Psalm 23:4 – Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (ESV)

My mother was saved in a tent meeting when she was 15. My dad went out west to get away from God, but somehow ended up being saved during a prayer meeting in his early 20s. Before my father passed away in 2011, his doctor asked him if he was scared of death. He just said that he wasn't sure what the crossing over would be like.

Do you fear the moment of death, unsure of what it will be like? I was so blessed to be with both my parents as they passed, and I would like to share what happened.

My dad was dying with cancer, and we were keeping him at home on the couch in the living room. It was Sunday morning, his favourite day of the week. He had closed his eyes for the last time on Thursday afternoon. The house was full of people, but everyone was asleep except for one of my sisters and me. His breaths were coming so far apart that we knew that each one could be his last.

Dad's mouth was moving silently as his hands came up from where they had been folded on his stomach. One arm was reaching higher than the other and his hands clasped in unison as if they were holding the hands of another. As soon as his hands closed over, his mouth stopped moving, his hands came gently down again, and that was it — there was not another breath. It was beautiful to witness dad reaching up his hands to take the hands of Jesus and fly home.

Our mother had congestive heart failure, and we really did not think that she would be able to live without dad, but she did, thankfully, for almost four years. In addition to four brothers, my mother had one baby sister who died at birth. She always wished for that older sister that she'd never had, and she longed for the day that she would meet her in heaven. A couple of days before mom passed, she pointed up to the corner of the room and told us that she could see a baby waiting for her. Then, she started describing for us all the people singing at the gate — crowds of people!

I am so grateful that I was able to be with my parents when they passed — it was a blessing. It is my hope and prayer that this story will bring peace and comfort to any of you who are wondering about the crossing over. Jesus promises never to leave or forsake all those who put their trust in Him, and He promises that He will take His Christian brothers and sisters home.

Prayer: Father, we trust Your Word that You will be with us in that moment of death. Give us peace and comfort as we think about how our lives will end. Amen.

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About the author:

Katherine MacKenzie <katherine@parkerrealty.ca>
Long River, Prince Edward Island, Canada
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