Death will always be a mysterious event. Our Lord tells us in Genesis that death came into the world because of the sinful behavior of man. Because of this, everyone must die and render an account for their actions on earth. And yet St. Paul states that "no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love Him." (1 Cor. 2:9). Because of this faith, death doesn’t have to be seen as a dreadful terror. Many saints have had similar revelations about heaven and have been unable to describe its beauty.
Unfortunately, many modern people frequently only think of this world and completely discount the possibility of heaven. They will sometimes even ridicule people believing in eternity. In reply to this ignorant skepticism, a book on the New York Times Best Seller List about a 4-year-old boy’s visit and return from heaven has captivated thousands of readers. The name of this remarkable story is "Heaven is for Real," written by Todd Burpo.
Colton Burpo is 4 years old when all of these events occur. Colton’s father Todd is a minister in the town of Imperial, Neb. The family begins a trip to Colorado for a vacation and Colton starts complaining of terrible stomach pain. His parents eventually decide to take him to a hospital, but doctors are unable to diagnose any problems. In the meantime, Colton’s appendix bursts. As the child begins to die, his father first rages at God and then begs for his son’s possible death.
After some time, Colton miraculously recovers from the deadly situation. Later, when his parents take Colton home, he begins telling them of events that were impossible for him to know. First, Colton tells his parents that angels sang to him in the operating room. Second, he says he sat on the lap of Jesus. Finally, he tells them exactly where they were and what they were doing during his operation. Stunned, both parents do not know what to believe and what questions to ask about these events.
In the following months, Colton continues to inform his parents about all sorts of facts a 4-year-old could not possibly know. Some of these involve family events, and some concern heaven and the people he met in paradise. As his theologically trained father continues to probe the child, his own ministerial training begins to seem small and limited. Colton explains some of the deepest religious problems about man’s relationship to God in the simplest, most complete answers his father has ever heard.
As more and more of the stories pour out of the child, the Burpos began testing Colton to see if he was making up these experiences. They discover that Colton is not lying and his answers completely stagger them. One day he tells his dad why Jesus died on the cross and his father’s jaw drops.
What was the beautiful, touching explanation Colton gives his father for the crucifixion of Our Blessed Savior? Why are all of Colton’s answers to these difficult theological issues so simple and convincing? What does he tell his amazed Protestant parents about the Blessed Mother? Why does the reader of this book begin to understand the phrase "out of the mouths of babes and sucklings thou hast brought perfect praise?" (Mt 21:16). To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and check out "Heaven is for Real" by Todd Burpo.
Todd Burpo never states that Colton’s experiences form some new type of doctrine. He simply uses his son’s childlike language to tell of Colton’s amazing encounter with Jesus and his intense desire to go back to heaven. The book will cause you to weep at times, but they will be tears of joy. Colton’s story will leave you yearning to be in heaven in the arms of Our Lord. I hope you get a chance to read this beautiful story of a 4-year-old boy’s encounter with his Savior. I loved it and think you will as well.
