My dad died in 1998 of cancer.  He was given to alcoholism since a young man – so as his children, we were subject to a chaotic alcoholic home.  It was soon that he would be leaving us, and close to his death, I asked him if he knew where he was going, to which he responded with venom and fury, ‘I am going in a box and will be shoved into the ground – period!’  I was so startled at this and left so very disappointed.  Disappointed in me, for I had planned to tell him about the gift of salvation.  It would be a week later where I rustled up some courage to try it again, my knees shaking just as much as my insides.  I settled next to his hospital bed and asked him the same question, ‘dad, do you know where you are going when you die?’  He looked at me, with eyes that were not the same as the last time – in fact, eyes that I have never seen, and in a quiet and gentle voice, he said, ‘heaven.’  I knew without a doubt that he had met the Lord and was born again.  I found out that a dear pastor who made regular hospital visits, dear Pastor Fox, visited my dad, who delivered the good news to this dying soul.  I feared and despised this man all my life, but when I witnessed this moment – my heart leaped with joy.  God gave me such a gift that day to which I treasure.  Make no mistake, my dad was one whose life made for ‘hell on earth’ for his family– yet in the grace and mercy of God, he entered everlasting life because he believed Jesus.  As I pondered this ironic turn of events, I believe God in His good pleasure gave me a vision –

My dad was in his early 30’s.  He wore a crisp white shirt, and I marveled at how clean he looked.  It was not just an outward clean-ness, but he was all who God had created him to be, which was washed and made whole through the blood of Jesus and completely clean and was certainly in contrast to who I knew him, which was why it was such a stunning sight.  I innately understood that he was formally dressed for a purpose – for something he did and tended to regularly.  He carried a bouquet of predominately blue flowers – they were so beautiful!  And with them, he went to a place that I understood to be only allowed for him, as he opened the door – I was taken aback.  Mounds and mounds of carefully placed bouquets adorned the landscape that was beyond breathtaking!  It was like a memorial but not of sadness but more like a place God gave My dad, so he may offer his gifts of love and tender loving care for all who he hurt.  The place was alive with love, and healing as he tended his garden. The vision was like the Lord pulling back a curtain so I may see my dad’s heart – for us who he has left behind and the heart of God for my dad and His good pleasure for those who are His.  

The most of vile sinner, filthy and tormented – in the Lord’s eyes He sees them as who they are destined to be: clean and forgiven. What joy it is when a lost soul believes and receives the Lord Jesus Christ!