My older brother, Don, passed away this morning. He has been struggling with glioblastoma, which is the worst kind of brain cancer, for the last 16 months. It was a very rough and hard road, and now his fight is over on this side of the veil. He now embarks on his greater mission of saving his wife and 9 children. Joseph Smith said, “…if I was on the other side of the veil I could do many times more for my friends than I can do while I am with them here. I should not be far away from you, and if on the other side of the veil I should still be working with you, and with a power greatly increased, to roll on this kingdom.” (Joseph Smith, quoted in Benjamin Johnson’s journal, p. 97)
Don is now on the other side of the veil, and can do many times more for his family than he could do if he was with them here. Don has always been my hero, but can you now imagine this amazing and powerful man with his “power greatly increased.” Seriously, he is going to be an absolute power house.
After Don’s body was taken to the mortuary, I headed back home to get ready for work. On the drive home, I was really having a hard time. I felt a yearning to listen to Joseph Smith’s, King Follett Sermon, and it filled my soul with heavenly peace and an eternal hope. I absolutely love this sermon!! The doctrine taught is powerful and it makes my spirit sing. I want to share just one paragraph that really resonates with me at this difficult time, and I pray and hope that it will bring peace and hope to your soul as well.
“These are the first principles of consolation. How consoling to the mourners when they are called to part with a husband, wife, father, mother, child, or dear relative, to know that, although the earthly tabernacle is laid down and dissolved, they shall rise again to dwell in everlasting burnings in immortal glory, not to sorrow, suffer, or die any more, but they shall be heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. What is it? To inherit the same power, the same glory and the same exaltation, until you arrive at the station of a god, and ascend the throne of eternal power, the same as those who have gone before.”
What glorious doctrine and what glorious hope. Let us trust in Christ and obey His word so that we can become joint heirs with Him, inheriting the same power, the same glory and the same exaltation. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Craig
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