On Our Way Home: Reflections on Heaven in the Face of Death

by Colleen Elisabeth Chao

Marvel at the true home Jesus has prepared for you and me.

Deep in our souls is a longing for a home—a place of beauty and goodness. A place where we—and the ones we love—are not touched by grief and sorrow. We long to live without the threat of disease or violence, a place where there is no shadow over our joy. But this isn’t that place. The home we long for is . . . heaven.

For the past three-and-a-half years, Colleen Chao has been living with a terminal diagnosis. In this precious time, she’s been pondering questions

What is heaven like?
What happens to me the moment I die?
Will I be able to see my loved ones from heaven?
Where have I been mistaken in my ideas about heaven?
How can I practically experience the hope of heaven in the face of death?

Including soul-sustaining comfort from the Scriptures and the testimonies of faithful saints, Colleen shows how our deepest desires—for beauty, wonder, peace, healing, happiness, power, worship, and belonging—are permanently (and increasingly!) fulfilled when we get Home. On Our Way Home draws deeply from God’s Word, infusing our hearts with hope, even in our darkest days. Come, and experience the comfort of our promised eternal Home.

Whether you’re facing a terminal diagnosis, or your loved one is—or suffering of another kind is causing you to desperately need the hope of heaven—I pray you will sense the God of all hope with you, holding your right hand, comforting you with his counsel, and preparing you for an eternity of glory.

Genres: Christian

176 pages, Paperback

Published October 7, 2025

About the author

COLLEEN CHAO has written extensively about finding God's goodness in the unexpected chapters of her life, including singleness, chronic illness, and terminal cancer. She's worked as an editor and writer for global organizations, and an English teacher to some of her favorite people on earth—teenagers. When she's not wrangling words, she enjoys beautiful hikes, side-splitting laughter, and half-read books piled bedside. She makes her home just outside Boise, Idaho with her husband Eddie, their son Jeremy, and Willow the dog.

Reviews

[Christian Shelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am incredibly grateful for this book that has me reflecting on my mortality in more profound ways after reading it. As a result, I have so many emotions stemming from the topics covered, from joyous anticipation to regret and remorse to utter awe at God's mercy and love. With each chapter ending with excerpts from other pieces of Christian literature, the book almost reads like poetry, where readers can enjoy the thoughts of many believers throughout time. Despite death being a difficult and often neglected discussion, this book serves to be a breath of fresh air in drawing parallels between the art of living and dying.

Additionally, by evoking various images of death from the Bible, ranging from a veil to a valley to seeds, Colleen Chao offers readers the opportunity to better understand the different facets of what death means for Christians. I continue to be struck by her hope for heaven while acknowledging the pain of this world as she battles terminal cancer, and I am most appreciative that she provides this personal perspective to the text. If you are looking for a relatable yet inspirational book about the veil of death, On Our Way Home is a sparkling reminder of all that awaits us as believers longing to meet Jesus face to face.

Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...

Many thanks to Moody Publishers for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Lisa Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book to read slowly and thoughtfully. Colleen Chao writes beautifully, tenderly, and with authenticity. Even if you aren’t naturally drawn to such a deep topic, this short book will encourage you—and may even equip you to comfort someone you know and love who is facing death or loss.

[HelenA33 · Rating 5 out of 5]

My dad first got cancer when I was ten, and thankfully successful surgery for the removal of his brain tumour gave him nine extra years before it came back. So when my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer, when she was admitted into the same hospice only thirteen months later, we had a horrible feeling of deja vu. The following year, I lost two of my oldest and closest friends to cancer (aged 52 and 41). How I wish this beautiful book had been available then. It is an absolute gem, packed with wisdom and hope. Colleen's writing is stunning, and skillfully weaves quotes from such giants as Spurgeon and Rutherford with examples of her own experiences. It is gentle but convicting, balancing the pain of a terminal diagnosis and the agony of leaving loved ones with what Christians believe is to come. We grieve, but not without hope. It has inspired me to make the most of every day, and lovingly nudged me to leave the burdens of this life at the foot of the cross, and encourage as many hurting people as I can with whatever time I have left. Thank you Colleen, for this precious gift.

[Katie Schimm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books stay with you long after you finish the last page, On Our Way Home is one of them. It’s a poetic book written about faith, suffering, and hope, written with honesty, humility, and a gentleness that feels comforting rather than preachy.

Colleen Chao has been a quiet example of Christlike love in my life for many years. As my middle English and drama teacher, she modeled what it looks like to meet people with grace, patience, and unconditional care, qualities that are woven throughout this book.

Writing from the perspective of someone living with a terminal cancer diagnosis, Colleen offers a hopeful and steady reminder that suffering is not the end of the story. Her words gently point readers toward meaning, perseverance, and the hope that awaits beyond pain.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for encouragement. . .whether you are new to faith, returning to faith, or walking through a hard season.

[geekoutonreading : Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The only way Home is through the Shadow."

This book is a beautiful testimony of the author's strength, hope, and most importantly faith, through her terminal diagnosis.

The author wrestles with the same questions any of us have regarding what comes after our life on earth, and she does it in such an elegant way.

Each chapter has a theme, with a personal story of the author's, scripture, and quotes rounding it out.

Parts of this book had me in tears, and I read it in one sitting because it was just so captivating.

*Special thanks to Moody Publishers for the review copy. All opinions expressed are my own. And thank you to the author for writing such a heartfelt book!*

[Lianna Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though I don’t share the author’s terminal diagnosis, I share the awareness that life will one day end—if the Lord tarries. On Our Way Home is a tender and hope-filled reflection that has helped me feel more prepared for that reality. It whispers comfort through the real grief of death, reminding me that my own passing will be precious in His sight.

[Heather Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved how the author had a theme for each chapter and tied in personal anecdotes with how they correlate to what heaven will look like. It’s a reminder that we get glimpses each day into what eternity will look like.

[Melissa Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book about getting ready to finish well here and getting ready for heaven.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book on what awaits Christians when we go from earth to being in Gods presence!

[Hope B · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10 would recommend this book! This is so refreshing. Felt like a breath of fresh air. Would recommend the read!