Don’t you know, child, that even when you’re angry, discouraged, jealous, bitter, hopeless, annoyed, and mean, I still love you? I can understand you, so look at Me now, and ignore all the things the world is showing you. They’re not important, but you are important to Me. I will always be with you. You’re not alone.

Why are we so afraid when we think about death? Death is only dreadful for those who live in dread and fear of it. Death is not wild and terrible, if only we can be still and hold fast to God’s Word. Death is not bitter if we have not become bitter ourselves. Death is grace, the greatest gift of grace that God gives to people who believe in him. Death is mild, death is sweet and gentle; it beckons to us with heavenly power if only we realize that it is the gateway to our homeland, the tabernacle of joy, the everlasting kingdom of peace.