In Our Lovely Deseret: And should we die — the great mystery of death, what comes after

This is knowledge that sings! That speaks to the best and most eternal in our nature. We can only project a little, imagine a little — but our faith ought to rejoice exceedingly! For President Young said, “We have more friends behind the veil than on this side, and they will hail us more joyfully than you were ever welcomed by your parents and friends in this world, and you will rejoice more when you meet them than you ever rejoiced to see a friend in this life” (see “The Best of Brigham Young,” by Susan Evans McCloud, Covenant Communications).

We are human. Some reluctance, some anxiety is natural. But to have such glimpses of the joys and experiences that await us! This was expressed powerfully by the Prophet Joseph Smith when he said, “The spirits of the just are exalted to a greater and more glorious work; hence they are blessed in their departure to the world of spirits. Enveloped in flaming fire, they are not far from us, and know and understand our thoughts and emotions." (as quoted in "Joseph Speaks,” by Sterling H. Redd, Horizon Publishers, from “Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith”).

When my mother died, despite the intense pain and loneliness with which I struggled at our parting, I felt the day of her death should be marked as sacred. Also as “wondrous” — for I felt strongly that this was the day of her birth, her re-birth into eternity. It was her returning, after a lengthy and hazardous sojourn, back home.

Death: A wonder. A miracle. A natural promise and progression. A blessing.

President Young also said in “Discourses of Brigham Young,” “When we pass into the spirit world, we shall possess a measure of (the Almighty’s) power. Here, we are continually troubled with ills and ailments of various kinds. In the spirit world we are free from all this and enjoy life, glory, and intelligence; and we have the Father to speak to us, Jesus to speak to us, and angels to speak to us — and we shall enjoy the society of the just and the pure who are in the spirit world until the resurrection.”

Susan Evans McCloud is author of more than 40 books and has published screenplays, a book of poetry and lyrics, including two songs in the LDS hymnal. She has six children. She blogs at susanevansmccloud.blogspot.com.

Email: susasays@broadweave.net