Eternal Lessons from a Four Year Old

There is much confusion and strife in the world surrounding the death of young children. This is a horrendously heavy burden to bear, made even more so by the prospect of never seeing them again. This idea is perpetuated by the theory that only those who receive baptism will be received into Heaven and those who do not will be cast out to Hell. The immense pain of knowing that you will never hold that precious baby, never hear them cry or coo, and never watch them grow up, is heightened by the fear that their little soul is lost to Hell. The restored gospel brings with it so many tender revelations. The Book of Mormon contains a revelation regarding small children who have passed away before receiving baptism. "Little children are alive in Christ because of the atonement." (Moroni 8)

I find this doctrine so tender and sweet. Of course the Lord would not condemn small children to Hell after they have passed on before obtaining the ordinance of baptism. The fact that the false doctrine of small children needing baptism is so pervasive is morose. Having never had first hand experience with this doctrine or situation, it became prevalent and far more real to me when I read a short book titled Heaven is For Real. The book is written by a Pastor, whose son, at the time was just four years old, visits Heaven while undergoing an operation  in the emergency room. In the few months following the operation the son begins to slowly tell his family of the experiences he had while in heaven. One day he tells his mother that he has a sister, other than the one on earth with him. The mother is shocked and tells him that this is true.  She explains to him that she had a baby who died while still in her stomach. Her son, calmly and rather nonchalantly, let’s her know that the little girl whom she lost is up in Heaven and is waiting for her and the Pastor to come and raise her. His mother is overcome with emotion as she learns that the sweet baby girl she loved is not lost forever but is instead saved in Heaven, waiting for her parents arrival.

It is difficult for me to imagine the intense pain of losing someone and having no hope of seeing them again. The Plan of Salvation is such a blessing, especially in times of loss. With the restored gospel, we not only have a knowledge that there is life after death, but we also know that those children who pass on without receiving baptism will be safely received home to Heaven. This knowledge can bless not only my life but those around me who may not have the same beliefs.