Yesterday, Anne Alexander, a dear friend and longtime missionary who is grieving the recent loss of four loved ones, wrote:
“Today I woke early with the thought that my passport is for the Kingdom of Joy, but that I have a long-term visa for the Country of Grief. It helps to remember that my King is saving a wonderful and permanent home for his kids near Him, where I will see these loved ones again. More than that, He often sends me love-messages that encourage me. And sometimes He just lets me cry. I write down His love-messages and remember them. One day we will meet face to face in the Kingdom of Joy, with no more tears.”
I can relate. Along with so many others, I’ve experienced similar losses of late. Just last night, a dear friend who is currently caring for her dying mother, told me she herself may have terminal cancer. Can there possibly be a bright spot in all this darkness? Yes. She and her mother are both devoted children of the King that Anne speaks about. And soon He will wipe away their every tear.
But more than that, God doesn’t simply comfort his children when they arrive, passports in hand. Their former pain and grief will have “passed away.” In a way we can barely grasp, this means our former sufferings and losses will no longer even exist (Isaiah 65:17). Eternity with God isn’t merely an improvement over this world…
It’s a new reality.
“For the heavens will be destroyed by fire and the elements will melt in the heat. But according to God’s promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.”
~2 Peter 3:12-13
Mitch Teemley 
Amen 🙏
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In the twinkling of an eye … Blessings!
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This is a much needed message, Mitch. Grief is up close and all around right now but it is going to be swallowed up by the beauty of His promises. Thank you.
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My privilege, Kara.
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Amen. I pray that all who are facing grief may find support in the Lord Jesus.
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Yes, looking forward to eternity with HIM!
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isaiah 90:42 the lord is my dwelling place
revelation 46:03 the lord is my refuge & strength & a helper when in fear
2 peter 3:11 hide the word in your mind
you will not sin against thee
god like you he gave his son
believe & parish
to have everlasting life
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Amen and amen. Prayers offered for the friend you mentioned and for you as you seek to comfort and support her.
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Thank you, Russ.
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revelation 46:03 mitch
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Amen. The Lord’s love is with us now, even before breath departs — even for His beloved unbelievers.
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What a beautiful perspective. I am sending this to a dear friend of mine. I think it will encourage her.
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Hope so, Annie.
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The Lord is with His children in life, in death, and hereafter into life everlasting. This is a blessing and a blessed reminder of that truth. Thank you Mitch.
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My privilege, Crystal.
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Good stuff. Thanks Mitch
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My pleasure, Mike.
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Beautiful and I agree, “my passport is for the Kingdom of Joy, but I have a long-term visa for the Country of Grief.”
Looking at history renews my hope as I think of the many gems created or birthed while living in the “Country of Grief” on a long-term visa i.e.:
• The hymn It is Well With My Soul after Horatio Spafford lost his son, then property investments destroyed by fire, then all four daughters killed in a shipwreck.
• The gospel transforming lives of Auca tribespeople, following the murders of Nate Saint, Roger Youderian, Ed McCully, Pete Fleming, and Jim Elliot who sacrificed all, and is retold in the book and film titled Through Gates of Splendor.
• C.S. Lewis’s reflections of bereavement, in A Grief Observed, following the death of his wife.
• The Voice of the Martyrs, a ministry formed to serve persecuted Christians throughout the world after the founder, Richard Wurmbrand, spent 14 years in Communist imprisonment for his faith.
These are but a few, I’m certain there are many others such as orphanages, schools, hospitals, etc. often formed due to someone’s long-term visa for the Country of Grief but where our God had a greater purpose and plan. Not unlike Joseph of the Old Testament.
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I’ve always found these words from Revelation healing in the midst of great loss with the promise, “God will wipe every tear from their eyes.
Death will be no more;
mourning and crying and pain will be no more. Revelation 21:4 May your friends find comfort in your care for them.
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revelation 46:03 the lord is my refuge & strength
the lord is my helper in fear
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Sharing!
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Beautifully written hope-filled post. Thank you, Mitch. This past year has been a personal year of loss for me: my sweet mom, two uncles and a beloved aunt. Two knew Christ and two did not. As I’ve journeyed through this grief upon grief, I’ve become more aware of the truth that having the assurance of salvation and being in Christ makes all the difference in the world.
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It does indeed, Cindie.
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Thank you for those comforting words of truth.
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I can’t wait for the new reality. This was beautiful. Thank you, Mitch.
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Me neither! Blessings now and forever, Terri.
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Yes, a new reality! In the past eight months, two of my sisters have gone to heaven; I often picture them in that new reality. One of my brothers is on hospice and will likely be joining them soon. And when my time comes, so will I!
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Blessings and prayers, Keith.
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