Where do you look for peace? Most people turn to things of this world. But this world is fleeting, it isn't eternal. Peace can't come from this world. There is only one way to find peace from suffering, even after death.
Meeting with ancestors before dawn
Recently, I've been meeting with my ancestors who have accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ and have been baptized. Their situations are a bit different from other spirits I've met with who have accepted the gospel, but are still waiting to be baptized.
What's the difference? Well, those waiting for baptism are in a place called spirit prison. Those already baptized are in spirit paradise. If these terms are new to you, go here to read more about what each place is like.
As usual, I'm up before dawn for these meetings. Why so early? It's a nice, quiet time of day for me, but more importantly, it's the best time for the spirits. This is what the God taught me about this time of day:
The stories of trees aren't threatening, so they can be heard anytime. Spirits who choose my Son have power. But they need to learn how to wield it before they can appear in your daytime without being overtaken.
Talking with a human can be a bit odd if you're a spirit
There are preliminary steps necessary to prepare myself and the space for these meetings. I start with prayer. I meet Theodore, and ask him for his testimony of Jesus. Sometimes, I sing a hymn after I pray.
Then, I see a couple. I do not know them, but I sense that they are relatives of George, who was grandma Josephine's third husband.
Stephen and Julie are here to meet with me.
They sit down together. Stephen begins, "Good morning. This is a bit odd of an experience for us."
Julie says, "I've encouraged him to try something new." Yet both seem a little hesitant.
"Yes," I reply. "It can seem a bit odd, especially when it's new. It was so to me, as well. Do you know why we are meeting?"
"Yes. Yes," says Stephen, sitting up a bit taller. "We have been commissioned of Jesus Christ to come share our stories about him. That, um, others may also learn about him."
He continues to look around, seeming a little uncertain.
"Yes! Yes, that is exactly what I am here to help with," I tell him. "I meet with you, and others like you, to help people here on earth receive stories of Jesus. That they may learn of him and choose to accept him as their Savior. Isn't it beautiful work we get to do together in this way?"
Stephen visibly relaxes. "Yes," he says, smiling. "Yes, is it."
I do my best to encourage him. "I don't know what things look like from your side. I don't know exactly what you see. But I see our friend Theodore, and the two of you sitting in front of me. I know there is much more to see around and behind you, but it's not generally visible to me."
"Please know that this space is protected, that there are those who have the call to help create this space for us to meet, and for me to receive what you have to say. There is no harm that can come of this work and of this time."
"Yes." Stephen sits up a bit taller. "Yes, that is good. Well then, let's begin."
Find peace from suffering, even after death
I ask Stephen and Julie to start by sharing their testimonies of Jesus Christ. They both are quite stiff.
In order to help them relax a little, I ask them a simple question. I already know the answer, but it's about helping them to feel comfortable.
I ask Julie if she has been baptized. "Yes, oh yes!" She says, visibly relaxing.
I ask Stephen the same question. "Yes!" He leans in toward me. "It has brought so much peace. I didn't know there was anything that could bring that much peace."
"Wonderful. Stephen, please share your story of Jesus that you would like others to know about him."
"Okay," he says. He lets go of Julie's hand and turns to face me squarely, his hands in his lap. He seems to relax a bit more and becomes a bit more eager.
"When I was born, I didn't know anything about Jesus. No one in my house taught me of him." He leans in, as if sharing a secret with me, whispering. "Our house was a pretty dark place."
"When I died, I was quite worn out from my life experience. I didn't even have the energy to look for anything. I simply sat and observed the world around me. Where was I? It wasn't bad, but it wasn't beautiful, either."
"Eventually, someone came and reached out to me. A man took my hand and lifted me up. He was very kindly. He asked me if I would like to hear a message of peace and joy. I simply nodded."
"He told me about this being named Jesus, who could save me from my sins and from this dreary place. I didn't understand, of course, but I noticed that I felt different when he talked about this Jesus. I felt lighter, less burdened. I didn't even realize how heavy I felt until I started to feel lighter as we spoke."
"Although I was fearful, I was also eager to learn more. Gradually, this kind man, and others, taught me more about Jesus. I came to learn and to understand that there was this glorious plan which had been put in place."
"As I was taught, I began to remember things. I got flashes of memories. These memories were beautiful! Everything was bright and full of love. Oh, so much love!"
"I longed to return to that place. I was given the option to accept Jesus as my Savior, and I jumped at the chance. I knew it would free me to do so."
He looks as Julie, and she nods, smiling.
Stephen returns his gaze to me. He is intent and focused.
"You must tell people about him! There really is no other way to have peace. People think that there are other things that are available that will bring them relief from darkness and suffering. But I've seen those who were in this space with me. They searched and searched, but nothing they found brought them peace. It just led them on, from one thing to another. Never resting....." His words trailed off.
He returns his attention to me and continues.
There is peace in Christ
"There is peace is Christ. There is glory in him, and through him. All of the beauty and peace one could ever desire, comes through him."
"There is no other way. All other things are counterfeit. All of the beauty testifies of him and sings his praises. This is why you must gather stories! So people can see and hear of the beauty that they are unable to receive for themselves."
"There are many like you, you know, here with us. They are gathering, too.....gathering the flock, gathering the sheep, gathering those who wish to obey."
"Remember to obey. Obedience brings freedom and blessings and more good than you can imagine! Even when it is difficult, it is always blessed to obey."
He sits back in his chair, looking a bit relieved, and pleased with what he has done in sharing his story with me.
This was a difficult thing for him. I confirm this by asking him.
"I wanted to obey, because, honestly, I wanted more of those blessings! It was the first time I've done something like this, telling my story."
Following Jesus brings joy
Julie speaks now.
"I simply want to share that I know that Jesus lives," she says, calmly and a bit quietly. "He is my Savior, I know that now. I choose to follow him because it brings me joy to my heart. It lightens my days and has opened my eyes to all that is possible. It is such a beautiful thing to follow him and to learn of him. There really is nothing better in all of eternity!"
She gives a little squeal and laughs. "I did it! I shared, too!"
I smile at them both. "Yes, yes you did."
"Thank you. Thank you both for your faith and for your example and for your time with me. I am grateful to have met you this morning. May you be blessed as you continue in your efforts to obey."
Standing up to leave, they both thank me.
"This was really quite nice," Stephen says, as Julie nods in agreement. "Good-bye!" They wave, and are gone.
Why wait for peace?
I have felt this peace myself, the peace that can come only from Christ. It is often the strongest when we are in our darkest places.
One evening, years ago, my husband and I had come home from the hospital after I had an early miscarriage. That was a pretty dark time. As I sat on the bed, I settled my crying long enough so my husband could give me a priesthood blessing. As he spoke, and after he finished, we both felt an intense feeling of peace and calmness. I'd never felt so much peace and love.
I know that our Heavenly Father loves us more than we can imagine. All he desires is for us to come unto him, by choosing to follow His Son, Our Savior.
Photo by Rosie Ann from Pexels
