05-23-25

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
May 23, 2025
Guest Writer: Rev. Becky Winders
As an RN, I have had the privilege of caring for patients in different life cycles, from birth to death.  Although most people would not consider sitting with patients as they draw their last breath as a blessing, I do.  I have had some remarkable experiences as patients travel their last moments of life. Some have a smile or actually have a look of contentment as they take that last breath. Sometimes they reach out.  I had one patient who, as he stared at a blank wall, smiled and waved.  Sounds a little weird, doesn’t it?  Trust me, it was beautiful.

On April 29th, 2025, I ran across a YouTube episode: Oprah and Dr. Bruce Greyson M.D.  discussing Near Death Experiences (NDE). It was based on his book After: A Doctor Explores What Near-Death Experiences Reveal about Life and Beyond.  This book and podcast brought up memories of similar events I had experienced with patients as well as personally.  As a Christian and a nurse I know there is something more than just “lack of life” at death. It is bigger than that and you don’t have to be dying to have a similar event!

In the podcast, Dr. Greyson spoke of his investigative interviews with many who had experienced NDEs.  There are striking similarities with descriptions of being surrounded by beautiful energy, suspended in an indescribable place without a sense of space or time.  They described seeing nothing while seeing everything, like time-lapse photography.  Over and over, these patients described an overwhelming, indescribable sense of tranquility, peace, calmness, comfort like no other comfort. But most of all, they felt LOVE.

So why am I writing this? No, I did not have a Near Death Experiences (or at least I don’t think I did), but I have experienced something similar.  About a year ago I was awakened in the middle of the night.  As a widow I am always frightened when I wake up at night for no apparent reason.  The darkness and loneliness are overwhelming.  Lights must come on as I sit in bed listening for noises.  There are times when I get up and look in closets and behind shower curtains.

One night a year ago I found myself awake.  There was no waking experience I just became aware of being awake.  I felt immense indescribable comfort, and overwhelming well-being.  The feeling was of unbelievable peace and tranquility. It was like lying on a beach with a soft breeze and warm sun and at the same time watching it snow while sitting by a huge roaring fire but with no sense of temperature. The darkness was beautiful, I could see nothing, but I saw everything. There was no one in my room but I felt surrounded by a gentle hug that was like no security I have ever felt. I was also having a conversation in my head with some being. I “heard” that I was loved, worthy, and I had more to do with my life. I also realized I had no idea if this had occurred for 3 seconds or hours. There was no concept of time.

I had described this episode to three pastors long before I saw this podcast or read Dr. Greyson’s book. Nothing influenced me to use the words indescribable, tranquility, peace, and LOVE. I was shocked when interviewees used the same words and descriptions I had described. I appreciated that one person said at the end the only thing that mattered was LOVE.  BTW, this was not a one time event.  Similar episodes have occurred since then.  

Being a scientific person, I wondered if I was experiencing a “Psychotic Break” since I was hearing voices! As a Christian, I knew it was not insanity but a true blessing. I no longer dislike the darkness or the quiet of night.  I welcome it as a gift from God. I agree that in the end the only thing that matters is LOVE.

Dear God,
Thank you for your love and your gift of love.  Help me find your love that is all around me. Walk with me, so that I can show your love to those I cherish but also to those in need of love.  Guide me to put love first in all that I do. Amen.

Information taken from 
Podcast: Oprah and a Doctor Explore Near Death Experiences Reveal About Life and Beyond. Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Bruce Greyson M.D. April 29, 2025 
Book
After: A Doctor Explores What Near-Death Experiences Reveal about Life and Beyond.  Bruce Greyson, M.D.  March 15, 2022