Jun 26, 2023

I have long felt that the most important verse in all scripture, and in fact the most important sentence in any record, is found in Luke 24:6: “He is not here, but is risen.” Without a knowledge of Christ and His Resurrection, as Wilford Woodruff said, “The separation by death is one of the most gloomy subjects it is possible to contemplate.” But, he continued, “As quick as we obtain the gospel, as soon as the spirit of man is enlightened by the inspiration of the Almighty, he can exclaim with one of old—‘Oh grave, where is thy victory, Oh death, where is thy sting? The sting of death is sin, and the gift of God is eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ.’ ”¹

For much of my life, I knew that Christ’s Resurrection was important, but it was also abstract. I hadn’t experienced the all-encompassing sorrow that necessarily follows the loss of someone irreplaceable, and as such, I hadn’t given great thought to the miracle of life after death. Not until my mom unexpectedly passed away in January of 2020, when suddenly I was plunged into deep waters—my only lifeline being my knowledge of the plan of salvation. Without that knowledge, my grief would have been insurmountable. But the truths of Christ’s gospel buoyed me up, bringing peace and strength.

Another balm that has soothed my grief is a revelation I received while reading this question in Luke 24:5: “Why seek ye the living among the dead?” While this may seem like an odd verse to find comfort in, to me, it is a reminder that my mom still lives, though not in the way I wish she did. I do not feel closer to her when I visit the cemetery, beautiful as it is, because her spirit is not there. I cannot find her living spirit among the dead. At a funeral in 1875, Wilford Woodruff testified, “In every death there is a birth; the spirit leaves the body dead to us, and passes to the other side of the veil alive to that great and noble company that are also working for the accomplishment of the purposes of God, in the redemption and salvation of a fallen world.”² When I consider that a tearful farewell on earth is a joyful reunion and a celebration of life on the other side of the veil, peace softens my sorrow. 

Because of Jesus Christ, I have hope for the future. Because of Him, I know that I will get to hug and laugh with my mom again. And I know that in the meantime, she is experiencing a new birth, her spirit more alive than ever as she engages in God’s work.

Ashlyn is the Associate Editor for the Wilford Woodruff Papers Foundation. She recently graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in Editing and Publishing, and she is grateful to use her experience to help with this incredible Project. When she isn’t editing or reading historical documents, you can typically find her spending time with her husband and baby, playing the piano or the organ, singing, running, or enjoying the outdoors.