Pastor Jarrid Wilson's widow, Juli, took to social media this week on what would have been his 31st birthday.

"Happy 1st birthday in heaven, baby," Juli says. "Today, you would’ve been 31. You lived more in those years than most could in 100. I’m blown away by all God did in and through your life!"

Jarrid was a pastor at Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California, as well as a passionate mental health advocate. He had been very open with his own struggles with depression. Jarrid died by suicide on September 9, 2019. 

Juli wrote that the couple had planned to escape to a cabin with friends for his birthday and enjoy time together fishing.

"I am so thankful that through Christ, I am not limited to an earthly perspective."

"When I asked what you wanted for a gift you’d say, 'nothing' and finally go on to shut me up by saying that 'fishing line or some tackle would be just fine'. You were simple like that. I loved it."

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Happy 1st birthday in heaven, baby ♥️ Today, you would’ve been 31. You lived more in those years than most could in 100. I’m blown away by all God did in and through your life! We planned to go to a cabin with friends this weekend. We planned on burritos and your favorite funfetti cake. And of course, we planned on lots and lots of fishing. When I asked what you wanted for a gift you’d say, “nothing” and finally go on to shut me up by saying that “fishing line or some tackle would be just fine”. You were simple like that. I loved it. I can’t help but think of everything we could be doing together today, how we should be celebrating all the wonderful things that made you, you...but I am so thankful that through Christ, I am not limited to an earthly perspective. Today, you are doing what you were CREATED to do. You are worshiping the king of kings face-to-face. You are complete and whole, not lacking a thing. How could I not find peace in that? Our hearts are broken here. We miss you beyond what words can convey. The pain is so deep, raw and surreal, but we hold on to hope as an anchor for our souls. It is firm and secure. We WILL see you again. I love you, jare. ⚓️🎈

A post shared by Julianne Wilson 🌿 (@itsjuliwilson) on

The young widow has shared a few posts on social media since Jarrid's death, writing that she is clinging to hope in Jesus as she mourns. In the birthday post, she says she is still grappling with the reality of his death, but again, is trying to view things from Jesus' perspective.

"I can’t help but think of everything we could be doing together today, how we should be celebrating all the wonderful things that made you, you...but I am so thankful that through Christ, I am not limited to an earthly perspective.

"Today, you are doing what you were CREATED to do. You are worshiping the king of kings face-to-face. You are complete and whole, not lacking a thing. How could I not find peace in that?"

The Wilsons have two young sons together. Juli says that their family and his friends are still grappling with understanding his death in these early days. However, she adds, she believes that they will meet again in eternity.

"Our hearts are broken here. We miss you beyond what words can convey. The pain is so deep, raw and surreal, but we hold on to hope as an anchor for our souls. It is firm and secure. We WILL see you again. I love you, jare."