Death Changed Me
Death Changed Me
By Melinda Douglass
December 9, 2025
4.5 years ago, death changed me
Even though we hadn't talked in almost 4 months, I had lost my very best friend.
A friend I prayed for, I hoped to God for, a friend at one point I would have given my very life for.
In that moment of tears while I was drowning in the pain, alone, struggling at times to get up but still moving forward in my purpose, the only one I had to stand on was Jesus.
For over 2 years I grieved deeply.... going to bed every night only to relive her death. The pain and heaviness I felt each moment I woke brought me back to reality, this world and everything in it is temporary. When you think about it, money, relationships, status, even life itself are all vapors that slips through the grip of our hands, but what God reminded me in my grief is the only thing that is eternal is Him.
Day after day, moment after moment, I questioned to try to understand and every answer I was given always pointed back to Jesus. No matter if I needed peace, comfort or strength, it all pointed back to Him.
Before this point, I had lived my life the way I desired. I did what I wanted, when I wanted, bought what I wanted, had success at work, “loving” relationships but no matter what I did, my life was still empty. No matter how much I had sex, partied, drank, smoked, underneath my heart had a void. It was because although I had these things, God was not in it and nothing can take the place He was meant to fill.
Although I believed in God and could say “I love God”, God did not have my complete heart. Yes, I loved Him, but the reality was I loved ME more. Because just as God so loved the world, He sacrificed his only son (John 3:16), you sacrifice for those you love. And I wasn't willing to give up MY WAY for Him!
Money, cars, relationships, clothes, status, social media likes are all nice, but they mean nothing without God. One day we will all perish from this world and the question you will be faced with is "was it worth your soul?"
Know that no soul is worth losing. I stand here and can say giving my life fully to God was the BEST decision I have ever made. I have an unspeakable joy that shows up in the most difficult times. I have a peace I wouldn't trade for anything in the world, and I most importantly have a Father in heaven who loves me no matter how many mistakes I make.
Today, right now in this moment you too have a chance, to surrender your life to God and receive Jesus as Lord of your life. Know that there is no sin that God can't forgive, no pain He can't relieve and no heart He can't restore.
If God has moved your heart in reading this, my ask is that you pray this prayer: "Jesus, I need you. I believe you are the son of God, who has died for my sins and the only way to salvation. Come into my heart and into my life that I may fully receive your love and forgiveness."
Know that by praying this prayer, Heaven has rejoiced (Luke 15:7) and your soul has been saved (Romans 10:9-10). As you move forward be encouraged that it is God who keeps us and helps us in our place of weakness. We are imperfect people who serve a perfect God.
If you need encouragement, people to walk along side of you or prayer, drop a comment and join us at Bible Study Amongst Friends (bsafnation.com). You are not alone and were not meant to walk alone.
Love you! ❤️