This entry is going to be a little different from my usual posts. Today, I want to be more vulnerable and share part of my story—my upbringing, the transformation of my family, and the moment I lost my dad to stomach cancer in September 2005.
Recently, I watched The Case for Heaven by Lee Strobel. This film deeply challenges the viewer to consider eternity—what happens after this life. It includes powerful accounts of near-death experiences, along with insights from John Burke, author of Imagine Heaven, who documents testimonies from people who claim to have encountered heaven or hell.
A Childhood Foundation
When I was very young, my mom took my sister and me to an Assembly of God church in our small hometown in Indiana. I have vivid memories of going—but if I’m honest, as a kid, I mostly went to see my friends and have fun. That’s normal for a child.
It wasn’t until I was 15 years old that things became real for me.
A Turning Point in My Family
When I was 15, my dad sat me down and told me that he and my mom were going to get divorced. He asked me to decide who I wanted to live with. That moment was incredibly painful—no child should have to carry that kind of weight.
During that time, my mom left and went to stay with her twin sister a couple of hours away. Later, she told me that while she was gone, the Holy Spirit spoke to her and told her that my dad would give his life to Jesus.
Not long after that, early one morning, my dad woke me up. I’ll never forget it—he had tears streaming down his face. That wasn’t something I was used to seeing.
He asked me to forgive him—for the pain he caused me, my sister, and my mom. Then he told me something that changed everything:
He had given his life to Jesus Christ.
He said he was going to call my mom and ask her to come back so they could talk.
Over time—not instantly, but over several months—I watched something incredible happen. Their relationship began to heal. Their love was restored. They started going to church together again.
And seeing the transformation in my dad changed me.
That was the moment God began drawing me to Himself. Because of what I saw in my father, I gave my life to Jesus Christ.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:17
This all took place around 1992.
A Season of Growth
In 1999, I moved to Cleveland, Tennessee to attend Bible college at New Life. That season marked a deeper transformation in my life—something I’ve shared more about in previous posts.
The Diagnosis
In January 2005, my dad was diagnosed with stomach cancer.
He began chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Despite the hardship, he did his best to enjoy life, and we spent meaningful time together as a family before his condition worsened in September.
A Moment I Will Never Forget
On September 20, 2005, around 1:00 AM, I was in the room with my dad shortly before he passed.
Earlier that day, something happened that I cannot explain naturally.
The blinds were closed. The windows were shut. No one else was in the room—but my dad was pointing and waving at something.
I knew—deep in my spirit—that he was seeing something beyond this world.
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:7
His last words to me were:
“Rise up.”
He said it three times.
I remember feeling the presence of God fill that room. I prayed and asked the Lord to open my eyes so I could see what my dad was seeing.
Instead, an overwhelming peace came over me—and I fell asleep.
When I woke up, my father had stepped out of time and into eternity to be with the Lord.
“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:8
The Reality of Eternity
It’s not easy for me to share this, but I believe someone reading this may need it.
Life is fragile. As human beings, we are not promised tomorrow. We need each other—but more than anything, we need Jesus Christ.
Jesus made it clear that this life is not the end:
“In My Father’s house are many mansions… I go to prepare a place for you.”
— John 14:2
He also gave a sobering warning:
“Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”
— Matthew 10:28
The Bible tells us that eternity is already placed within us:
“He has put eternity in their hearts.”
— Ecclesiastes 3:11
And God’s heart is not to condemn—but to save:
“The Lord is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
— 2 Peter 3:9
A Question for You
What do you believe happens when you die?
This life is temporary—70, 80, maybe 90 years if we’re blessed.
But eternity… is forever.
I encourage you to think deeply about that.
Final Thoughts
I also want to mention the work of Randy Kay, who interviews individuals who have had near-death experiences. Many describe encounters with heaven, angels, or even Jesus Christ. Others describe separation from God—darkness, hopelessness, and regret.
What stands out most is this:
Many of them are given a second chance.
A chance to choose.
A chance to turn to God.
And it raises a powerful question—
If you knew eternity was real… what would you choose?
