lost" at the end. I posted a reply that I thought I would share. My sister helped me word it because I don't want to turn them away when they are already hurting so badly.

My Answer:
"Here is what I believe and how I can cope each day... Heaven is where God is and He is the only omnipotent, all knowing person. People who are in heaven are not aware of our thoughts and they are never sad. Therefore, I have to praise God that heaven is perfect and that it is better then our human minds can conceive. Heaven is another birth for us into a world of unkown, more love and joy then we can imagine. We are protected by God. It is his desire that none should perish, but all to have everlasting LIFE! Our babies were perfect and completely sinless. They must live amongst the grandest in all of heaven! We joke that we hope to get a room in Lilly's mansion someday. The bible also says that God remembers every tear and we will be rewarded for our suffering here on earth. That is what gets me through. She is happier than I can conceive and we WILL be together again. That is my two cents anyway...

We are not our own heroes and I have never been more aware of that than I am right now. I will no longer live for "the now", but rather for "the forever".

Love in Christ,
Jennifer

25 comments

BetsyJune 3, 2008 at 8:40 PM
Very well said, Jennifer. It is such a blessing to see how you are allowing God to use you to do His work, despite the tragic loss of Lilly. I think what you were able to say to the other hurting Mom is a great example of God working in your life in a very tangible way. Thanks for sharing it with us.
PrincessJoylynnJune 3, 2008 at 8:57 PM
Thanks Jennifer. I have seen her post and have yet to come up with my words to express my beliefs. Great Job!
RaquelJune 3, 2008 at 9:36 PM
great job and what a way to word that so well. and I 100%agree with you i can not imagine going through such a hard thing without the Lord
ChrisJune 3, 2008 at 10:48 PM
Jen,

I am touched beyond words. Thanks for sharing.
AnonymousJune 3, 2008 at 11:53 PM
Love you Jenn
MonicaJune 4, 2008 at 12:16 AM
very well put, your strength amazes me
SherryJune 4, 2008 at 6:00 AM
Jenn, that was perfect. It is so great to see how God is using you through this to share your faith and reach out to other women. You are such an amazing friend and encourager, and I know those women need you to be their light. I am so proud of you.

P.S. I LOVED the pictures of the house around the corner. Maybe we'll be neighbors someday soon :-)
The Drama MamaJune 4, 2008 at 7:08 AM
That question made me so sad. I think it is so awesome that you responded...God is definitely using you in big ways. Great response! I, too, cannot imagine going through something so big and not having HIM to get you through. You are an inspiration to many!
Holly GreenJune 4, 2008 at 7:35 AM
Isn't it amazing how we have the opportunity to witness on a daily basis? I'm really glad you responded, it just shows to never pass up an opportunity to tell someone about God!
anneJune 4, 2008 at 9:20 AM
Beautifully said, Jennifer. I often think if I didn't have Christ how would I cope with the hard times in life? What an awesome savior we have!
I have to recommened this book because I just finished it and it was so good. It is a great read for non-christians to gain a better understanding of God.
It is called "The Reason for God" by Tim Keller. He has a site too, you should check it out. He wrote it for non-christians but also for Christians to gain a better understanding of Christianity and what it means to know God.
Anyway, thanks for sharing your words!
mollyJune 4, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Sweet post and I too could not imagine not having a sure foundation as support when going through such a terrifying time. It is sad that she feels like no one has the answer. My answers are found here (www.lds.org) and here (www.mormon.org). Thanks for sharing your insights. Can't wait to see more of your remodel!
AshleyJune 4, 2008 at 10:21 PM
Wow, that is very sad. You worded a reply perfectly. I don't know how anyone makes it through what you have been through without a hope in God and a future glory. I pray that this mother finds the truth!
The Fabulous Baker BoysJune 4, 2008 at 10:40 PM
Jennifer, you do not know me - I found your blog while reading another friend's. I was truly touched by your message. I can not imagine how hard this has been for you and Richard. Your response was AMAZING and so thoughtful. Your strength and faith inspire me. God is truly using you in amazing ways. Thank you for sharing. Stacey
SammyJune 5, 2008 at 12:35 PM
Well said.
Gramma DiederJune 5, 2008 at 12:56 PM
What a beautiful and eloquently written response! You so tenderly shared your belief(s) and testimony, "that God lives and loves each of us," with another! As that mourning mother seeks for answers, your written heartfelt testimony will lead her closer to the Father. Bless you for your unselfish efforts and willingness to comfort another even though you and Richard are still in the midst of grieving for Lily.
Lyn
jennyhopeJune 5, 2008 at 1:53 PM
Also, Heaven by Randy Alcorn is such a good book if you wanted to recommend it to her.
AshleyJune 5, 2008 at 10:03 PM
With tears in my eyes your post again reminded me that I am not here on this Earth to serve myself, but to serve our risen Savior! Thankful you were able to share and praying for you and the woman who posted. May your light continue to shine in this dark world! Blessings, Ashley
Hunter, Amanda, Hudson and MaddieJune 5, 2008 at 10:03 PM
such an amazing answer. you are so awesome...and i love ya!
MelissaJune 6, 2008 at 2:07 PM
Very well said.
MelissaJune 6, 2008 at 11:14 PM
hello! you don't know me either, but i heard of you from a friend of a friend. i thought of you as i was reading a blog...www.audreycaroline.blogspot.com. this is the story of a baby who passed away a few hours after she was born due to some abnormalities in the womb. now her sweet little nephew just passed away from sids. the family is just heartbroken, and i thought you might like to read and pray. thank you for your sweet heart. know people you don't even know are praying for you. melissa
LauraJune 8, 2008 at 4:57 PM
Beautiful....longing for heaven with you.
ChelsiJune 9, 2008 at 11:40 AM
nicely said, sis! and what an encouraging reminder of what we have to look forward to- "our inheritance, the kingdom prepared for us since the creation of the world" (matt. 25:34)! What an awesome God we have!! its amazing how differently we see things when we take off our 'here and now lenses' and put on God's 'eternal lenses'...I wish I could do it more!! I'm so encouraged by your faith! Thanks for sharing! love you!
JennyJune 16, 2008 at 3:50 PM
I don't think that you could have said it better! God is using your loss to touch so many and you are doing a beautiful job!

The house seems to be coming along nicely! How are you doing these days?
~Jenny
carridawnJune 16, 2008 at 10:30 PM
I have been reading your blog (came upon it thru some others) and have been so touched by you. I am so proud of you in sharing your faith with the hurting mom! Thank you for your example! I praise God that you are willing to be used by Him. And I am thankful that you and your family believe in our Faithful Father who carries us thru our every moments. What a hope He gives up - thank you for sharing His hope with others. Heaven will be so incredible! Thanks for letting me join in on praying for you and your family. :) Blessings~ carri
Jeff and MalissaJuly 24, 2008 at 6:35 PM
You do not know me but I somehow ran across your blog while scanning other blogs. I wanted to tell you that this particular blog was very inspirational. I have a friend who gave birth to a still born a few weeks ago and has been struggling with the why's of all of it. I copied your words and left the link on her blog Unfortunately, I am not able to trackback to your blog because she only has a myspace blog. I am hoping that she will find the same peace that I found while reading. Thank you so much for sharing.