Heaven
HEAVEN
I haven’t told this story in a long, long time and it’s time for me to tell it again and again!
Recently the Lord has been bringing back this memory and experience and expanding on it. I feel as though this story will bring hope, life and love.
When I was 5-6 years old, I would have fainting spells. I would just pass out for no reason. After tons of testing, doctors found nothing that would explain why and that I would just outgrow it, which I miraculously did!!
It was this particular time I want to tell. As this fainting spell turned more serious and left me unconscious, not breathing and rushed to the hospital.
I visited HEAVEN!!! I remember going through a dark tunnel and seeing light at the end (as many who have visited recall the same). I was greeted by Jesus! Yes, the King of glory took time to recognize and hug me.
I saw children playing on a playground in front of me, having so much fun; so much joy and laughter was coming from them, and I wanted to play as well. Swing, slide or teeter totter I didn’t care, I just wanted to play! Before I could ask or go run to them, I was greeted by a handful of relatives I had never met. They introduced themselves to me, hugged me, but honestly I just wanted to be on the playground with the other kids.
The love and peacefulness I felt was like nothing I had experienced in my little 6 year old body. I was in the presence of God, glorious and carefree. The colors were so vibrant as it was bright, like I needed sunglasses!
After hugging all the people, I asked to play with the kids. Jesus said it was time for me to go back. I didn’t want to go back home, I wanted to stay!!!! He told me it was not my time yet and that I needed to go back.
Now, I was a very shy girl, a mama’s girl. I would hide behind her when adults would ask me a question and I didn’t want to answer. But yet I wanted to stay in heaven without her, just to be with Jesus, and all the love, joy, peace and acceptance I felt at that time.
After returning, I told my mom what I had experienced. She immediately started drilling me about what relatives came up to me. She described them to me and I confirmed what they had looked like, she wept. I asked her why she was crying because they were in the best place…..Heaven! She said It was a happy cry and was so glad “they made it”. She wasn’t sure of their salvation at the time of death.
My mom was so proud and excited for me, she had me tell the experience to people. But after a few times, I didn’t want to tell it anymore, it brought too much attention to a shy girl. Then after awhile, a sense of shame, embarrassment (for being different or special) and denial stepped in. The enemy did a number on me to silence my experience. But God always wins!!
Holy Spirit has been speaking to me lately about why “it was not my time” yet to stay in Heaven. And about my purpose and plan He wants to fulfill through me. Honestly, it scares the doodoo out of me!!! I have to remind myself that He who began a good work in me is faithful to finish! And that I do not posses a spirit of fear but one of power, love and a sound mind.
I know I talk about the love of God a lot, I have experienced it!!!
I know without a shadow of doubt that His love, compassion and presence is what breaks chains, heals years of hurt and abuse, softens the hardest of hearts and draws the lost to Him!!!!
It’s by His love that made a way for us all. It’s in His love that we are everything He has said we are and will do and be!!!
Be encouraged friends!!! Jesus wants us to all experience what I did in Heaven at 6 years old, here and now!!! Heaven on Earth! Let us open our hearts to the possibility of what seems impossible. He is able are we willing!?
Cheryl Stoddard
June 16, 2021
I haven’t told this story in a long, long time and it’s time for me to tell it again and again!
Recently the Lord has been bringing back this memory and experience and expanding on it. I feel as though this story will bring hope, life and love.
When I was 5-6 years old, I would have fainting spells. I would just pass out for no reason. After tons of testing, doctors found nothing that would explain why and that I would just outgrow it, which I miraculously did!!
It was this particular time I want to tell. As this fainting spell turned more serious and left me unconscious, not breathing and rushed to the hospital.
I visited HEAVEN!!! I remember going through a dark tunnel and seeing light at the end (as many who have visited recall the same). I was greeted by Jesus! Yes, the King of glory took time to recognize and hug me.
I saw children playing on a playground in front of me, having so much fun; so much joy and laughter was coming from them, and I wanted to play as well. Swing, slide or teeter totter I didn’t care, I just wanted to play! Before I could ask or go run to them, I was greeted by a handful of relatives I had never met. They introduced themselves to me, hugged me, but honestly I just wanted to be on the playground with the other kids.
The love and peacefulness I felt was like nothing I had experienced in my little 6 year old body. I was in the presence of God, glorious and carefree. The colors were so vibrant as it was bright, like I needed sunglasses!
After hugging all the people, I asked to play with the kids. Jesus said it was time for me to go back. I didn’t want to go back home, I wanted to stay!!!! He told me it was not my time yet and that I needed to go back.
Now, I was a very shy girl, a mama’s girl. I would hide behind her when adults would ask me a question and I didn’t want to answer. But yet I wanted to stay in heaven without her, just to be with Jesus, and all the love, joy, peace and acceptance I felt at that time.
After returning, I told my mom what I had experienced. She immediately started drilling me about what relatives came up to me. She described them to me and I confirmed what they had looked like, she wept. I asked her why she was crying because they were in the best place…..Heaven! She said It was a happy cry and was so glad “they made it”. She wasn’t sure of their salvation at the time of death.
My mom was so proud and excited for me, she had me tell the experience to people. But after a few times, I didn’t want to tell it anymore, it brought too much attention to a shy girl. Then after awhile, a sense of shame, embarrassment (for being different or special) and denial stepped in. The enemy did a number on me to silence my experience. But God always wins!!
Holy Spirit has been speaking to me lately about why “it was not my time” yet to stay in Heaven. And about my purpose and plan He wants to fulfill through me. Honestly, it scares the doodoo out of me!!! I have to remind myself that He who began a good work in me is faithful to finish! And that I do not posses a spirit of fear but one of power, love and a sound mind.
I know I talk about the love of God a lot, I have experienced it!!!
I know without a shadow of doubt that His love, compassion and presence is what breaks chains, heals years of hurt and abuse, softens the hardest of hearts and draws the lost to Him!!!!
It’s by His love that made a way for us all. It’s in His love that we are everything He has said we are and will do and be!!!
Be encouraged friends!!! Jesus wants us to all experience what I did in Heaven at 6 years old, here and now!!! Heaven on Earth! Let us open our hearts to the possibility of what seems impossible. He is able are we willing!?
Cheryl Stoddard
June 16, 2021
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