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How Far Is Heaven? A Reflection on Belonging

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2–3 minutes

How Far Is Heaven?

The little boy tugged at his father’s sleeve as they walked home one quiet evening. The sky stretched wide above them, painted in soft shades of pink and gold. After a long silence, the boy asked a question that seemed to hang as heavy as the clouds.

“Dad… how far is Heaven?”

The father slowed his steps, looking down at his son. For a moment, he didn’t answer. Then he smiled gently.

“That’s a big question, son. And the truth is—I don’t know.”

The boy’s brow furrowed.

“Don’t know? Isn’t it up there?”

He pointed toward the fading light above the rooftops.

“Well,”

his father began,

“that depends on what you believe Heaven is. For some people, Heaven is a faraway place where souls go when life here is over. For others, Heaven is closer than you think.”

He stooped down so they were eye to eye.

“Heaven can be the feeling of home when everyone’s together at the dinner table. It can be walking into your grandparents’ house and smelling fresh pies cooling on the counter. It can be the peace of sitting in a quiet cabin deep in the woods. There is no noise but the trees and the wind.”

The boy listened, his eyes wide, as though trying to imagine all those Heavens at once.

“You see, son,”

his father continued,

“Heaven doesn’t have just one location. It can mean different things to different people, at different times in their lives. Sometimes it’s a place, sometimes it’s a feeling. And sometimes, people think of it as a reward beyond this life. But no matter what, it’s something we long for—a place where we belong, where everything feels right.”

The boy was quiet, mulling it over. Then he looked back up at the sky.

“So… Heaven isn’t always far away?”

His father smiled, squeezing his hand.

“No, son. Sometimes, Heaven is right here—closer than we ever imagine.”

As they walked the rest of the way home, the boy noticed the laughter of his mother. She was waiting at the door. He smelled the supper drifting through the air. He felt the warmth of his father’s hand in his own. And for that moment, he decided, Heaven was not far at all.

Reflection

How Far Is Heaven?

By Benjamin Groff II

A boy once asked his father, “How far is Heaven?”

The father said, “That depends. For some, it’s beyond the stars where souls go when life is done. For others, it’s much closer. It is found in the smell of pies at Grandma’s. It is in the quiet of a cabin in the woods or the laughter of family at the dinner table.”

He paused and added, “Heaven is different for everyone, son. Sometimes it’s a dream, sometimes a memory, and sometimes it’s right here, in the moments we hold close.”

The boy thought for a while, then smiled. Heaven, he decided, was not so far away after all.

By Benjamin GroffMedia© | benandsteve.com | 2025 

The Sunday School President – THAT THE RELIGIOUS RIGHT WASTED AND IGNORED.

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Groff Media 2024© Truth Endures IMDbPro

Presented by benandsteve.com By: Benjamin Groff II©

2–3 minutes

A warm Sunday morning in Plains, Georgia seemed tailor-made for reflection. At the Maranatha Baptist Church, a small congregation gathered in quiet anticipation. This wasn’t an ordinary Sunday service—it was one led by Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States.

Even decades after leaving the White House, Carter stayed true to the values that shaped his life. These values were faith, humility, and service. Carter taught Sunday School to anyone who wanted to listen every Sunday that he was capable. Visitors from all over the world made the pilgrimage to Plains. Some traveled thousands of miles to hear wisdom. This wisdom was not shared in a grand hall. Instead, it was delivered in a modest church that held no more than a couple hundred people.

Jimmy Carter, then in his 90s, shuffled to the front of the sanctuary, a quiet determination in his step. He greeted the crowd with a humble smile, his voice steady and welcoming. His lesson was simple yet profound: loving your neighbor, no matter their background or beliefs.

“When Jesus said to love your neighbor,”

Carter explained, his blue eyes twinkling,

“He didn’t put any conditions on it. He didn’t say only if they look like you or vote like you. He meant everyone.”

The audience was a mix of locals and travelers. They hung on his every word. Their hearts and minds were stirred by the profound simplicity of his message. The room was filled with a palpable sense of awe. This was not due to the titles Carter once held. Instead, it was because of his unwavering commitment to living the values he taught.

When the lesson ended, Carter didn’t rush off. Instead, he stayed to shake hands, take photos, and share stories. These personal moments hold the most significant importance for him. He listened as much as he spoke. This is especially meaningful for a man who had once navigated the complexities of global politics.

One visitor, a young man from Chicago, nervously approached.

“President Carter, what made you keep teaching Sunday School after everything you’ve accomplished?”

Carter smiled warmly.

“I’ve been a farmer, a naval officer, a governor, and a president. But teaching Sunday School reminds me of who I truly am—a servant of God. Titles come and go, but the love we share with others lasts forever.”

That was Jimmy Carter. He believed that service didn’t end with a term in office. He thought that humility wasn’t weakness. Even the simplest acts of kindness can ripple through the world. For Carter, life’s most outstanding achievement wasn’t in power or prestige. It was in the quiet and steady work of lifting others up. He demonstrated this belief through his work with Habitat for Humanity. He also promoted peace and human rights. Additionally, he was committed to public service long after his presidency.

As the church emptied, a sense of peace lingered in the air. This was a testament to the legacy of a man who lived his faith with every breath.

Sunday school class with Jimmy Carter: What it was like

THE GOOD OLE DAYS – When Liquor And Smoking Was Looked Down On In The Church!

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A Report By: Benjamin Groff© Groff Media 2024© Truth Endures

Back When It Was Wrong to Drink Alcohol if You Attended Church Regularly**

There was a time in America when attending church wasn’t just a Sunday ritual—it was a statement about your character and standing in the community. The church was not just a place of worship, but a social hub, a moral compass, and a powerful institution that dictated the norms of the society. If you were a regular churchgoer, there were unspoken rules about living outside church walls. Drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes were two vices that could quickly bring judgment upon you, even if they were as commonplace as breathing for others.

In small towns, everyone knew each other, and word traveled fast. It wasn’t uncommon for whispers to start over something as innocent as being seen at a local diner that served alcohol. If you planned to go out on a Saturday night, you’d carefully choose your venue. Establishments that served soft drinks and burgers were safe zones. But heaven forbid you step into a place with a liquor license, even if you ordered only iced tea. The fear of being seen holding a bottle or sitting too close to someone who did would make you check the room every few minutes, scanning for familiar faces.

If someone from the church spotted you and word got back, there would be consequences. Churchgoers who believed themselves to be the guardians of morality would meet in hushed tones after Sunday service. By the following week, it wasn’t just an isolated incident but a full-blown scandal. Being blackballed from the church community was as much a social exile as a spiritual one. It meant being shunned by your friends, ignored by your neighbors, and excluded from community events. It was a scarlet letter that you wore for all to see.

For many, life revolved around the church. From social gatherings to community support, it was the center of life. If you fell out of favor, you might as well have packed your bags and left town. People would stop coming by your house. Your family would feel isolated, and worse yet, your reputation could be tarnished, so you’d be forever known as “the one who didn’t live right.”

What made it even harder was that many people did drink or smoke, just not publicly. Behind closed doors, whiskey bottles would appear, and cigarettes would be lit, but it was all secret. There was a fine line between private indulgence and public condemnation; walking that line required skill. Even the most upstanding churchgoers knew when to bend the rules to avoid exposure, but there was no forgiveness once caught.

This wasn’t just a rule enforced by the church leaders. It was ingrained in the fabric of the town. Even those who didn’t care much for the church often aligned themselves with its standards because the social costs of defying them were too high. Businesses knew to close down on Sundays, and local events were always planned around the church calendar. People were always watching, and it was the judgment of your peers that carried the actual weight.

But it wasn’t all rigid. A seismic shift was underway. The younger generation, starting in the 1960s and into the ’70s, began to question why the church had such control over their personal lives. They saw the church’s influence as oppressive, and they were determined to break free. Some moved away from the towns, hoping to escape the ever-present watchful eyes. Others rebelled quietly, choosing to live their lives in contrast to the expectations but always careful to avoid getting caught. Those who stayed and fought for change were few and far between, and the weight of tradition bore down on them heavily.

As time went on, the grip loosened, but for those who lived through it, the fear of social disgrace for drinking or smoking stayed with them long after the rules faded.

The Concept of a ‘Chosen People’ and Modern Political Dominance

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By: Benjamin Groff© Groff Media 2024© Truth Endures

When Did God Decide to Have ‘A Chosen People’?

The concept of a “chosen people” has sparked debates throughout history, especially when tied to moral, societal, and political questions. In modern times, the idea of being “chosen” is often reimagined or repurposed to justify decisions that affect minority groups.

Recently, the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce advanced a controversial bill, H.R. 736, that aims to force schools to out transgender students to their guardians. The bill, titled the “PROTECT Kids Act,” requires schools receiving federal funding to notify guardians if a student wishes to change their gender markers, pronouns, or preferred names. The legislation also seeks to dictate which school facilities these students can use, including bathrooms and locker rooms.

This legislative action raises an important question: who gets to decide the fate of vulnerable groups, and under whose authority do they claim this right? Much like the ancient notion of being “chosen” by God, this modern political move asserts dominance over others, deciding for them what is best based on a rigid set of beliefs.

The bill passed the House in 2023 as part of the “Parents Bill of Rights Act” (H.R. 5) but faced bipartisan solid opposition. Every Democrat and five Republicans voted against it, while most supported it. Despite the potential for this bill to move through the House, it is unlikely to pass the Senate or gain approval from President Joe Biden.

Opponents of the legislation, including the Congressional Equality Caucus, condemned it as an attack on transgender students’ safety. Chair Mark Pocan highlighted how, in the wake of a tragic school shooting, Republicans chose to focus on targeting vulnerable students instead of addressing genuine safety concerns.

The question of who is “chosen” can be expanded beyond ancient religious contexts to current identity, rights, and protection issues. The targeting of trans students under the guise of protecting children raises more profound philosophical questions about power, authority, and the consequences of imposing one’s beliefs on others.

The biblical idea of a “chosen people” once symbolized favor and responsibility, but that label often becomes a tool to exclude and control in modern times. This recent bill serves as a reminder that decisions made in the name of protection or moral righteousness can have far-reaching, often damaging, effects on those they claim to protect.

In the end, it is crucial to ask when the power to choose the fate of others—whether through divine claim or political force—became justified. And who truly benefits from these decisions?

The Prayer For Peace Finally Answered!

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A Story By: Benjamin Groff© Groff Media 2024© Truth Endures

An older man, who had prayed for peace since he was a young child, lived a life of selflessness. His mother’s words, that God would answer his prayer if he kept his life clean of sin and did what was best for others, became his guiding principle. He never put himself first, always putting the lives of others before his own needs.

So, the older man went without when he could have lived a comfortable life. He gave to others and kept a solitary life when he could have had a home filled with love and a family. The city he lived in had the highest crime rates in the world, and the country in which the older man lived was worn in battles between battles with other nations and individual groups. He was a victim of crime repeatedly when he could have had protection provided.

The man became wealthy without trying, thanks to inheritances from family and friends and business interactions he had made without intending to see a return. When he turned 80, he prayed one night, asking why God hadn’t answered his prayer.

The older man’s prayer echoed through the quiet of his small, humble home. He sat at the edge of his bed, his hands clasped tightly together, his heart heavy with years of unanswered longing. The world outside his window was no different than it had been decades ago—still filled with strife, suffering, and humankind’s relentless cruelty.

A deep voice resonated as he closed his eyes, seeking the peace he had always desired. It wasn’t a voice he heard with his ears but one that spoke directly to his soul.

“My son,”

The voice began, calm and compassionate.

“My son, you have lived a life of unwavering faith, sacrifice, and selflessness. But true peace is not the absence of conflict in the world around you. It is the serenity within your heart, the understanding that you have done all you can for others, and the acceptance that the world’s burdens do not solely rest upon your shoulders.”

The man’s breath caught as the realization began to dawn on him.

“Peace is not something one gets as a reward for their deeds,”

the voice continued,

“but something that grows within you, cultivated by your actions, thoughts, and love. You have touched countless lives, offered solace to those in need, and lived your life according to the highest ideals. The peace you seek has been with you all along, not in the world outside, but within the purity of your heart and the love you have shown others.”

Tears welled in the older man’s eyes as he understood. He had spent his life searching for peace in the world while nurturing it within himself. The crimes, wars, and suffering were not his to control.

His prayer had been answered most profoundly: by giving him the strength to endure, the compassion to love, and the wisdom to understand that peace is not an external gift but an internal state of grace.


As the older man lay back on his bed, a warm, gentle calm washed over him. He closed his eyes, not in despair but in contentment. For the first time in his life, he felt at peace—not because the world had changed, but because he had finally understood the true nature of his prayer.

And with that peace, he drifted into a restful sleep, his heart light, his soul fulfilled, and his spirit finally at ease.

Enlightenment: Unveiling the True Origins of the Bible for a United Future

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In the year 2542, humanity had reached an age of enlightenment, where technology and knowledge had advanced to levels previously unimaginable.

Amidst the bustling metropolis of Neo-Tokyo, two men stood apart from the crowd, their expressions grave and determined. They were Dr. Elias Hartman, a renowned historian, and Kael Renwick, a brilliant physicist.

Their mission was as crucial as it was unprecedented: they had to travel back to the early 21st century to avert a catastrophe, a global war rooted in a millennia-old misunderstanding of religious texts that threatened to wipe out the progress of the enlightened age.
Elias and Kael had spent years researching the origins of religious texts, particularly the Bible.

Their findings were both groundbreaking and alarming. The Bible, revered by billions, was not a divine prophecy but a collection of embellished reports from historians of long ago.

These historians, lacking a comprehensive understanding and accurate recording methods, had chronicled events that occurred tens of thousands of years prior. Over time, their writings got misinterpreted and deified, leading humanity astray.

The duo stepped into the time portal, their hearts heavy with the weight of their mission. They emerged in the year 2024, a time when religious fervor was still potent, and the world was on the brink of environmental and societal collapse. The air was thick with pollution, and the political climate was rife with tension and division.

Their first destination was a conference on religious studies in New York City. With his scholarly demeanor, Elias took the stage amidst curious and skeptical academics.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he began, his voice steady and authoritative, “I come from a future where we have uncovered the true origins of the Bible. It is not a prophecy or a divine mandate but a series of embellished reports from ancient historians who chronicled events inaccurately. These events occurred thousands of years ago and have no bearing on our future.”

The audience was stunned into silence, then erupted into a cacophony of disbelief and anger. Kael stepped forward, his presence commanding and reassuring.

“We understand this is difficult to accept,” Kael said, “but we have irrefutable evidence. The misinterpretations of these texts have led humanity down a dangerous path. If we do not correct our course, we will self-destruct.”

They presented their evidence: ancient manuscripts, carbon-dated artifacts, and advanced simulations showing the actual timeline of historical events. These artifacts and simulations, based on the latest scientific methods and technologies of the 26th century, provided a clear and irrefutable picture of the true origins of the Bible, shifting the room’s atmosphere from hostility to curiosity.

As their journey continued, Elias and Kael faced fierce opposition from religious leaders and institutions that saw their revelations as threatening. They were branded heretics and faced numerous attempts to discredit their work, including public denouncements, smear campaigns, and even physical threats. However, they also found allies in unexpected places—scientists, open-minded theologians, and everyday people who saw the truth in their words.

In a small town in the Midwest, they met Sarah, a young pastor who had long questioned the traditional interpretations of the Bible. She invited them to speak to her congregation, a modest group yearning for answers in an uncertain world.

Elias spoke passionately,

“The Bible’s true value lies in its moral and ethical teachings, not in its historical accuracy. We must embrace its wisdom while understanding that it is not a roadmap for our future.”

Kael added,

“Science and spirituality can coexist. We must use our knowledge to heal our planet and unite as a species, not divide ourselves based on ancient misunderstandings.”

Slowly but surely, their message began to spread. More people started questioning long-held beliefs, seeking knowledge and understanding over blind faith.

Grassroots movements for environmental preservation, social justice, and scientific advancement gained momentum.

Their journey was arduous, filled with moments of despair and hope. But Elias and Kael knew that the future depended on their success. As they stood on the steps of the United Nations, addressing the world for the first time, they felt a sense of destiny.

“Our future was not recorded or written in ancient texts,”

Elias declared.

“It is shaped by our actions today. Let us forge a path of understanding, compassion, and progress.”

Kael concluded,

“We have the power to change our destiny. Let us choose wisely and ensure a future where humanity thrives in sinc with our planet and one another.”

The world watched, listened, and began to change. The seeds of enlightenment they planted grew into a global movement, steering humanity away from the brink of disaster and towards a brighter, more united future. Elias and Kael fulfilled their mission, not by erasing the past but by illuminating the truth and guiding humanity toward a new dawn.