Colleen Chao wrote this insightful book about heaven after being diagnosed with incurable cancer and wrestling with questions she had about life after death. She’s not afraid to meet Jesus, but her perspective shifted when faced with the prospect of leaving her earthly body and home behind forever.
In writing for her friends and loved ones, Chao uncovers some of the beautiful promises the Bible shares about eternity. She does not get into complex details she doesn’t understand, she uses text and word pictures to wonderfully describe and highlight what she does understand. She includes notes from J.I. Packer, Charles Spurgeon, Amy Carmichael, and others in her short meditations, to help readers gather glimpses of the world that awaits us.
The beautiful things we experience here on earth are just a foretaste of the things we will experience when we are in the presence of God forever. The day is coming when Jesus will conquer all his enemies, including death, one final time. There will be no more tears, heartache, or pain.
Chao encourages readers to spend their days engaging in “pocket-sized disciplines.” These disciplines (reading a page of Scripture, memorizing verses while driving in the car, practicing gratitude for everyday mercies) help ground us in the present moment while enlarging our “eternal joy in Jesus.” Our days on this earth might be heavy and sorrowful, but we can turn our eyes to gaze on Jesus and our life beyond the veil again and again. Our attention span is short, and we get easily distracted, but the beauty and glory of our king is captivating.
As she faces the reality of her death and her bodily limitations, Chao acknowledges fear while also acknowledging Jesus’ gentleness with her. There is much about heaven that remains unknown and mysterious, but Jesus invites believers to keep taking their journeys with him one step at a time. A glorious eternity awaits those who trust Christ for what lies ahead. We don’t need a complete picture today in order to appreciate all that awaits us someday.
Our minds are finite and our comprehension is limited. We cannot completely grasp all God has revealed to us yet. That said, I deeply appreciate Chao, her perspective, and her thoughtfulness in writing and research. This book is contemplative and accessible. It is worthy of pondering any time daily circumstances lose their luster and true hope grows dim. (Moody Publishers 2025)
About the Author
Amie Spriensma is an online chaplain for ReFrame Ministries and a regional disability advocate for the CRC. She lives, works, and worships in Allendale, Mich., where she is a member of Rusk CRC.