The Vision
In January of 2019, I gave a presentation on my book “On My Way” at our Lady of the Holy Spirit Center in Norwood, Ohio. At the end of the talk I offered books for sale. The very first person in line was Rose, who was so excited to tell me her story. Her story was very interesting, but I noticed many people were still in the line to buy books. I asked if she could come to the library discussion in March. She came and shared her story.
Rose had a very good friend, Vinaya, who was originally from India. Her husband was not a Christian but allowed her to practice her faith while in India. Unfortunately, he was also abusive. To protect her children she immigrated to the United States, raising the three children on her own.
Of the three children the oldest son married and was a strong Christian. The middle daughter followed her mother in practicing Christianity. However the youngest son was an atheist and Vinaya feared for her son’s soul. She prayed constantly for his conversion. As a young mom, Vinaya had beaten cancer, but now 14 years later, it aggressively returned.
Rose told us her story.
I went to the hospital just to visit my friend, only to find that she was near death. When I entered the room, the two older children were with their mother. Her younger son was in the waiting room and would not come in. The daughter was crying and saying, ”Mom don’t leave me.” I took hold of Vinaya’s hand and prayed with her. She was fighting death for the sake of her younger son. She prayed that he would find Christ and be with her in heaven. I told Vinaya that if Christ was calling her, she should go and leave her son to God.
Not five minutes elapsed before Vinaya passed away. Great calm came over the room.
The daughter accepted her mom's death as "God's will" when moments prior she was begging her not to leave. The older son left the room to grab his younger brother now that their mother had passed. Not being able to look at the death bed, the younger son looked out the window only to see a vision of his mom in a very green place surrounded by angels. She looked younger and more beautiful than he had ever remembered and she was waving to Him.
He did not share his vision until the family's ride home.
Rose said that she was invited to his baptism a week later. At the reception, he told me that he was baptized because he wants to be where his mom is when he passes.
Your sister in Christ,
Rose
There are a couple of things to think about from this story.
The Lord hears the prayers of a righteous person. Conversion is in His time. Keep praying for family members who seem to be far away.
The vision was for the conversion of the younger son, but in his sharing of the vision he bolstered the faith of all. Do not be afraid to share what you experience and do not fear those that might think you are off the wall or seeing things.
When I talked to my sisters about this vision, both shared different experiences with our mother and father at death. I will share these stories at a later date.