I loved my father so much. I want to tell him how sorry I am for all the pain I caused. I am looking forward to death just to see him again. Please don't think I'm such a bit case. I'm just a daughter who lives and missed her father who passed in 1984.
2) By which also ye are saved...
3) ...how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; &
4) that he was buried, & He rose again the third day." (God raised Christ to show us that death isn't the end, & show that Christ's cross was acceptable payment for the sins of the world.)
God grant me the Serenity
To accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
And the Wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time,
Enjoying one moment at a time.
Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,
Taking, as he did, this sinful world as it is,
Not as I would like it.
Trusting that he will make all things right,
If I surrender to his will.
That I may be reasonably happy in this world
And supremely happy in the next.
Reinhold Niebuhr, Noted German Theologian
None of us really know what happens after death. Some have found salvation and feel they will go to heaven and see those we have loved. My Mom had faith and knew where she was going. I know she is now pain free and whole again.
My Mom rejected it at 80+YO due to the child abuse horrors and coverups. Brave woman. Lost many so-called friends. I have a visceral disgust w/much of "organized religion" now. Although, I also have great friends who are very religious: we accept each other and don't judge. It works for us.
But I share your agnostic view for many reasons, not the least due to my experience in the desert of Afghanistan when I suddenly, unexpectantly, lost my lovely, vibrant, 25 YO husband. No, not in the War. Many years before....We were scientists on academic assignment.
He was granted a formal Hindu cremation. It was the most beautiful and memorable experience of my life. I won't share details but one of the most beautiful things I saw that day, following D's cremation service, was the wedding party, bride and groom in lovely, local finery, on a donkey cart, making their way to the same lovely little stonewalled courtyard for their nuptials.
LIFE is indeed a CIRCLE.
AND.....that is all I know for sure.
And all I need for living a good and giving life NOW.
If Jesus' resurrection were not true, then why would so many willingly loose their life in the days of the early church and today over in Africa and China?
As the hymn says, "Because he lives
I can face tomorrow
Because he lives
All fear is gone
Because I know
He holds the future
And life is worth the living
Just because he lives."
Also, as the Apostle Paul wrote in I Corinthians 15 and I summarize, 'if Jesus is not risen, then our faith is in vain, we of all people should be pitied for that would mean that our sins are not forgiven'
You and your sister did nothing wrong protecting your mom from these unscrupulous scumbags. She may have been mad, but that doesn't make it wrong.
Let go of the guilt.
My mother passed away last week. My cousin, came in from North Carolina over memorial day holiday. Many relatives as well to bid goodbye..
My cousin saw my dad who died some 45 years ago carrying a baby. My parents lost an infant son. I firmly think my mom had an escort, a guide. To where, I don't know. This has been reported too,many times to be an anomaly.
How does that answer your question? I don't know. But I would imagine your father had one or more guides too.
I miss my dad too, who died 10 years before yours. But by my cousin seeing what she did, I am convinced of end of life guides. I hope this is a comfort to you.
Eta. This was same cousin who ran into my dad in Westminster Abbey years ago. London. What are the odds of that in actual life?
"We know because we believe what the bible says. It is truly simple."
Your Dad probably forgave you long ago, forgive yourself.
Holding regrets and guilt is a stronghold of the devil.
Don't let him defeat you.
Praying you will find comfort in Jesus.
I hope you can find some peace because that's what your dad would want for you. .
Janet, I can hear the hurt, the sadness and the pain in your words, and how much you want to see your dad again. I am so sorry.
Spiritual growth is a very personal journey. For me, it doesn't work when someone tells me to attend this, or join that, etc. It is something I have to discover for myself when I am ready. So, I am not telling you to believe anything or read anything you don't want to.
The same goes for personal development, people grow and mature when they are ready. You said you were a disappointment. PAST TENSE. You were, but you are not anymore. You dad would be very touched to read the words you wrote here. If you want to make it up to him, live your life in a way that would make him proud.
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