mistybluecjb 29th January 2014

Dear Sarah, I didn't know your beloved grandmother, but I want to offer my deepest sympathy to you and your family in your loss. I hope that you won't be offended by my sharing these verses with you in the hope that they might bring you some additional comfort at this sad time. Acts 24:15 promises, "that there is going to be a resurrection." James 1:13 helps us to see that our loving God never causes sad things to happen to our loved ones, ‘When under trial, let no one say: “I am being tried by God.’ For with evil things God cannot be tried nor does he himself try anyone.’” 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4 speaks of God as “the God of all comfort who comforts (Or “encourages.”) us in all our trials ("Or tribulation.”) " 1 Peter 5:7 lets us know that we can “throw all our anxiety (Or “cares; worries.”) upon (God), because he cares.” Isaiah 65:17b tells us that "the former things will not be called to mind, (or, be remembered) nor will they come up into the heart.” - Thus the heartbreak that we experience now, won’t even be remembered after Jehovah God resurrects our loved ones; thereby undoing the sad effects of death and the pain being separated from them brings. Revelation 21:4 speaks of the time when no more sadness or cause for mourning; as there it assures us, "And (God) will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” And no sickness of any kind as Isaiah 33:24 promises, “no resident will say: ‘I am sick.’” Then older ones will truly be able to enjoy life to the full since they will grow young again as Job 33:25 promises, "Let his flesh become fresher (or, healthier) than in youth; Let him (her) return to the days of his (her) youthful vigor." While on earth, Jesus resurrected his friend Lazarus back to life, speaking of his death as being 'sleep' and saying he was going to 'awaken' him. - Luke 11:11-14, 23, 25, 38-45. Jesus also resurrected a young man, the only son of a widow, and a 12 yr. old girl; and so we know that he has the power to resurrect our loved ones too in the future when the time comes for the resurrection! - (Luke 7:11-17; Luke 8:40-56) Then just imagine the joy when loved ones are resurrected and Psalms 37:10, 11, 29 gives us insight into the condition that will be experienced by those living on the earth then; "Just a little while longer, and the wicked will be no more; You will look at where they were, and they will not be there. But the meek will possess the earth, and they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace. The righteous will possess the earth, and they will live forever on it." - It will be a paradise where we can have the opportunity to live together forever in perfect peace, health, and happiness with our loved ones! Jesus taught his followers to pray: “ “You must pray, then, this way: “‘Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. (Or “be held sacred; be treated as holy.”) Let your Kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also on earth." - Matthew 6:9, 10 - When God’s Kingdom comes, there will be no more death on the earth, just as there is no death in heaven! I hope that you are able to find comfort in your memories, perhaps by looking at pictures, and I hope that these and other verses will help too. Romans 15:4 tells us, "For all the things that were written aforetime were written for our instruction, that through our endurance and through the comfort from the Scriptures we might have hope. Please go to www.jw.org and near the top of the page on the site; please click on 'publications' and then please look to the left and click on 'books and brochures' and then look to the right and click on page 2 and then please look at the first row and click on the tract, "Can the dead really live again?" This is very comforting! Also; right now on the main page is the article, "Does Death End It All?" Take care, Sincerely Yours, Cindy Boyer