I was raised in a secular home. There was no talk of heaven or an afterlife. This life was all there was. And yet at the age of five I dreamed I died. My parents and friends circled over me, weeping, their tears striking my face as I released my final breath. But there was no darkness. Instead, a little cloud pushed its way out of my chest and rose to a position above the circle of mourners. Suddenly I was there, looking down. I wanted to tell them, “It’s OK. I’m still here. I’m still me.” But they couldn’t hear. They didn’t understand.
Later, as a confirmed atheist, I tried to dismiss the dream. But I couldn’t. All my life I’ve sensed, both before and after coming to believe in the Author of life (Acts 3:15), that to ignore death is to miss the meaning of life.
That’s a really cool dream-experience, but I’m sure it was disturbing at the time.
I’m honestly not sure, Priscilla. I seem to recall feeling a sense of calm actually (though the incident leading up to it was scary).
Beautifully put, Mitch. Praise the Lord to whom all praise is due.
God always speaks to us of his existence and he places eternity in our hearts. Death though difficult, really speaks to us of our Creator. What an impactful dream that was never forgotten.
Right you are, Hazel.
\o/
Both my husband and I have had similar experiences, especially during a time which could’ve been the end of our lives. I don’t believe it was a dream, but a very in the moment experience. When we tell others about those episodes they’re usually skeptical, but we know they were very real and give us comfort in knowing that life doesn’t end when we die.
I’m certain you’re right, Kathy.
“It is neurotic to think only of death and the afterlife, but it is naive to ignore it completely.” Mark Killam
Really connected with the Seneca quote, Mitch. I believe we are all put here for a purpose. God knows his plan for us even if we don’t see it at first. I am blessed that I have this time to learn to both live and die. I put my heart in His hands. Thank you for this reflection.
My privilege, Joanne.
Powerful!!
Thank you for sharing your experience with us, Mitch. A lovely witness that the Real Presence is indeed real. Hugs & blessings to you today!
Aw, thank you, and likewise, Dawn!
Strange as it seems, Mitch, I’ve had that same feeling several times over the years — hovering near the ceiling looking down at myself. Always alone though, so I guess that’s the way my life has been. Born and raised Catholic but recently left the church because of some personal problems with the way it is these days. I do still believe in God, and have had several of the out-of-body experiences that if I talk about much will have the men in white jackets throwing a net over me. Weird feeling though, isn’t it?
It is, although that experience was long ago, so in my case the feeling has faded, Angie. My trust in God’s love and presence, however, has grown stronger over the years.
Mitch,
You were one of the first people to “Like” my blog about heaven. I don’t know how much of the blog you read back then, but here’s one of those articles I thought you might like today. https://speakingofheaven.wordpress.com/2009/08/04/other-tech/
Happy Palm Sunday!
Bette Cox
Heading there now, Bette!
” . . . to ignore death is to miss the meaning of life.” – so very true!
Mitch, I love this! What a cool dream.
It’s amazing how the young mind-that isn’t aware of the laws of nature-is free to wander wherever God wills it. Thanks for sharing this fascinating memory, Mitch. 🙂
My privilege, Nancy.
Mitch, your experiences–life, death, the middle, the above, the below, and in between–the love, laughter, loss, and success–are summed up in your last sentence. You live it, share it, breathe it, and exude it. THANK YOU. I’ve had experiences, some of which others might not understand–but I do. It’s comforting to connect with those who do. And when you know, you know,…and you can’t help but share it! Many blessings, dear friend!
Bless you, dear friend.
❣️ and you!
Perhaps that was a message to your five year old self precipitated by a traumatic life event or some need to understand more at that young age. At five we’re unlikely to have any conceptual knowledge or understanding of life and death. Evidently an impressive experience, you remember it still. Thanks for sharing Mitch. Great quote.
Dreams are powerful and can truly be a gift from God. ❤️ Love how God spoke to you at such a young age. Thanks for sharing!
My privilege, Carolyn.
I often dream about people who are supposedly dead. These dreams tend to be some of the most vivid.
Morning Mitch. I think of death as an angel and not an executioner. She’s there, always. And as Bukowski said, I’ll be ready when she comes. Blessings my friend, Julian
You too, Julian.
Yes we better remember this
‘to ignore death is to miss the meaning of life.’
Life is beautiful ♥️
♾️
Amen and so true! What a blessing you had that dream. It helped set you on the path to seek the Lord when the time was right!
That was a powerful dream at a tender young age.
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More than a dream. An experience.
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