On today's episode, we welcome Dean Braxton, a man whose near-death experience is nothing short of transformative. Imagine dying and then finding yourself in a realm where everything is as it should be—where love, peace, and joy permeate every fiber of your being. Dean didn't just imagine it; he lived it. For an hour and 45 minutes, Dean was medically dead, but during that time, he was very much alive, journeying through the afterlife in a way that only a handful of people ever describe.Dean’s life before his near-death experience was filled with purpose and contentment. As a juvenile probation supervisor in Seattle, he worked passionately in drug and treatment courts, helping kids who were struggling with addiction and mental health issues. He often said that he would do the job until the day he died—and then, one day, he did. What began as a routine day ended in a battle for life after a kidney stone led to a severe infection that shut down his body. It was during this time, while his body lay lifeless on the hospital bed, that Dean Braxton began his extraordinary journey beyond.As Dean described his experience, one of the most profound moments was his encounter with Jesus. "I was looking at his feet, and I just remember saying these words, 'You did this for me,'" Dean recalled. It was a moment of overwhelming love and gratitude that transcended words, where even the feet of Jesus exuded a love so powerful that it filled Dean with a sense of belonging he had never known on Earth.Dean’s description of Heaven was both vivid and awe-inspiring. He spoke of a realm where everything was alive and vibrant—the trees, the grass, the flowers—all welcoming him with joy. There was no sense of time, no fear, and no sorrow, only an ever-expanding love that filled him to his core. "Everything there was glad I showed up," Dean said, describing how even the creation itself rejoiced in his presence.But Dean's journey wasn't just about the beauty of Heaven; it was also a revelation of the depth of God's love. When he asked Jesus about people he thought might not deserve to be in Heaven, like child molesters, Jesus responded with a truth that shook Dean to his core. "If they ask for forgiveness, I forgive them," Jesus told him. It was a stark reminder of the boundless grace that is available to all, a grace that transcends human judgment and understanding.

SPIRITUAL TAKEAWAYS

1. Boundless Love: Dean's experience highlights the limitless nature of God's love—a love that is ever-expanding and available to all, regardless of their past.
2. The Joy of Belonging: In Heaven, there is no separation between us and the creation around us. Everything is interconnected in a way that brings profound joy and peace.
3. Forgiveness Beyond Comprehension: The idea that even the most heinous of sinners can be forgiven if they truly seek it is a powerful testament to the depth of divine mercy.

In this profound conversation, Dean Braxton not only shares his incredible journey but also offers a glimpse into a realm where the love and peace we all seek are not just present—they are the very essence of existence. His story is a reminder that while we may face trials and suffering on this earth, there is a place where all is made right, where we are welcomed with open arms, and where love is the final word.

Please enjoy my conversation with Dean Braxton.