I closed my eyes during quiet time with God this morning and saw a creek. The water was gently flowing and mist slowly rising above its surface. It was a cold winter day very much like today, but strangely enough, the colors were that of golden warmth. There was a forest that’s barely visible on the other side and the morning light softly touched the tops of trees. Standing in the fog, across from the water was my mother! My heart was suddenly gripped with sorrow as she passed from a stroke many years ago. But sadness quickly gave way to comfort as I saw her smile. She looked beautiful, unlike the last memory I had of her. Then my father, who died of cancer recently, came up beside her. He too, looked handsome and dapper like he was in his younger years. Then I saw my brother, who killed himself after college and my sister who suddenly left us a few years back, presumably from a heart attack. They both looked magnificent as they too smiled back at me. My father-in-law walked up, in a plaid shirt, blue jeans and cowboy boots like the first day I met him. Then one by one, the faces of the many patients (too many), that I lost over the years, appeared. Each one of them smiled with radiant vitality and peace. Undoubtedly, they were in the company of God! Upstream and at a distance, I saw a simple bridge that led to the other side. I know someday, I too will cross this bridge. But at the moment, I have to wait. Between heaven and earth is a bridge so close but yet so far.

Friends, I know you have had visions like this. Perhaps they are just what we want to see because we miss our loved ones. Or perhaps, they are glimpses of heaven that we are allowed to have. We will know for sure someday.
One thing we can be sure of now. And that is we are in the midst of a battlefield here on earth. Our enemy has many faces to show – illnesses, depression, anxiety, addiction, poverty, self-doubt and many more. It wields its power through the weapons of abuse, neglect, abandonment, hatred, prejudice, accidents, disasters, and anything that can kill or destroy. It cloaks itself in the snares of fortune and fame, of position and pride. We all have to fight these battles and none of us will leave here unscathed.
The good news is we fight these battles together and with God. No matter the outcome here on earth, we’re already assured of passage over to the other side. I’m blessed as you are with the gifts of love from family and friends and from God. And that is more than enough to face our enemy, no matter what size or shape it comes in. So while still here on earth, let’s fight well, live well, love well and finish well. Let’s carry each other’s burdens and look for and lift up and fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.

That bridge that connects heaven and earth is so close and yet so far. But as I opened my eyes from the quiet time, I was reassured that this bridge was built by God and it’s meant to rescue, unite and promise battles that will end and life that’s everlasting. And someday, the smiling faces in the fog will reappear with clarity and tears will be replaced by warm embraces – on the other side.
Huntsville, Alabama
January 25, 2020