Sometimes, the most profound insights come when we least expect them. For me, it was in the stillness of the night, after a long day of work, when I stumbled upon a YouTube video that would change my perspective on life, pain, and forgiveness.
I work late into the night, often finishing around 3 AM, and like many others, I sometimes struggle to fall asleep right after a busy day. In those quiet moments, I find myself scrolling through social media or watching videos, reflecting on the events of the day, and thinking about what’s to come tomorrow. Recently, I found myself drawn to something I never thought would captivate me: Near-Death Experience (NDE) testimonies.
Over the past few months, I’ve watched countless stories of people who have experienced what many would call the “afterlife.” These accounts share common themes: a tunnel, a light, encounters with loved ones, and an overwhelming feeling of peace and love. I’ve always believed in God, and being in my mid-40s, I’ve started to think more about the idea of death—its pain, its mystery, and what might lie beyond. Although I’ve been taught about it in church, hearing real stories from people who have experienced these profound events makes the concept of the afterlife feel more real to me.
One night, as I lay in bed, I came across an interview with Penny Wittbrodt, and her words touched me deeply. There were a few things she said that really made me stop and think. During her out-of-body experience, she encountered her grandmother, who had passed away, and they shared a conversation. Her grandmother told her, “There is no death….energy cannot be created nor destroyed, it just changes forms and that’s God’s law borrowed by man” That statement resonated with me on a spiritual level. It gave me a sense of peace about the idea of life and death—reminding me that our essence, our energy, lives on even after our physical bodies are gone.
Also, during her life review, she spoke about how God showed something powerful to her—how she had harbored negative thoughts toward a nurse she didn’t like. But through a vision, God showed Penny the nurse’s past life, helping her understand that the nurse’s behavior stemmed from her own painful experiences. It was a reminder that our negative emotions and judgments towards others only contribute to more pain and negativity in our own lives. It became clear to me that healing—both for myself and for others—comes from understanding, compassion, and letting go of resentment.
One of the most moving moments of Penny’s story was when she asked God why she had to go through the pain of a divorce. God responded, “You had to experience this so that you could help others who will face the same thing.” That hit me like a ton of bricks. I, too, have faced struggles in my personal life—anger, bitterness, and feelings of resentment toward people who have hurt me. But Penny’s story made me realize something powerful: I am not the only one carrying this pain. People who hurt me have their own struggles, their own wounds, and their own reasons for their actions.
As I reflected on this, I began to feel a shift in my heart. Instead of holding onto anger toward those who have wronged me, I started to feel compassion for them. They, too, are products of their own life experiences, just as I am. We are all in this journey together, trying to survive, heal, and grow. This was my awakening.
At that moment, I knew I needed to change the way I treat others. I couldn’t let anger control my heart anymore. Compassion is what will guide me moving forward. This realization was especially important because, at the time, I was in the middle of a family conflict. I could feel the weight of the anger and hurt, but Penny’s words reminded me that healing starts with understanding and empathy.
But the story doesn’t end there. After watching the video, I decided to check my social media one last time before going to bed. And then I saw it—something that felt like a message straight from God. It was a reel with music and written words that spoke directly to my heart:
“I will put you together in front of those who broke you. Don’t think it wasn’t seen by me. You will not only recover, but you will flourish in the places where you felt abandoned and defeated. You will stand strong and victorious. Remember my child, my plans for you are to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future. Let your heart be at peace, for I am with you in every step of this journey. Mending every fracture, healing every wound, and restoring every lost hope. Where you were once shattered, now you will shine like a Beacon, reflecting my love and strength. Trust Me for I am your faithful protector, your healer, and your redeemer. Do not dwell on the past or the pain it brought. Instead, lift your eyes to the horizon where My promises unfold. You will see that My grace is sufficient for you even in your weakest moments. Let your spirit rejoice, for you are being rebuilt stronger than ever. Not just to withstand the trial, but to help others who walk in similar paths.”
I couldn’t stop repeating those words. For the first time, they felt like they were written just for me. I’ve read the Bible since I was young, but never before had a verse spoken so directly to my heart. Was this a sign? Was God speaking to me in that moment? I couldn’t help but wonder. It felt like the answer to the questions I had been asking all along.
In that stillness, I realized that I am not alone in my struggles. There is a bigger plan at work, one that I may not fully understand yet, but I know it’s unfolding with purpose. And I am not just surviving my pain—I am being molded and shaped for something greater. My past struggles will not define me; instead, they will empower me to help others who walk a similar path.
Today, I choose to let go of resentment. I choose compassion. I choose peace. And I choose to trust that everything I’ve been through, and everything I am still going through, is shaping me into someone who can heal, help, and inspire others. Because sometimes, the greatest lessons come in the quietest moments—when we are ready to listen, reflect, and embrace the transformation that is happening within us.
I hope this story touches you as it touched me. If you’re struggling, know that you are not alone. Keep going. There is purpose in your pain, and healing is possible.
