To Sadie Grace Andrews’ Family:
I’m so very saddened to hear about the loss of your precious daughter Sadie Grace, as you both must be experiencing such extreme suffering.
Mr. and Mrs. Andrews, I can only imagine that this type of agonizing loss must surely be unbearable and may seem like the pain will never cease. My hope is that this letter, informing you of what the Bible says about the resurrection hope might bring a measure of comfort; although, I’m sure, at present, the thought of a resurrection seems like a lifetime away; however, God's spirit can grant you the peace you need at this time.
Philippians 4:6,7 reads: Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus.
Unfortunately, as you are well aware, nothing can prepare any of us for such a loss, but God can comfort you to cope with your pain and grief. One way He comforts us is by looking into the Bible to find out, for a certainty, whether death ends it all. The Bible says that, at present, your little baby Sadie is asleep. John 11:11 reads “After he said these things, he (Jesus) added: “Lazarus our friend has fallen asleep, but I am traveling there to awaken him.”
Some wonder this same question that Job asked when he felt near to death: “If a man dies, can he live again?” Job 14:14. Addressing Almighty God, Job answered his own question, saying: “You will call, and I will answer you. You will long for the work of your hands.” (Job 14:15) Job felt sure that Jehovah longed for the day when He would resurrect His faithful servant. Was that mere wishful thinking on Job’s part? Not at all. The resurrections performed by Jesus offered clear proof that God gave Jesus power over death. In fact, the Bible says that Jesus now possesses “the keys of death.” (Rev. 1:18).
Another comforting thought from the Bible is that when our loved ones go to the grave they are, as you read earlier, asleep (Luke 8:52). If any of us possessed the power to awaken someone we loss in death, wouldn’t we want to? Absolutely! Well that’s exactly how God feels. You see, the Almighty God has perfect power and ability to do as He pleases and it is His desire to bring Sadie back to life. He will restore life not only to Sadie but to all of our little children, family members and friends who’ve fallen asleep in death. Titus 1:1,2 tells us that God cannot lie. He promises that there will be a resurrection here on earth; therefore, it will happen!
Please rest assured that God wants all of us to know that death is His enemy. 1 Cor. 15:26. Death was not a part of His original plan for mankind, which was to live forever; therefore, He would never use an enemy to thwart or prevent His plan from coming to complete fruition. It is understandable that the loss of Sadie, especially under these distressing circumstances, will take a lifetime to cope with, if ever. However, these scriptures demonstrates how God feels about you both. Jeremiah 29:11,12. “‘For I well know the thoughts that I am thinking toward you,’ declares Jehovah, ‘thoughts of peace, and not of calamity, to give you a future and a hope. 12 And you will call me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.’
Below are some of the other Bible promises regarding death and sorrow that gives us hope:
Isaiah 26:19 “Your dead will live. My corpses will rise up. Awake and shout joyfully, You residents in the dust! For your dew is as the dew of the morning, And the earth will let those powerless in death come to life.
Jesus said to her: “Your brother will rise.” Martha said to him: “I know he will rise in the resurrection. Jesus said to her: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life” John 11:24. 25.
“Many of those asleep in the dust of the earth will wake up.” Daniel 12:2.
“The hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear His voice and come out... John 5:28, 29.
The apostle Paul said: “I have hope toward God... that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.” Acts 24:15.
He (Jehovah) heals the brokenhearted; He binds up their wounds. Ps 147:3.
Since we were created to live forever, you may find that there’s just not a place in your heart or mind to store the flood of emotions that you feel, as it’s so unnatural to experience something that God never equipped us to deal with in the first place. Thus the reason for the agonizing pain and lack of words to express how one may feel after such a loss; however, our heavenly father understands, for the Bible tells us at 1 John 3:20 “... God is greater than our hearts and knows all things.”
Again, Mr. and Mrs. Andrews, I’m so very sorry about your darling little baby girl. It's my earnest desire to share with you some encouraging scriptures regarding the resurrection hope for Sadie. Revelation 21:4 “And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”
May these Bible truths bring you all the much needed comfort that you deserve, as these scripture truly assures us that Sadie will be back with all those she loved; with her little, sweet, endearing smile that God promises will never go away! Please know that I will keep you both, as well as all of your family and friends in my fervent prayers.
Regretfully,
Regina
For further articles of hope for our loved ones as well as a vast array of insightful Bible topics Such as “Why Does God Allow Suffering?” visit jw.org.