In 2008, Sherri Burgess and her family were hit with a devastating loss. Her two-year-old son Bronner died after falling in the family swimming pool. In their grief, they ran to God, and God brought them comfort.
“Not only does the Christian learn a new side of God, one that is so comforting and loving and right there present with you, but I have seen another side of this. Those who are not already Christians start looking to God.”
Death is the equalizing experience for all people regardless of religion – and faced with that reality, Sherri has seen many people ask questions about it. Because of Christ, we can have hope when death visits our life.
“Death does not change love. Love never ends. If I love someone, I love them. And that doesn’t end with a grave. I am still crazy in love with Bronner.”
Sherri, in her grief, ministers to other women who have lost children. She bids them to come to Jesus for comfort and strength.
“If I can point you to the way the truth and the life that would be great… that’s what I hope to do is point you, in your grief, to Jesus. He is that open door to heaven.”
One of the questions Sherri had immediately after the accident was whether or not Bronner was in heaven. Her pastor pointed her to the words of King David upon losing his own son.
“He answered, ‘While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, ‘Who knows? The Lord may be gracious to me and let the child live.’ But now that he is dead, why should I go on fasting? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.’” 2 Samuel 12:22-23
Sherri reminds us that all death points to the afterlife and to the urgency of the hour. We’re not promised tomorrow, so what will we do with today?
“Right here, right now, there is a choice. Are we going to turn to God and find this open door that is beckoning, calling us home? Or are we going to turn away in anger or fear or bitterness and find our way to destruction? My prayer is that we all will run to that open door that is Jesus, and put our faith and hope in Him right now, today, and forevermore.”
Sherri’s journey is told in her book, .
Key Scriptures: 1 Peter 4:1-2
Featured Songs: For Your Splendor by Christy Nockels; We Fall Down by Steven Curtis Chapman; Your Grace (Still Amazes Me) by Phillips, Craig & Dean
