Welcome Home

Photo by Garon Piceli at Pexels.

Mark bristled under the weight of what he’d been taught his whole life—that suicide was sin. His ecclesiastical responsibilities added to his angst.

When his friend Lori died by suicide, Mark’s question demanded an answer. He sat and pondered in a quiet area of the church. His answer came. As Lori’s casket closed, the veil opened for Mark.

He saw Lori wondering in some divine place, but she seemed anxious and confused as if she didn’t know where to go. She approached an august looking man who held a large ledger. Before she could speak, he looked up.

“Welcome home,” he said. “I love you.”

Lori’s countenance suddenly brightened. Without further words from her guide, she understood exactly where to go. She turned and walked down a path that felt as familiar as her own backyard.

Mark knew how Lori felt because he felt it too. He felt her experience as if it were his own. He felt the love and divine approval. And he understood God loves every child and welcomes them home.