*POOF*

[Teacher]

What happens when we die?

Do you believe in souls?

My belief is that when one dies his/her soul goes to Heaven (or Hell). Then on the day that God raises all from the dead our bodies (new bodies) are joined with the soul.

I never doubted the existence of God or Heaven, but when I lost my mom who was also my dearest friend, I was haunted by "Where is she right now?" The Bible says that God will raise the dead - did that mean that she would be non-existent until Judgement Day. BUT the Bible also says that Jesus said to the two thieves on the crosses that "Today you shall be with me in paradise". I got so confused - researched, read every book I could get my hands on, and finally in one of Billy Graham's books I read what is similar to my first paragraph. That was a turning point for me and I wondered no more.

What a depressing thought that when one dies there is no hope and one just ceases to exist. Don't get me wrong, I do not want to die but am looking forward to that great big happy reunion when I will see all of my loved ones again. To quote the song "What a Day of Rejoicing that will Be" comes to mind.

Want to add that during our 6 months on the terminal cancer floor at the hospital, I talked to a lot of patients and nurses. The nurses said that anyone who doubts there is a God just needs to come to our floor and witness what happens as one is dying. I still get cold chills when I think about some of those statements.