A child's question at a funeral reminded us death does not get the last word

The question came unexpectedly from my five-year-old grandson.

My late mom’s pastor had gathered our family to explain how her funeral service would go and asked if we had any final questions before we processed into the church.

Raising his hand, my grandson inquired, "Will we see Momma Bettie again?" DOLLY PARTON'S PATH FROM NASHVILLE NEWCOMER TO BILLBOARD'S NO.

1 COUNTRY MUSIC ARTIST OF ALL TIME The poignancy of his request brought tears to the eyes of almost everyone in the room.

As I pondered seeing my mom again in heaven, my grandson’s query brought to mind C.

S.

Lewis’s famous sermon, "The Weight of Glory." Given at Oxford in 1941, Lewis posed the thought-provoking statement, "There are no ordinary people.

You have never talked to a mere mortal." This Christian belief — that we are both image-bearers of God and have eternal existence — was the basis from which Lewis preached.

And for followers of Jesus — he provided an eternal perspective — not only that our life has purpose and a higher calling, but how we should truly love those around us.

As Lewis concluded his sermon, "Next to the Blessed Sacrament itself, your neighbour is the holiest object presented to your senses.

If he is your Christian neighbour he is holy in almost the same way, for in him also Christ vere latitat — the glorifier and the glorified, Glory Himself, is truly hidden." This conviction informed my mom as well.

For she believed the Gospel changed everything.

Spending time with her during the last week of her life in hospice was both deeply sad and amazingly redemptive and beautiful.

It was such a blessing to witness her saying goodbye to family and friends — as she reflected on her life, gave advice, and let the light of Christ shine forth from her as she faced death with no fear.