For those of us who have suffered miscarriage, still born births or the early deaths of our children, the effects can be devastating, to say the least. For myself, as I suffered miscarriage after miscarriage I turned to the writings of modern prophets and apostles for comfort as I yearned to know if I would ever hold my children in my arms. The prophet, Joseph Smith, Jr., who also faced this very same heartbreak addressed this issue in the King Follett sermon and again in conversations to M. Isabella Horne and other sisters who had suffered these very same losses:
“. . . he told us that we should receive those children in the morning of the resurrection just as we laid them down, in purity and innocence, and we should nourish and care for them as their mothers. He said that children would be raised in the resurrection just as they were laid down, and that they would obtain all the intelligence necessary to occupy thrones, principalities, and powers.” (History of the Church, p. 4:556-57)
He also said at the funeral of his niece, Sophronia Smith, as reported by Joseph F. Smith:
“. . . the body remains undeveloped in the grave, but the spirit returns to God who gave it. Afterwards, in the resurrection, the spirit and body will be reunited; the body will develop and grow to the full stature of the spirit, and the resurrected soul will go on to perfection.” (Joseph Fielding Smith, Gospel Doctrine, p. 456)
What great comfort this brought to my heart. Unlike Catholics, who teach that children who die before baptism will reside in purgatory, modern prophets have taught this doctrine of love, comfort and logic. My mother’s heart was eased, although I longed for my children. I stepped back from the emotion, looked into the eternities and saw that all would be well.
Additionally, this quote by Joseph Fielding Smith brought even greater comfort:
“You mothers worry about your little children [who have passed away]. We do not perform [marriage] sealings for them. I lost a son [at] six years of age, and I saw him a man in the spirit world after his death, and I saw how he had exercised his own freedom of choice and would obtain, of his own will and volition, a companionship . . . In due time to him, and all those who are worthy of it, shall come all of the blessings and sealing privileges of the house of the Lord. Do not worry over it. They are safe; they are alright . . .” (Hinckley, Sermons and Missionary Services of Melvin Joseph Ballard, p. 260)
What more could grieving parents ask for? To know that my children will grow, will love and will gain the Celestial Kingdom. This knowledge is indeed, the balm of Gilead, for parents who have lost their child far too soon in life. All children, who shuffle off this mortal coil prior to the age of eight will receive all the glories they would have received had they lived righteous mortal lives to their natural conclusion. There is nothing more a righteous parent in Zion could ever want for their child.