Heaven

An Invitation to a Homecoming

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos
Greg Asimakoupoulos with Bill and Gloria Gaither in 2008

They call us to come home and sing
because they know the King of Kings
is coming for His family.
Oh, what a happy day!

Yes, Heaven is the Gaithers’ theme
where saints and angels live our dream
of gathering around the throne
and worshiping the Lamb.

There is something about that Name
of One who didn’t die in vain,
but conquered death redeeming grief.
Because He lives, we sing!

A Homecoming’s both now and then
to blend our voices once again
creating something beautiful.
So, let’s just praise the Lord!

* I wrote this poem especially for an All-Gaither Hymn Sing I was asked to lead at Cristwood Park, a faith-based senior adult community in suburban Seattle. I dedicate it to Bill and Gloria Gaither who have been a source of inspiration for millions (including me) over the past half century. During my dad’s battle with bone cancer, I would often sit with him and watch Gaither music videos holding his hand. Their heartfelt music was a source of inspiration.

I attended a Gaither Homecoming Gospel Sing with my mom a few months before my father died in 2008. The above photo was taken on that occasion at the Tacoma Dome where we were extended a backstage pass to join the Gaithers and their team for dinner prior to the concert. It was an experience I will never forget.

A Letter from a Father in Heaven

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos
Loving thoughts to a daughter from out of this world

My dearest daughter,

I know your heart is broken.
As the last words spoken between us
echo in your mind,
please know I’m not blind to your tears.

I can imagine your fears
of facing the challenges of tomorrows
without being able to pick up the phone and call me.

But as Jesus told his best friends
the night before He died,
“Don’t let your heart be troubled!
Don’t be afraid.”

This One in whose presence I now find joy
will never leave you or forsake you.
He will comfort you as only He can.
He will carry you when you are too weak to stand.
He will fill your heart with memories we made.
In the heat of death valley, He will be your shade.

Please know that the time and space between us

is only a temporary separation.
The gulf of grief will be spanned by grace.
It won’t be long until you see my face again.
Remember, a family reunion awaits.

In the meantime,
care for your mom.
Lean into your sorrow.
Embrace the ache.
Speak my name.
Look at my pictures.
Forgive my mistakes.
Honor my memory by the choices you make.

And each morning when you wake,
thank the Lord He placed us in the same family.
He graced us with the privilege of being father and daughter.
Be grateful He gave us each other
for the years that we shared on earth
(and the time we will have in Heaven).

Never forget how much I love you
and how proud I am to be your dad.
See you soon!


Dad