Sandra
Dear Brown family,
I am very sorry to hear of the recent death of Annie. I would like to take this opportunity to give the family my deepest sympathy.
I know that it is a grievous thing to lose someone close to you. The shock of the loss may seem more than you can bear. Grief may take hold, causing loss of sleep, loneliness and sorrow. The loss you are now feeling may be the severest emotional experience of your life. You may even feel as King David did when his son Absalom died.(2 Samuel 18:33). You may even ask yourself such questions as: How can I endure this? Where can I turn for encouragement and help?
Without question the best encouragement that can be given is from God's word the Bible. The Bible gives the most satisfying answers to the questions: "Why do we die?" and "What hope is there for the dead?" The truth from the Bible can help to lessen the sorrow and grief that you are feeling at this time. The Bible gives us a hope for the future. God has promised to reunite families together again by means of a resurrection.(John 5:28,29)(Acts 24:15).
When Jesus Christ was here on the earth, he proved that he has the power to bring the dead back to life. On one occasion, he resurrected his friend Lazarus back from the dead.(John 11:11-44) On another occasion, he brought back to life a 12 year old girl.(Luke 8:49-56)
These miracles offer us tremendous hope for the future ,however, these are just a few of the scriptures that give us hope. I am sure these scriptures will bring you encouragement and comfort: Revelation 21:3-4, Isaiah 25:8, Isaiah 33:24, Isaiah 26:19, 1 Corinthians 15:26