{"id":306,"date":"2012-07-23T16:50:52","date_gmt":"2012-07-23T21:50:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/kellyparies.com\/blog\/?page_id=306"},"modified":"2012-07-23T16:50:52","modified_gmt":"2012-07-23T21:50:52","slug":"meeting-the-lillies","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/kellyparies.com\/blog\/meeting-the-lillies\/","title":{"rendered":"Meeting the Lillies"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<!-- Facebook Like Button v1.9.6 BEGIN [http:\/\/blog.bottomlessinc.com] -->\n<iframe src=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/plugins\/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fkellyparies.com%2Fblog%2Fmeeting-the-lillies%2F&amp;layout=standard&amp;show_faces=false&amp;width=450&amp;action=like&amp;colorscheme=light\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" allowTransparency=\"true\" style=\"border:none; overflow:hidden; width:450px; height: 30px; align: left; margin: 2px 0px 2px 0px\"><\/iframe>\n<!-- Facebook Like Button END -->\n<p align=\"center\"><strong>Chapter 19: Meeting the Lillies.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Kory had been experiencing a calm satisfaction from realizing that his efforts in teaching his students had resulted in wonderful success, and he wanted to reflect more on their growth. Many spirits had progressed in the past few sessions, and hearts had been changed and softened. He was teaching his students to live Christlike lives and to love others. Many of his students had been involved with painful, even abusive, experiences in their mortal lives. Kory had appreciated being enlightened about the different aspects of cultural differences. Many of his students lived before modern medicine and had succumbed to death by illness and neglect or physical harm. Most of his students in this last session had died as children. With his new perspective, he was able to see that the death of a child in certain circumstances was a blessing to that individual. An abused child could escape from the suffering and come to the spirit world to learn and progress. Kory felt the power of his message change the hearts of these abused children, and they were finally able to forgive those who had not shown them the love that they now enjoyed. Freed from the chains of hatred and revenge consuming their thoughts, the children were now able to start down the path of self-improvement.<\/p>\n<p>Kory was educated firsthand about how children, women, and those of lower-class status from previous times in history were treated so poorly. Circumstances had not allowed his students to be able to progress on Earth to the extent that they needed. It is always better to remain in mortality to accomplish most of the character development, as it is much easier with the mortal body and spirit body united. It had taken some of his students many earthly years to learn even the basics of reading and writing. But the effort was well worth it, as their new skills gave them the opportunity to take advantage of the great libraries in the spirit world and to further their education and progression. Kory reflected on his own experience in mortality and was humbled and grateful that he lived in a time and place where children were treated well and protected. He loved his students, and watching them blossom with their potential power gave him deep satisfaction. Understanding perspective for their lives played a major role in their attitudes.<\/p>\n<p>Kory strolled to one of the splendid parks where he could have some quiet time for reflection. He chose a huge oak tree to plop down under. The tree\u2019s branches filled the sky above with a protective arch like an umbrella, and its leaves were lush and of many different colors: orange, purple, blue, and a deep forest green. He stretched out his long legs in the cool grass, closed his eyes, and sighed contentedly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIs everything okay with you?\u201d a soft voice inquired.<\/p>\n<p>Kory opened one eye to see who belonged to the gentle voice. \u201cHello,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI didn&#8217;t mean to interrupt you. I am so sorry. I have been asked to come find you.\u201d The voice belonged to a beautiful, blond-haired, blue-eyed lady with a gracious smile. She was standing next to the tree, gazing down at Kory sprawled out on the soft, green grass.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh, you\u2019re not bothering me,\u201d Kory said, sitting up. \u201cI was just lying here, reflecting on things.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI like to do that, too,\u201d the woman said. \u201cHave you been here long?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNot too long,\u201d Kory replied.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou seem young to me,\u201d she stated. \u201cYou were not very old when you passed, were you?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhy do you ask?\u201d Kory asked in surprise.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh, I can usually tell if someone had been around on Earth as long as I had.\u201d She giggled. \u201cI was older than dirt! Oh, by the way, I am so sorry, please excuse my manners. My name is Lillie.\u201d She extended her hand.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHello Lillie, it is a pleasure to meet you,\u201d Kory said, jumping up and grasping her hand. \u201cI am quite curious now. I was just a teenage boy, so curiosity was one of my strong points.\u201d Kory winked. \u201cJust how old is dirt?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell this dirt was eighty-eight years old!\u201d Lillie grinned. \u201cI had a wonderful time on Earth, a good life, a good loooong life. I was able to see many things and help a lot of people. Many of my family are here, so it is wonderful\u2014one big family reunion. It feels like Christmas every day. I just love it. Funny thing, though\u2026\u201d She paused, then continued. \u201cSome of my relatives are still having a hard time and cannot fully understand my death. It would seem that the death of an old lady would not be a big deal. But alas, my death was quite a tragic event.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOh, is that so?\u201d Kory asked.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, it was not my scheduled time to come. I was met with an untimely demise. You see, I was mugged and beaten on my way home from the grocery store one evening.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Kory looked sadly at Lillie.<\/p>\n<p>Her face brightened. \u201cDo not be concerned, young man. We have to see things through God\u2019s eyes. It was tragic, I agree. If I were to dwell on the actual facts, they would seem unbearable. I should have lived on Earth a few more years, but that young man who took my life exercised his agency, and my path ended. Old, church-attending, volunteer-work-doing grandma meets horrible death!\u201d Lillie stated boldly, as if she were reading a newspaper headline. \u201cThey don&#8217;t fully understand, do they?\u201d she asked pensively, lost in her own thoughts.<\/p>\n<p>Kory studied this elegant spirit, Lillie. \u201cWho do you mean by \u2018they,\u2019 if I might ask?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI mean those who are still alive on Earth. They do not see past the event sometimes. I mean, I know it sounds unfair, even cruel. But you can\u2019t get caught up in the gory details. It is so irrelevant. I am here, and I am fine\u2014better than fine. I am stupendous!\u201d Lillie\u2019s eyes sparkled. \u201cI guess I should understand. I felt that way, too. I did not have an easy death. I was in a lot of pain, and I was in the hospital in a coma for a very long time. I ask you, what is the purpose of that? I used to wonder myself.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat have you learned about the reason for suffering the way that you did?\u201d Kory asked.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSuffering, whether physical or mental, teaches us empathy. We learn from experience. If we have experienced trials and adversity, even physical pain, it is temporary, but it has a great purpose. It teaches us and softens our hearts so we understand how to help others.\u201d Lillie frowned in concentration. \u201cHere, let me explain it this way. We would like to show you something. It will greatly help you in your current teaching assignment. A demonstration, if you will. Principle put into practice.\u201d Lillie walked toward the path that led back to the city square. \u201cCome with me,\u201d she said over her shoulder. \u201cI\u2019d like you to meet someone.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>His urge for quiet time and reflection gone, Kory followed Lillie down the path. As they neared the city square, a young woman came to meet them. She was radiant, her countenance almost glowing. Her smile was breathtaking.<\/p>\n<p>Lillie smiled back at the woman. \u201cHer name is Lillie, too!\u201d she said to Kory. \u201cWe have become very close friends. Lillie and I came into the world of spirits about the same time, but under very different circumstances.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Kory regarded the new Lillie. There was something about her. A great light, even brighter than his own or the other Lillie\u2019s, surrounded her. She looked about the same age as the first Lillie, but somehow appeared younger. The two Lillies favored each other in physical characteristics. Both had blond hair and deep blue eyes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHello, Lillie,\u201d the first Lillie said. \u201cI want you to meet a new friend. This is Kory.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s good to meet you, Lillie.\u201d Kory turned to the first Lillie and said, \u201cYou know, this could be very confusing. I will have to come up with a way to address you without confusing you two\u2014and me too!\u201d Kory chuckled.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI have a great solution,\u201d the first Lillie proposed. \u201cYou can call her Little Lillie. You see, this Lillie was very young when she died, only a few hours old.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Kory\u2019s eyes grew big. \u201cI am so sorry! That is very sad, indeed.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt is nice to meet you, Kory,\u201d Little Lillie said, \u201cbut do not be sad. It is not sad at all. I have come to realize that this is the way that many people feel on Earth. They think that it is tragic that I will not be able to grow up and live my life into adulthood. They do not understand completely. I am not a baby here. I am an adult spirit and, as Heavenly Father told me when I came, too precious to be left in the harshness of the mortal world. That\u2019s why He brought me to Him. I really only needed to get my body. I was able to accomplish a lot before my time on Earth, so I did not need to stay very long. Plus, I have had the wonderful privilege of living with God the Father even now. Only those who die before the age of eight have that privilege. I live in a wonderful place, even more beautiful and wondrous than it is here, if you can imagine.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI did not think that there could be any place as wonderful as this place. But I do know that I want to be able to live with the Father someday. Are there many children there?\u201d asked Kory.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, heaven is filled with them.\u201d Little Lillie smiled. \u201cIf you could see them, you would understand. Haven\u2019t you noticed that there are no babies or small children here? The children who died as infants and live with the Father are adults also, although sometimes they can still appear as children or infants in a visit or a dream to help someone identify them.\u201d She frowned. \u201cI wish people on Earth could see that. Sometimes there might be a group of children observed by a visiting or newly arriving spirit, but that is for their benefit only. It does seem so hard to understand why babies die. It doesn\u2019t make sense in the mortal way of thinking. In the spirit world, we do not need to grow physically. We need only to grow spiritually. We develop and learn. As you have discovered for yourself, it is a place of many degrees of development. It is a place of learning and perfection. As a baby or small child on Earth, we seem undeveloped. As those babies die and come to this realm, we see that they are the most developed of God\u2019s children in their very character. It helps us understand a little better and soothes the sting of death and terrible sadness associated with the death of babies. We even have the privilege to come here to this sphere to help teach spirits like you, Kory, and Lillie here, and some ways to help those in need down on Earth. I am aware of the great work you have been doing lately.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Little Lillie smiled gently at Kory. \u201cYou have been such a blessing to those who are in your class. That is why I am here today. I would like to show you firsthand the principle you have been teaching put into practice. I have volunteered to go into mortality for a special mission. I am going to escort a little one home with me. We also need to give much needed comfort to someone confused and struggling with the reason for our own beloved Lillie\u2019s death. Would you like to come with me?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI would love to come,\u201d Kory said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI am coming too,\u201d the first Lillie added.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAbsolutely, Lillie, I was hoping for your company. I could use some help with this one. There have been many angels from heaven assigned to this particular case. It is sad to see the circumstances. If those on Earth only had eyes to see!\u201d Little Lillie sighed. \u201cThis one is not much fun, I am afraid. Abuse is involved. It is so sad, almost like slapping kittens!\u201d she added vehemently.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSlapping kittens? That is a horrible thought!\u201d Replaying that visual in his mind made Kory shudder.<\/p>\n<p>A great calm fell over the three as they made their way to the veil that would allow them to go down to their assignment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGood, I feel a strong presence of the Holy Spirit. He is here to accompany us and direct us in the proper ways to help those we are assigned to help. So we are all ready to go,\u201d Little Lillie said.<\/p>\n<p>The three angels fell from the light and into the world.<\/p>\n<p>Kory, Lillie, and Little Lillie found themselves standing on the sidewalk at the corner of a large apartment building. It was midday, and the street was deserted. A brisk wind was blowing, and colorful autumn leaves skipped down the street. The wind did not affect the three beings of light. They shone brightly, even brighter than the brilliant afternoon sun.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis is it,\u201d Little Lillie said. \u201cThis is the location of your old apartment, Lillie.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAre we here to help you in some way?\u201d Kory asked Lillie.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo. As you can see for yourself, I am fine.\u201d She paused. \u201cNo, I am better than fine!\u201d she added with a twinkle in her eyes. \u201cBut there is a young girl here who is not fine. Since my passing, she has been having a terrible time. She is only twelve years old and is having serious doubts to the reason God would let this happen to me. She is in great need of comfort. That is our mission. We are to help comfort her,\u201d Lillie explained.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes, we are actually on a twofold mission,\u201d Little Lillie interjected. \u201cYou see, Kory, the other aspect of our mission is to help prepare a young mother and child for the child\u2019s death. Then we are to escort that child to heaven.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Kory gazed at the two ladies. Fear and trepidation caused his heart to race. Did he really want to see this? He needed to be able to learn, but it was so frightening. As Kory felt the anxiety increase, a warmth and light began to spread through his body, starting with his heart and flowing through each limb to the tips of his fingers. His mind became crystal clear and he recognized the help of the Holy Spirit attending them. He could feel the great love that was felt for these individuals that they were suppose to assist. His purpose was clear, and the fear fled. He turned to the dear ladies and asked, \u201cWhat do we need to do to get started?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The three entered the apartment building and made their way down the hall. They stopped in front of apartment number 203. They entered the apartment through the closed door by just walking through it with no effort at all. They stopped in the living room area. The apartment was a humble dwelling. A worn couch was covered by a brightly colored handmade quilt. Two old end tables, topped with outdated lamps, flanked the couch. A coffee table sat in front of the couch, decorated with a few inexpensive souvenir trinkets that had been collected over the years. A soft, heartbreaking cry sounded behind the three angels. Turning around, Kory and the two Lillies saw a young girl. She was curled up in a chair behind them, sobbing softly. She was holding a small teddy bear and an old worn Bible. She was alone in the room and was praying through her sobs.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPlease, God, help me to understand your purpose. I desperately miss my friend, Miss Lillie. She was such a good person. Why did you have to take her? I don\u2019t understand why she had to die from the hands of that bad man. He is in the paper today. He gets to live, even if it is in jail, while poor, sweet Lillie has to lie in the cold, dark ground!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Lillie ran to the little girl and wrapped herself around her. \u201cOh, my sweet, sweet little Meagan,\u201d Lillie cried. \u201cIt\u2019s okay, Meagan, I am here, and I am fine.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>A brilliant light appeared above the praying girl. Kory could see her prayer, literally. It was a powerful, beautiful light beamed straight to heaven. The significance of that moment was not lost on Kory. \u201cWe were sent here to help her even before she uttered her prayer,\u201d he said, with wonder in his voice.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYes,\u201d answered Little Lillie. \u201cOur Heavenly Father is aware of all his children and has comfort given to them even before asked. Now you see why I wanted Lillie to come. She can comfort the child better than anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Kory and Little Lillie watched in silence as Lillie held Meagan, while gently stroking her hair and humming a soothing tune. After a few minutes, the sobs slowed down, and Meagan fell into a gentle sleep. Lillie bent over and kissed Meagan gently on her head. A mist floated up into the air in the center of the room. It stopped and formed a screen on which images began to appear. The three angels watched as the young girl\u2019s dream played on the misty screen. The dream started with disjointed memories of Lillie and Meagan, moments they had spent together while Lillie was still on the Earth. Happiness and love were very present in the dream images, but slowly, darkness started to appear. The images changed from happy ones to memories of Lillie in the hospital after her mugging. Meagan\u2019s breathing started to quicken. Lillie was immediately at her side, stroking her hair and holding her close.<\/p>\n<p>The images changed, and Kory could tell they were now viewing the events through the mugger\u2019s eyes. Lillie watched, riveted to the spot, a look of horror on her face. Her face relaxed, though, and she began to smile as images of her, radiant and happy, were shown. Meagan smiled in her sleep, comforted.<\/p>\n<p>The images changed again, now showing future events. The images that appeared were the thoughts and deeds of the young man who had caused Lillie\u2019s death\u2014a glimpse of his life in review. The angels realized that no matter what he said and did on this Earth, he could not hide from himself. Every deed and thought was recorded within himself, and these were now being played out in their entirety. There was no judgment by others\u2014the only judgment that was present was coming from within the young man himself. Another element was also becoming apparent. The feelings of those affected by his actions were also being shown, even the current situation, where poor little Meagan\u2019s heart was breaking.<\/p>\n<p>The realization of this profound concept flowed into Kory\u2019s mind and heart. His students were never left alone in their trials. Angels draped their arms around the victims, comforting them. Their abusers would know personally the pain that they caused their victims. They would also experience the same pain.<\/p>\n<p>Meagan\u2019s breathing calmed, and she stirred. She slowly opened her eyes. Smiling, she looked up at the ceiling. \u201cThank you, God,\u201d she said. \u201cI know that Lillie is with you and happy. I felt her happiness. I felt her. I know that she will be with me when I need her.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Lillie smiled, and tears rolled down her cheeks. She looked at Little Lillie and Kory and nodded. It was finished. Time for the next visit.<\/p>\n<p>The three heavenly angels quickly found themselves outside the apartment building. Little Lillie pointed in the direction of their next assignment, and they headed off into the afternoon sun, soaring high over the countryside. Kory felt the apprehension return as he thought about this new assignment. He remembered Little Lillie telling him that she was escorting a baby home. He did not feel happy about being present when a baby died. He trusted that the Spirit would comfort and guide him again in this important mission.<\/p>\n<p>They arrived at the doorstep of a typical suburban home. A baby\u2019s cry penetrated the air. With anxious looks on their faces, they quickly entered the house. The home had appeared so normal from the outside, but the inside told a different story. The home was in complete disarray. Piles of clothing filled the couch to overflowing, and dirty dishes littered the coffee table. Magazines and mail lay in piles on the floor, unopened. A young mother holding a crying infant paced back and forth, desperately trying to quiet it. She looked like she had not slept in many days.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cShe is unaware that her little boy is crying because he has a broken arm,\u201d Little Lillie explained. \u201cThe girl\u2019s boyfriend hurt the baby a few days ago in a drunken rage. He has been at the bar drinking today and is on his way home right now. That is why we are here.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Just then, a young man stumbled through the door. He immediately began to yell at the young girl with the baby, his words slurring and hateful.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cShut that baby up!\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI am trying to!\u201d the young girl cried. \u201cHe has been crying all day! I think something is wrong with him.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI will shut him up then!\u201d the man yelled, and he grabbed the baby from the young girl\u2019s arms. He stomped over to a portable crib and threw the baby into it.<\/p>\n<p>A flash of light shot past Kory. It was Little Lillie, who had in the blink of an eye reached the baby and taken its hand. In the next second, she was also holding the hand of a beautiful young man. Time seemed to stand still. Little Lillie turned to the young spirit standing with her. \u201cYou do not need to be here for this.\u201d The sickening thud of the baby\u2019s head hitting the living room wall through the mesh side of the portable crib reverberated through the air. Then there was silence.<\/p>\n<p>Little Lillie looked at the young man who had been housed in the baby\u2019s body. \u201cIt is finished. You can come with me now.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The male spirit looked sadly at his young mother, then back at Little Lillie, and nodded. The angels headed out of the house as the young woman\u2019s screams pierced the air.<\/p>\n<p>As he passed over the house, Kory looked down and saw large angels dressed in battle armor enter the home, following spirits not of light but of darkness. A piercing and evil laugh of delight shrieked from the dark spirits.<\/p>\n<p>Lillie touched Kory\u2019s shoulder. \u201cThe young mother and the young man will be watched over and assisted by other angels of light that are used to this nature of work. They have been trained and given authority to fight the spirits of darkness. The young mother and the drunken young man will never be left alone to fight the forces of the Evil One alone. By causing the baby\u2019s death, I am afraid that the young man has called the forces of hell to this place today. He has courted those dark spirits over time with his behavior. He will have a heavy price to pay. It might take him until the end of the millennium to pay the cost. He will literally live through an internal hell to pay the price. But he can eventually receive the peace he will desperately desire,\u201d Lillie explained.<\/p>\n<p>Kory looked back over his shoulder at the house in the distance. He wondered how someone could become so uncaring. He worried about the young mother. Stress tightened in his chest. He was so used to peace and happiness that this new feeling was an unwelcome visitor. Just as before, his anxiety started to alleviate, and he felt the wonderful warmth pour into his veins, warming his soul. His mind cleared again, and he began to feel the promptings of the Spirit speak to his heart and mind. He saw a vision from the future unfold as he saw the young mother, dressed in glowing robes, run and embrace her baby boy. He watched Little Lillie and the young man\u2014the baby boy they had come to escort\u2014ascend a beautiful staircase toward an even brighter light.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<!-- Facebook Like Button v1.9.6 BEGIN [http:\/\/blog.bottomlessinc.com] -->\n<iframe src=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/plugins\/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fkellyparies.com%2Fblog%2Fmeeting-the-lillies%2F&amp;layout=standard&amp;show_faces=false&amp;width=450&amp;action=like&amp;colorscheme=light\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" allowTransparency=\"true\" style=\"border:none; overflow:hidden; width:450px; height: 30px; align: left; margin: 2px 0px 2px 0px\"><\/iframe>\n<!-- Facebook Like Button END -->\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Chapter 19: Meeting the Lillies. \u00a0Kory had been experiencing a calm satisfaction from realizing that his efforts in teaching his students had resulted in wonderful success, and he wanted to reflect more on their growth. Many spirits had progressed in &hellip; <a href=\"http:\/\/kellyparies.com\/blog\/meeting-the-lillies\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/kellyparies.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/306"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/kellyparies.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/kellyparies.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/kellyparies.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/kellyparies.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=306"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"http:\/\/kellyparies.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/306\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":310,"href":"http:\/\/kellyparies.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/306\/revisions\/310"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/kellyparies.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=306"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}