Anyone who knows my family, knows how freakishly close we are. Also, anyone who knows my family, knows that we’ve spent the past five years of our lives in and out of hospitals weekly due to the sickness of my beautiful aunt. When I say “we,” I mean it. My aunt never went to the hospital alone. We were always there. And though those were some of the most frustrating days of our lives due to doctors having no information, medication not working, and prolonged suffering, we would not change a thing about it. I am so thankful for those moments I had with her and for all the “I love you’s” because I am able to walk away from the situation with no regrets. Up until her last breath, she knew I loved her with all my heart. And I still do. And I always will.
In less than a week, it will have been one month since the passing of my aunt. The only thing that makes this situation “ok,” is that my aunt had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Because of that, none of her suffering (or my family’s suffering) was meaningless. Anyone who is on the path of obedience to Christ will not experience meaningless suffering. All of her suffering (and ours) serves a purpose and death has lost its sting. The only thing that keeps my heart at peace is the fact that I know my aunt is somewhere far better than anywhere this earth has to offer. Somewhere with no more sin, no more fear, no more tears, no more suffering all because of God’s love and grace for the world.
Philippians 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Because of this verse, I cling to the Truth that my only purpose while on this earth is to live for Christ. And if I fulfill that purpose, to die is to gain. That’s huge. What most people consider to be one of the greatest losses is actually gain.
On the other hand, I can’t fully say whether or not those who aren’t on the path of obedience to Christ will experience the same. And that’s why this blog post isn’t about my aunt. It’s about the gospel. I can’t even begin to think about my loved ones or anyone else for that matter, who don’t know Christ personally, dying. Not because I know who is going to hell, because I don’t. But because I know what the bible says about hell. And it’s real. And it’s a place I wouldn’t wish upon my greatest enemy.
Matthew 7:21 says “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.” So basically, just because you believe in God does not mean you are saved. The bible says that even the demons believe in God. Of course, there’s a God. What matters is the relationship you pursue with the Lord. And just like every relationship ever known to mankind, it’s a two way street. The lord will mercifully continue to pursue sinners, but until the sinner drops his pride and recognizes his need for a savior, then he is not saved. I hope this passage is as convicting to you as it is to me.
So here’s my messy attempt at sharing the gospel with my readers.
God, the holy father, sent his one and only son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for mine and your sins. Why? Because he loves us. Because he saw what was happening to the world and saw that we needed a sacrifice. And because our precious, sweet Jesus did that for us, all of our sins, burdens, heartaches, and everything else that sucks, are nailed to the cross, meaning that we no longer have to carry the weight of any of it on us.
Do you have anxiety? Consider it gone because it’s nailed to the cross.
Do you suffer from depression? Consider yourself free because it’s nailed to the cross.
Do you feel the weight of your sin which makes you feel insecure and unworthy? Consider yourself lucky because Jesus has the power to break every chain and restore you.
Because of the gospel, we are all free to live an abundant life, full of joy and peace, but whether or not we choose to live that way is up to us. I can only pray that anyone reading this that is not saved by the precious blood of Christ will repent from their sins and live a meaningful life.
I love you all
-Hayden
Life as an Alexander 
Heaven and hell are real and will last an eternity. …forever and ever. Before judgment, Christ is coming again to take His Church, Christians, to Heaven, while those who haven’t accepted HIM as personal Savior will be left to face tribulation and the wrath of God here on earth. As the Bible says, milions and millions will suffer and die at that time. Others will want to and can’t get away. So Now is the time, because it could happen at any moment. Don’t wait, no one knows the day or hour when Christ will come rescue Christians and those left will face Hell here on earth, before the forever Hell.