The Door We Call Death

I, a couple of days ago had the opportunity to look at an awe inspired drawing. The artist is an amazing missionary. 

In the drawing there was depleted our Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ. Most every picture that I have ever seen of the Savior He is doing something. 

In this drawing the Savior had His eyes closed and His face in what I would describe as heart felt compassion for someone who was hurting beyond measure. 

Who else would know that kind of pain and compassion than our Savior who died and suffered for us all. 

The Savior was holding a young man in an embrace like He would never let go. On His hand that I did not immediately see, were the nail prints in his hand and wrist. 

Though I immediately not only recognized, but also felt that it was a picture of our Savior, I did not know this young man.

This young man also had his eyes closed. His young face seemed to echo one of being tired as if a weight weighed on him. He had a look of sadness written all over his face. At the same time on his face was this feeling of being understood, consoled and loved. 

As I was to find out it was a drawing of a young man at the age of 16 years old. He had taken his life. 

This amazing missionary had given this beautiful drawing to the parents of this young man. It was given with an expression of love to help comfort and console them. What a priceless treasure. 

Can you just imagine what you would see just walking in those parents home now? There right at the door entrance the first thing I would see is this heartfelt amazing picture set in a beautiful frame. The peace and joy it will bring the family is intense. 

I couldn't help but also contemplate those in my extended family and friends, that have also taken their lives. 

That picture gave me not only peace for them but also understanding. Each of these beautiful souls were hurting inside beyond measure. 

Each one of them were loved but, because of the weight on their shoulders they did not feel it. Even though they all have family they felt utterly alone, in pain or worthless. 

This beautiful picture of the Savior and this young man also brought about other thoughts and feelings.

We all have sometimes felt alone. We have felt anguish. We have felt pain. We have felt sorrow and sadness. 

We are all like this young man deplicted in the drawing. We want that hug from our Savior Jesus Christ to comfort us. 

I think one of the times we need our Savior Jesus Christ's undying love and embrace, is at the death of a loved one. 

Though birth brings joy death brings pain.

It makes us realize that the bodies that we live in now are not immortal. That we too will die. We are brought to realize how much we will miss them. We are reminded to check on our own progression here on Earth. 

When death comes as a result of someone ending their life the pain becomes even more intense. 

What could I have done? Why didn't I recognize the warning signs if any? What will happen to them in the next life? Why did they take their life?

It is then so important to realize about our Beloved Savior Jesus Christ. Whether our loved ones are in intense emotional pain, or intense physical pain our Savior has suffered them all. 

In Gethsemine He felt our every hurt. He bore our every pain. That very drawing of a young man wasn't one of rejection. It was one of undying love. Those loved ones that pass away are cherished. 

If we love those who we serve, how much greater does our Savior Jesus Christ love each of us? 

It then gives me great comfort to know that it is our Savior who is the judge of us all. He understands what each person is going through. He knows each pain and suffering we endure.

It gives me great peace to know death is not the end. It is merely a door. We will see our loved ones again. 

We like the picture I saw will be able to feel that encompassing hug from our Savior Jesus Christ. 

Our physical bodies that we now possess will one day die. We because of the great love Jesus Christ has for us, will be able to live forever in an immortal body. 

I know our Savior loves us with a complete understanding. I know because of that infinite atonement, we Will all live again. I know that every pain we endure our Savior understands. I know that death is not the end. 

I love you all so much! 

Love

Cindy

Elzinga