Death brings profound pain, especially when we lose someone we deeply love. I experienced this heartbreak when my father passed in 2000 and my mother in 2023. Yet as a believer, I understand these weren’t final goodbyes—they were moments of hope pointing toward a glorious reunion.
Scripture promises us: “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:3-4, NIV).
God welcomes His people as royalty, making us “a crown of splendor in the LORD’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God” (Isaiah 62:3, NIV). This royal diadem represents the beauty and honor God bestows upon His people. Like a crown that displays a ruler’s glory, the diadem symbolizes the honor that comes from being chosen by God. In the New Testament, the many diadems on Christ’s head represent His unmatched glory and honor.
A Legacy of Faith
Children naturally look up to their parents, and I was blessed with parents who loved and revered God. My father QK treasured Proverbs 9:10: “Fear of the LORD is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment” (NLT).
QK’s faith was forged through unimaginable trials. He survived the Bataan Death March of April 1942, when the Japanese Army forced 72,000 to 78,000 American and Filipino prisoners of war on a journey marked by severe brutality and devastating mortality rates. Miraculously, QK survived malaria and post-traumatic stress syndrome, crediting God’s saving grace for his spiritual, physical, and emotional healing. His motto reflected unwavering hope: “As long as there is life, there is hope.”
My mother Norma was a young, beautiful bride after World War II. She became a devoted wife and godly mother to five children, leading morning prayers alongside my father. She lived by Matthew 4:4: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (NKJV).
The Lord called my father QK home on October 25, 2000, and Norma on March 3, 2023, to dwell in His loving presence forever. With peace in our hearts, we know Norma and QK are now reunited in heaven, likely enjoying their favorite earthly pastime—dancing—and perhaps bowling with their only son Ramon.
Understanding Heaven
What is heaven? In the Harris poll of 2003, 82% of Americans believe in heaven, and 63% expect they will go to heaven. People’s death rate is three per second, 180 per minute, 11,00 per hour, and 250,00 per day, who would go to heaven or hell. In today’s world, the afterlife is considered anti-intellectual or an afterthought. Others create heaven on earth, but King Solomon in Ecclesiastes says it is all vanity. Others say heaven is a projection of the best of oneself.
According to Dr. David Jeremiah’s book Revealing the Mysteries of Heaven, the Bible mentions heaven over five hundred times. Heaven is a prepared place for prepared people (John 14:1-3). Jesus said that there are many mansions in His Father’s house. And He has prepared a place for us. Heaven is a precious place because everything meaningful to a Christ follower is in heaven. Our Redeemer lives in heaven (Hebrew 9:24). Our loved relationships who passed away are in heaven (Hebrews 12:23). In 1 Peter 1:3-4, our inheritances are in heaven “an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.” Our real residence is in heaven (Philippians 3:20) and we are ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). Our rewards are in heaven (Matthew 5:12), where there are five crowns available to aspire for. Our riches are in heaven where moths and rust cannot destroy and where thieves cannot break in and steal (Matthew 6:19-21). Therefore, we must build equity and invest our time, talent, and treasure in the eternal souls of man and the Word of God.
Conclusion: Divine Timing and Open Doors
Heaven has an entrance requirement: “Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life” (Revelation 21:27). Is your name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life? You can secure your heavenly reservation now by accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior. As He declared: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).
The choice is yours, and the invitation remains open. Be the royal diadem in God’s hand.
