Are you worried about something? Nervous, troubled, fretful, stressed? You’ve come to the right place, because the Lord is here.
As our scene opens, Jesus is speaking privately with his disciples, his closest followers and friends, comforting and encouraging them as his crucifixion draws near. He has already washed their feet, warned them a betrayal was imminent, and predicted Peter’s denial.
The Lord’s words are intended for us as well. Later in the book of John, Jesus tells his heavenly Father, “I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you” (John 17:20-21).
So, you in John 14 really does mean you, beloved.
Here is the message Jesus offers, meant to calm his disciples’ anxious hearts—and ours.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14:1-3
Jesus says, “Do not be worried and upset” (GNT) and “Don’t get lost in despair” (VOICE). To think, he’s facing death on the cross, yet is concerned about us! Our mental and emotional health matters to him. He cares about our thoughts and feelings. He wants us to live in peace—his peace.
Each verse in this passage from John 14 is rich. Your favorite—and our focus this week—is the middle verse.
“My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?” John 14:2
If you’ve always pictured God’s house as an enormous estate with manicured lawns and endless hallways leading to spacious rooms, get ready for a new view of your heavenly home.
“My Father’s house…”
We could break down each of these words separately, but since this same phrase appears elsewhere in Scripture, we’ll look at all three words at once. (Oh my, can she do it?!)
When Jesus comes to the temple in Jerusalem and finds people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, as well as exchanging money, he drives them away, shouting, “Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!”” (John 2:16)
In the midst of his righteous anger, Jesus calls the temple—an earthly place of worship built by Herod—“my Father’s house.”
Now in John 14 this phrase, found in many Jewish sources as well, takes on a greater meaning. It’s the heavenly place where the Father lives. It’s also where Jesus will live after his resurrection, and where we who are the children of God will live forever.
It’s his Father’s house, and it’s our Father’s house. It’s home. Not our temporary earthly home, but our permanent heavenly home.
“…has many rooms;”
Most scholars agree on the idea of abundance, of many. There’s “plenty of room for you” (MSG); in fact, “room to spare” (CEB).
This translation suggests individual “rooms;” others prefer the word “homes” (AMP), and some, “dwelling places” (GNV).
But it’s the older translation of ”mansions” (KJV) that started believers down the palatial path, singing, “When from the dust of death I rise To claim my mansion in the skies.”
Hmm. If you won’t mind, we’ll take a quick look at the Hebrew, Greek, and Latin words, just to help us sort things out.
In Hebrew, me’onot means “dwelling places, permanent residences, homes” (OJB). In Greek, meno means to “remain” or “abide,” used forty times in John’s Gospel. And in Latin, mansio, means “a traveler’s resting place.”
But as centuries passed, the English word mansion took on a new meaning—a grander one—leading to a materialistic view of heaven that Jesus never intended.
Robert Gundry cautioned, “Not mansions in the sky, but spiritual positions in Christ.” That’s where our future lies.
And in that deeply spiritual sense, “There is more than enough room in my Father’s home” (NLT).
“if that were not so,…”
“If that weren’t the case…” (CEB), Jesus says, putting aside any question of it not being true, all the while speaking to our doubt.
I confess, there have been fleeting moments over the years when I’ve questioned everything about my beliefs, including heaven. Can it all be true? Can God’s Word be trusted?
You know the answer. I do too. But it’s okay to raise questions, to ask for wisdom, to seek assurance, to wonder aloud, to examine our faith. Jesus can handle our doubts and fears. “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken” (Psalm 55:22).
“…would I have told you…”
It’s in question form in this translation. In others, it’s a statement: “I would not tell you this if it were not so” (GNT).
Either way, Jesus is gently reminding us that he always speaks the truth. Always. This promise is built on the infallible nature of his Word and the undeniable depth of his love.
“…that I am going there…”
Jesus assures his disciples, “I am going away” (AMP), by which he means he is assuredly bound for heaven, and therefore going to die. He has told his disciples this many times in many ways. But because they don’t want to hear it, they ignore it.
Aren’t we the same way? Pretending death doesn’t exist, or that it’s so far in the future, we don’t have to think about it?
I have no fear of death, for one reason: Jesus has gone ahead of us. He has opened the door to heaven. And he is ready to welcome us home.
“…to prepare a place…”
Matthew Henry wrote, “Heaven would be an unready place for a Christian if Christ were not there.” So right. But he is there. Getting ready for each of us.
Can you imagine it? Can your mind stretch far enough to grasp this? Jesus will “make arrangements for your arrival” (VOICE), will “prepare a home for you” (KNOX).
All the while he is in heaven Jesus is thinking of us, and laboring on our behalf.
And he know exactly how many rooms will be needed. None of this “no room at the inn.” He is fully prepared for you, and knows the hour of your arrival.
We have no such guarantees In the earthly realm. I once called ahead to a hotel in Nashville, just to be very sure my room was waiting for me, since I wouldn’t arrive until eleven at night. “Oh yes, Mrs. Higgs,” the desk clerk said. “We have a room for you.”
But when I showed up at the front desk an hour later, exhausted and ready for that big, comfy bed, I was told by the very same clerk. “Oh no, Mrs. Higgs. We don’t have a room for you.”
I tried to sound very professional, even with a lump in my throat. “Are you sure? Can you not find one little room?” He could not.
Jesus is far more trustworthy than any hotel chain, any concierge, any front desk clerk. When he says he will “get a room ready for you” (MSG), you don’t need to call ahead. Your room is waiting.
“…for you?” John 14:2
Yes, for you. A reminder of how personal, how individual Jesus is in his care of every believer who was, and is, and is to come.
On earth we are strangers in a strange land. Heaven is our true home, and our dwelling place is with him. Such a blessed assurance! No wonder this verse is one of your favorites.
“My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?” John 14:2
Now it’s your turn
If you’ve always pictured yourself living in a grand, heavenly mansion, how does the biblical truth of simply living where Jesus lives sit with you? What will it take for you to rest in that knowledge?
Kindly add your response under Post a Comment at the bottom…and bless you for doing so.
Next week, we move back to the Old Testament for # 18, the first of four verses you love from the book of Isaiah. Thanks so much for studying the Bible with me!
Your sister, Liz
This breakdown of John 14:2 blows my thoughts of “heaven” sky high! The very thought of peacefully, and perfectly (finally!) dwelling side by side with my Jesus… it simply brings joy to my heart. I’m reminded that in Him, regardless of what “form” my Father’s house will take, I have all that I need. I do believe I’ll be resting more assuredly in this knowledge reading the various Hebrew, Greek, and Latin translations of some of these words. What we know in our hearts can often be fortified by what we know (or learn) in our heads. This is definitely the case here, for me, this morning!
I have always pictured rolling hills and valleys covered with grass and wild flowers. A bountiful place with animals and people living in God’s love. I have never pictured structures in heaven. Thank you Liz for a very insightful look at this verse.
My father went to Heaven a year ago. When I think about him there I never have thought about him in a mansion. I always think about him in a more pastoral setting, just like the land that he loved to plant, grow, and harvest as a farmer on earth. It is comforting to know for him and for me that we will be dwelling there with our Savior who went ahead to prepare a place for us.
Karen, my dad was a carpenter who LOVED his work. I closed his eulogy by saying that I could imagine him presenting himself before Jesus with his hammer in hand and asking permission to help build some “mansions”, as that would be Daddy’s joy and delight. While we know heaven is a completely different, spiritual realm, I am confident that our dwelling places will be perfectly made to order for each of us personally!
Oh Liz, I was so relieved to hear the translation corrected from ‘grand mansions’ to simply living where Jesus lives.
Because the thought of living in a grand mansion with a room all to oneself sounded so lonely to me. It sounded as if God was trying to entice us to be excited about Heaven with the one thing I have already learnt does not and can’t make you happy or bring joy. Only relationships can. Specially with Jesus!
Wow. I just have to tell you Colleen, I love how you worded this response. Your words just leave me all the more in awe of the awesomeness of our Lord and God.
You are SO right, Colleen. Houses, or any other man-made thing, cannot come close to the joy of being in God’s presence!
This study touched me as I try not to think too much about dying. I feel such assurance now that Jesus knows all my doubts and fears and yet He is waiting for me and preparing a place just for me. I have always thought heaven would be the most beautiful, peaceful place and more than I can describe in words. Oh what joy to know that I will be simply living with Jesus and He already knows when that will be.
I love that my “mansion” is simply living with Jesus in Heaven. It fits with my perspective of Jesus having moved into my “heart house” at salvation as an honored guest, yet my brother. We’ve been living together while on earth so I’d be disappointed if I lived in a separate mansion away from His direct presence. Of course, I know His presence is everywhere but the perception of living in the same house brings comfort and warm feelings. Thanks for the reminder that He has gone before us in death and therefore we have no need for fear.
We were just talking about this scripture Sunday evening in my Bible Study class and Liz’s comments along with the translations helped further crystalize the intent. One of our class members had passed a church earlier this week with this scripture up on their church sign. It said – “There are many mansions in heaven.. call to reserve yours today.” Hmmmmmm……It’s not about bricks and mortar!
How fitting, in light of the Boston tragedy that this was scheduled to be published this week. Our God knows when we need His comforting assurance that one day, all will be well and all believers will be in the presence of Jesus. Eight year old children, the elderly, those who perished in their 20’s, all have a place prepared for them and are living in the light of His glorious presence. While we miss them terribly, Jesus assures us here that we will all be reunited one day. Thanks Liz
Once again you give us insight to the translated Word. I never liked the mansion, pearly gates, and golden streets view. It didn’t sound like God or Jesus. Not that He couldn’t have it that way, and what a surprise that will be. I am happy with the whole concept of a peaceful simple existence. It confirms my faith in Christ that He loves me and is preparing a place at His table, a spot in the garden, a walk along the still calm waters. He can’t wait to see me again. Is that not the greatest feeling. The greatest love! He knows me…but He also knows those who may need to see a house or a mansion. Have no fear!
I love this verse for it tells me JESUS loves me and i have a place with HIM when my time here on earth is done. He provided it all for me when He said it is finished. Even though i have times that this is far from my mind i know in my heart that i will be with Him and see him as He is and spend eternity with JESUS and my Heavenly FATHER the one and only true GOD.
I agree with you Colleen! I don’t think about grand structures, but something more like a snugly room, as in a bed and breakfast. Cozy and intimate, just as I know it will be in heaven with Jesus. Yes, it is the relationships that I think will be heavenly!
I feel that heaven is just being with Jesus and we won’t care about our surroundings at all.
I try not to sweat the small stuff, and where I will live in Heaven is small stuff. Just to gaze on His glorious face and praise His name as the angels do before the throne is enough. To rest in Him is enough. He is enough!
Like!
Beautiful explaination Liz! I think heaven is everything we don’t expect it to be, except that Jesus and God the father will be there. We think of things as we see them physically because that is how we know them now. But God and Jesus are spirit, so I think that no matter what we think it will be like it will be completely different, except that Jesus and God the Father will be there and there will be peace! I don’t think I can even begin to imagine what it will be like!
I absolutely agree, Joyce. We can’t truly imagine it, don’t have the ability to wrap our heads around it. Faith is trusting God that it will be JUST RIGHT.
I’ve always paired John 14:2 with Revelation 21:4: “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.” It’s especially comforting to look at these verses when it seems this world is so full of pain and sorrow. I doubt any of us really want an actual mansion, (just more rooms to clean, right?) but I am comforted by his reminder that this broken world is not my home. In a week like this one, where we see that the “old order of things” is so difficult to live with, I thank my God that I’m not at home here.
I do find real comfort in anticipating spending eternity with Jesus. I still struggle with apprehension about how I might die. Will I suffer a long painful death, etc. I know God is in control of even this but also know there is no guarantee of a pain free death. As I am now in my 70’s, I just try to keep reminding myself that whatever might occur, it will soon pass and I will have eternity to look forward to.
What came to my mind as I read this was that when Jesus was ready to enter this world there was no room for Him. We weren’t preparing for Him. And yet, in spite of that He is preparing a place for us. And in my own heart, do I always make room for Him, even now? Do I push aside my busy-ness, my fears, my worries, my wants to make room for Him, here? with me? in me? and yet He is preparing a place for me . . .where He will spend time, with me . . .a place with no tears, no fear . .a place of peace. I am overwhelmed by His love. yet again.
Well said…touched a place in me just as it did in you. Thanks.
Beautiful thoughts, Susan. Thanks for sharing.
I’m so relieved that our heavenly home is not necessarily a mansion! I’d rather a bit of farm myself. 🙂
Living in community with our eternal family sounds lovely as well. This life can be lonely in our culture.
You did a beautiful job with this Liz, I so much enjoyed it this morning. Thank you.
The phrase “there are many rooms” and Jesus insistance that we take this notion to heart encourages me to make a point of lighting up the vacancy signs for others. Just as this verse makes us feel that after our long and arduous earthly soujourn there is a place for us of true rest & loving welcome, so too can we bring a taste of this feeling to others through hospitality. The next time people are coming over and I’m busy with preparations I’m going to put off any grumbling & remember that this is what Jesus is doing for me now in heaven, and when people arrive I want to welcome them with a comfortable place & loving acceptance in hopes that through fellowship our souls, mine & theirs, get a refreshing moment of “on earth as it is in heaven”. If those moments are only temporary pointers to our eternal, perfect home, anytime we open the doors of heaven by declaring Jesus as Savior and inviting others to make him Lord we are offering them a permanent & divine hospitality, forever free of toil & trial, and the opportunity to have the assurance of this verse as their own. Thanks Liz!
Natalie, I love the personal application you’ve made, based on this verse. I’m a pretty lame hostess, but your thoughts have encouraged me to look at opening our house as unto the Lord, since he certainly does that for us. Good for you!
Thanks Liz for explaing this! I too thought of ‘mansions’ or ‘several rooms’ as feeling kind of lonely or separated and didn’t fully understand how that would work. Knowing it means that Jesus is preparing a place or spiritual position for us in heaven, gives me a clearer picture! It is so comforting to know that Jesus is preparing a place for us to live with Him in heaven. It’s comforting too, to know that some of our loved ones are already there living with Him! A place where there will be no more tears, sorrow, pain, sickness, etc. A place where we will feel totally loved!!
When I experience days/weeks where things are difficult, I think of C.S.Lewis’s quote,
“If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.” We can rest knowing the joy we will have when we go to heaven to live with Jesus, praising and worshipping Him with so many others! Can you even imagine what that will be like!!!
Well, Jesus abides in me and I abide in Him already-Praise God. But in Heaven I know it will be different. Oh bless the day that we get to meet Him face to face! I “secretly” imagined myself having the very top room, with the circular window,of that mansion in the photo. Like an attic room. No loneliness, no hurting soul. Being with Jesus will be more than enough. Oh my goodness. Doesn’t matter what or where. He loves us so much, it will be more than we can even “ask or imagine.” I live for that day. Will I fall on my face, or will I embrace? Thanks Ms Higgs. These are awesome and thanks for having us be a part of it all. May God bless you richly.
The way I picture heaven is like a beautiful meadow… right now I’m standing at the edge looking longingly at a bright opening in the woods…. when I get there I will not be separated from the “light”, but be in the “light” fully participating and enjoying the love of my Lord. No more distance, no more barriers, nothing but peace and love. AND amazingly I will not be alone, and there will be plenty of room for everyone that belongs to HIM. That is my room in the mansion.
Liz, your deeper ‘tour’ of Heaven has left me with a more fulfilled inner sense of what it is, and will be. It is a very satisfied and complete sense of well being, and it will be real. I know a song that says “imagine a chorus with a million parts; and knowing that everything is real!”. Be it a structure or celestial bubble, the point I gleaned today is that the close and deep abiding presence of Jesus is apt to make me oblivious to everything else. PRAISE GOD!!!!!
Dear sister-in-Christ
meeting the LORD face to face, people who gone before and pets i hope to see, will be like home. Where does not matter as long as the LORD is there.
“…that you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”
–2 Peter 1:3-4
I just ‘happened’ to read this verse right after thinking on this heavenly lesson and realize THAT is what Heaven holds dearest for me. I have faced over 15 years of serious chronic pain and illness, and very well face the rest of my life this way. In a VERY near death experience this was the one longing left in my heart after being at the brink of glory.
Hurting with you, Elizabeth, to think of that chronic pain and illness. Yet, rejoicing with you in your steadfast faith and your foretaste of heaven. To be free of evil desires will indeed be a glorious thing.
Oh Liz, thank you for this beautiful unpacking of today’s favorite verse! It’s been there all along but you have pulled all the beautiful nuggets. What a Savior! Preparing “our” place…preparing “my” place. Far more beautiful than a physical mansion. You are a treasure Liz and a true encourager. I look forward every Wednesday to receiving your email. Thank you for sharing the gift God has given you. May your day be filled with blessings.
I could never picture a mansion. We won’t care when we see Jesus face to face for the first time. The love and peace will be overwhelming.
Dear Liz,
When I was a little girl I had the notion we’d become angels when we died and went to Heaven and spend our days playing the harp and living in a mansion. Boring!!! I’ve never wanted a mansion, just a simple comfortable home filled with Peace, Love and Joy. My idea of Heaven is a beautiful kingdom filled with PL&J. Our LORD will be there, our work (Yes! I think we will work!) will be satisfying and we will never tire. We will be able to worship Him and go to visit with Him, or maybe He will come to visit us. I believe there will be a glorious city and the city will be surrounded by a beautiful, lush countryside. If you’re a city-dwelling type person, I believe your place will be in the city. Personally, I’m a country girl….I’d like for my place to be in the countryside. My “mansion” would be a simple home, a barn, gardens and animals to care for. I’d be able to visit loved ones and pets….oh! I do not know if my vision of Heaven is what it will really be like, but whatever it is I know there will be nothing better….it will be even better than my desire, longing and vision.
Oh, how HE loves us! Whatever our Heavenly homes look like, they have to be fantastic. After all, HE has been working on them for 2000+ years now. And HE is the Master Carpenter!
I am not sure what Heaven will be like. But the most important thing to me is seeing Jesus face to face.And knowing that whatever my Father has prepared for me will be better than I will ever deserve.
This is spot-on, Patricia: “better than I will ever deserve.” Such grace!
This reminds me of a quote I read–maybe in one of your books?–“Will I never feel at home, never truly at ease?” I feel that way so often, in one way or another, and it’s such a comfort to remember that this isn’t my home at all, and that someday I will be at home and will be truly at ease.
What a memory you have, Emily. One of the epigraphs in my Scottish novel, Mine Is the Night:
Shall I never feel at home,
Never wholly be at ease?
SIR WILLIAM WATSON
You are so right. In heaven we’ll not only FEEL at home, we’ll BE at home, at ease in his presence. Such peace!
Truly a beautiful truth to hold onto, Liz. Our eternal home isn’t about a physical place, it is a oneness of relationship, alongside our beloved Savior. What more could we want?
I like the Hebrew translation of “dwelling places; permanent residences.” When you consider the history of the Jewish people, a promise of a permanent residence is especially meaningful. God had promised them a land flowing with milk and honey–and Jesus Christ assures us that the Promised Land is there for each of us. Permanently.
Great insight, Janet.
With Jesus there, it will be grand whether mansion or some place more humble!
Until now I had not considered what heaven would lok like, and having pondered todays scripture, i’m glad I didn’t. I want to be comfortable in My Father’s House, not on a pedastal. Just to be with the lord would be heaven!!!
If I could jump in here with a comment about last week’s verses from Lamentations, please? How comforting it was on Monday (and in the days since) to remember those precious words after hearing of the horrible Boston incident, and then 20 minutes later learning that my dear mother-in-law was about to undergo emergency surgery. (The doctors are “cautiously optimistic” about her recovery.) I have been looking forward to today’s new verses. Hope is a wonderful thing! Thank you, Liz, and all who shared their favorites.
God’s timing is always perfect. Praying your mother-in-law is recovering from her surgery, and that your family is resting in his peace.
I like the latin translation, “a traveler’s resting place”. Nothing can compare to a long journey to go see loved ones. We arrive tired and worn about but once we embrace our loved ones, joy fills our heart and we could sit up all night ( on the floor) talking and laughing. How much greater when Jesus embraces us and says WELCOME HOME.
Hey chicks! Wow! I think of Amy Grants hit-I can only imagine. I can only imagine what my eyes will see! Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still! I can only imagine-imagine! I just know-its gonna be the BESTest!
Home…Home…Home…isn’t that were we all want to go…HOME! When I was growing up home was a place of safety and love. When I got married and started having children home became a place of fear and unsurity. We only seemed to have peace when the husband/father was not in it. For twenty years I prayed for peace in our home. This verse through those years encouraged my heart to remind that my loving Saviour was preparing a place for me to be safe and at peace in my “real” home. After over 10 years of having a home of my own with no abusive husband/father living with us, we found some ‘semblence of peace but then the Lord brought a godly man into my life that has made a home for me that is filled with the peace of Christ on this earth. My children come and love to stay with us and I know it is because they experience what they never had in a home with their dad- peace. My husband and I are so grateful for the peace the Lord gives us but we still get excited to talk about our home in heaven that is waiting for us…there we will fully “know” the peace and love of our Father and be with all our family. We are just so grateful for the fact that we can “know” that same peace right here now with our Saviour dwelling IN us. What a blessing!
Oh, Liz, how it grieves me to think of all those years without peace. But it’s clear that you know understand and appreciate REAL peace in a deeper, fuller way than most. Praise God that he brought you through, and your children as well.
“How deep the Father’s love for me, how vast beyond measure” Thank you Liz for your beautiful words about this verse. One thing shines through for me is the love that Jesus has for me, He prepares a place for me, He is thinking of me in all the goings on in the world. It takes my breath away that someone loves me that much.
This verse became “mine”, when I had traveled to a family wedding. I made reservations for a wonderful Irish bed and breakfast, so that was taken care of. The wrinkle came at the time of the seating for the wedding…they had set aside seats for many others, but not for me, my husband and son… apparently, I should have just put the check in the mail! Realizing I was out of place, we went back to the B&B.
Shortly after, I heard this verse. It probably would not have the impact, had I not been so heartbroken at being shunned. I have learned when I am going through tough times, to be on the look out for the blessings that God has in store!
I can not wait to meet at “Lizzies House” and share stories over a nice pot of tea!!
I dont really have a picture of my mansion in my mind anymore. I’m living more and more in the current moment. Right now my granddaughter is on my mind. Jesus, please prepare a place for her. Amen!
I’ll continue to sing about my “mansion, just over the hlltop”, but I agree that I never thought of it as brick and stone. Just a place nicer than where I am now, no cares, no pain, just sweet grass and plenty of water! Just being with Our Lord will make it heaven!
You always make things make more sense.
The word of God is new everyday.thank u for giving me a better understanding home is to be with Jesus,the materials for building this home is faith in the finished work of christ on the cross and righteousness
I’ve never quite understood the need for mansions in heavens. We will not be in need of earthly things to fill it. We will not need to rest our weary bodies because we won’t be weary. Why would we want to live in a separate dwelling away from Jesus and the body of Christ? I think of two scriptures: I will dwell in the house of The Lord forever and ever from Ps 23 and He that dwells in the secret place of the most high shall abode under the wings of the Most High from Ps 91. Those bring me pictures of being close in proximity to The Lord and always being within His grasp, always being in His presence.
Thanks Liz for your good words and insight. It makes me excited and homesick to think that Jesus is busily getting ready for my arrival!
Frankly, I’ve never really thought about it. Just knowing He has a place for me is enough. That is the feeling that came over me when I first saw a print with this passage hanging on the wall of a pediatric intensive care unit when I was a student nurse. I was assigned to care for an infant that had been diagnosed with a major heart defect that was not expected to live. My first day in the unit, I saw the picture on the wall and just felt that, no matter the outcome, that little child was truly in His care. The baby did pass away a couple of days later, but the experience so impacted me that I knew that was what I wanted to do–pediatric nursing. And I did–12 years in a Pediatric ICU, 2-1/2 years in Newborn, and 7 as a procedural sedation nurse for outpatient pediatrics. We grieve the loss of young ones here, but faith is the only thing that carried me through those years.