On June 3rd, 2010, I had a dream I was walking with Jesus in Heaven.
It was an ordinary day, just like any other. No foreshadowing of the life-altering experience I would have that night. I had recently become a born-again Christian, and my faith in God was still quite fresh and new, but strong. That night, I had a dream.
I was standing in the midst of a vast, bright space, surrounded by what looked like clouds. I looked down at my feet and couldn’t see anything, but I could sense I was standing on something solid. I had no idea where I was, but what I did know was that this place gave me an overwhelming sense of peace and comfort. I looked down again to make sure I wasn’t going to fall and proceeded to take a few steps forward. I noticed a figure standing in front of me, only a few feet away. I looked at the figure’s feet, and I knew it was Jesus Christ who stood before me.
I can’t quite explain how I knew it was Christ, but there was an overwhelming sense of familiarity I experienced. I was fearless, doubtless, and full of peace. Like he is so regularly depicted, he wore sandals and a white robe reaching his ankles. He practically glowed. As I lifted my head to see His face, I was blinded by a radiant light. It was as if I was looking right into the sun. Unable to see him through the incredible illumination, I was able to feel Him – His presence – through the warmth of that light. He extended his right hand to me, and I took it. We walked briefly together, and all I could see was pure white. I remember feeling as if time didn’t exist where we were, but that each powerful moment there felt eternal.
At some point, I had to question whether I had just died, but it was a fleeting thought. What I did know was that I was in a perfect place, my loved ones were being taken care of, and that I was with my Savior.
As easily as I had slipped into this perfect place, I was drifting back out. Before I knew it, I was back in a dark room, my alarm clock’s digital numbers glowing in the background. I was still half asleep, because I felt that sensation of floating back into consciousness. My right hand was outstretched towards the ceiling, still filled with Christ’s hand. I burst into tears and cried, “No! I want to be with You! Please, I don’t want to be here. I want to go back with You!” While I was crying, I felt such an intense joy fill my heart. It was a kind of love and happiness that I had never experienced before. After several minutes, I prayed. I thanked God for the amazing revelation I had witnessed.
The next day, I shared my experience with friends and family who were overjoyed at hearing my story, and that I was willing to share such a personal experience with them. I believe God gave me this gift so that I might spread the good news with a fearless heart and an understanding of how loving He is.
Heaven is real. God is real.