That you may not grieve as others who have no hope......

“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with home those who have fallen asleep.” 1 Thess 4:13-14

The last two weeks have been a whirl wind of events and emotions. It begun with a very special 7 yr old from our community being again admitted into sick kid’s hospital. This young fighter has battled cerebral palsy, epilepsy and brain disease for many years but this time was different, her heart flat lined for over 3 mins and she was placed on life support.

Being in our last week of after school program and gearing up for march break week throw us into a series of getting through each day not knowing what the next would bring. Things changed daily. As we continued about our programs and plans we sought to support the mother and two sisters who for the past 7 years have cared for this little girl in unconditional ways and with a family bond of love that was speaking volumes to the rest of the community watching their lives.

We received update after update.

Last week I headed down to sick kids to visit, comfort and support. As strong mamma led me to the edge of her baby’s bed she spoke to me of the fact that that morning she was finally allowed to wash her daughter’s hair. The first way she was a mother was able to care for her daughter in a full week. Her body lay small and lifeless, only a slight rise and fall of this little ones chest.

Meetings with social workers and doctors kept this family busy as they had to face the reality of this little one getting tired of fighting. As we stood by her side strong mamma spoke beautiful words of desiring to give her daughter the best and knew that if Jesus was calling her home, she needed to let her go. Rooted in deep faith this mamma knew it was up to her little one and Jesus.

Two days later I received the news while on our March break retreat, that this little one was reunited with our Lord and is experience Jesus fully in wholeness.

The ache of losing this precious girl has sent waves through our community as we grieve the loss of one who brought so much joy, life, smiles, hope and courage through her entire life of fighting.  

Yet the unconditional love shown over 7 years and sure faith in her Savior and Lord is such a testimony the this young girl’s family demonstrates to the community watching them. As funeral plans are being made, and the very beginning stages of grieving take place I am reminded of the Hope that even this weekend brings. It is a not a coincidence of timing, rather a divine testimony to the hope of life that Easter brings through the remembrance of the life and death of our Savior for us. That you may not grieve as others who have no hope, we have hope, hope in what Christ has done, hope of a new life, of fullness, of being with Him forever.  

Please pray that this message is heard, experienced and seen in the lives of all who knew this hope so that others in their grieve may also come to know and experience this Hope! 

Therefore they are before the throne of God

and serve Him day and night in His temple

and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence

They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore

the sun shall not strike them,

nor any scorching heat

For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd

and he will guide them to springs of living water

and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

Revelations 7: 15-17