Now concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection - Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life.
And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow. - Alma 40:11-12.What comfort the scriptures give us when we are listening to the Holy Ghost witness to us that they are true.
My father passed away in 1996. A couple of days later I was reading the scriptures to find comfort. The Spirit calmed my soul when I read these passages, and told me that my father was now in a state of happiness and free from pain. It touched me so much that I decided to write it down in a letter and send it to my son who was serving a mission in Australia. I had called the mission president the day my father passed away to inform my son of his grandfather's death. Two days after I sent my letter, I received a fax letter from my son. In his letter he shared with me a scripture that had brought him comfort. It was the same scripture I had sent to him in my letter, which he hadn't yet received. My son had no idea that I had sent him the same scripture just two days before.
The Spirit bore witness to me that the Plan of Salvation is true. The Spirit spoke to both of us and reassured us that His plan truly brings us happiness, even in times of sorrow and despair. For this I will be eternally grateful.
