. Some believe it is the place we go when we die if we are not in a 'state of grace'. The word actually means 'place of cleansing or purifying'. A lot of people have never heard of Purgatory or do not believe in it. I can honestly say I was one of those people at one time. However, the older I get and the closer I get to God through His Son Jesus Christ, I know that I am not worthy to stand in His presence in the state my soul is in today. Yes I have been forgiven and set free by the power of His love, but daily, my struggle with sin never stops. I wear a dirty and ragged gown today and I don't know what would happen to me if I were to arrive at the Pearly Gates right now. I am definitely going to need some cleaning up before I see God and gaze on the Perfect Beauty of His Son Jesus. I beleive this is where Purgatory comes in. I want to be shiny when I see Him face to face. Jesus said "In my father's house there are many rooms, I go and prepare a place for you". This is my story of this place. (Earth)
A chaotic whirlwind picks up a farmhouse in Kansas, with a young girl, Dorothy, and her dog, Toto inside. The house drops in a strange land thousands of miles away. Greeted by the little people she is happy to find she is in a safe place but what she really wants is to return to her home. The little people cannot help them so they call for the Good Witch Glenda to provide the answer. She tells Dorothy to walk the yellow brick road until she comes to the Emerald City where the Wizard of Oz can be found and he will be able to get her home. Dorothy sets off on the golden bricks and along the way meets up with three friends who also think the Wizard may be able to help them with their problems as well. Scarecrow needs some brains, Tin Man a heart and Lion more courage. Along the road the Wicked Witch puts forks, turns and twists in their pathway,but they persevere through it all and continue following the yellow brick road towards their goal. When they finally see the Emerald City far in the distance and know it is within their reach, they start to run in hope of arriving faster. Alas the Wicked Witch has foreseen their eagerness and puts the dreaded Sleeping Poppies in the meadow and they fall into a deep sleep. All now seems lost for sure.
(Heaven)
Glenda the Good Witch sends a lovely snowfall down onto them all and when they awake they see the most magnificent sight in the distance. The Emerald City covered in rare gems, shining brightly in the sun, a very wonderful place. They are all overjoyed to know that they are nearer than ever to the Wizard and even hear the laughing and singing of the people of Oz.
Happily they reach the Big Gates to the city but are shocked when they do not find a very warm welcome. They inform the gatekeeper that Glenda the Good Witch had sent them to see the Wizard for his help and were finally let inside the doors. They could not beleive how beautiful the city was and how big! People everywhere smiling and singing, laughing and working, preparing for a very large celebration.
(Purgatory as a place in Heaven) (Jesus said "In my father's house are many rooms I go and prepare a place for you")
The weary travellers found much here was different than before. Colours and sounds were more vibrant. Singing and music everywhere. They were taken by a horse who changed to all colours of the rainbow to the Beauty Parlour to freshen up. Polished, primped, curled, shampooed & shined, they looked wonderful! Everyone agreed that they were now ready to actually see the Wizard. With great fear and trepidation, full of respect and awe they summoned up all their courage and approached the throne of the Wizard of Oz. He appeared to be a very frightening character who did not want them to speak but listen! He ordered them to finish off the wicked witch and only then could they come into the kingdom. Needless to say they were greatly intimidated but also determined to do the work requested of them. Many dark days passed while they fought the evil witch trying to kill them but they won out in the end. They melted the evil one down and brought the broomstick to the Wizard as proof of the victory they obtained. Once the Wizard was revealed to be the professor from Kansas, and told that all along they themselves had the power to prevail over evil, they were granted the wishes of their hearts. Home for Dorothy & Toto, brains for Scarecrow, Heart for Tin Man and courage for Lion. Complete and utter happiness for all! I beleive this is Heaven.
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