(Let me warn you, this is NOT a happy post.)
It’s been one of those weeks.
The kind where – though the sun is shining here and life feels good – I am keenly aware of the suffering in our world.
In the midst of honoring teachers, nurses, and mothers this week, my heart has also been heavy and hurt over story after story of heartbreak, fear, and loss in my extended circle of friends and acquaintances this week.
I hadn’t planned to write this post, but I couldn’t sleep last night just thinking about each of these precious families… Their stories hit close to home and remind me that NOTHING is guaranteed in this life.
I hope you will join me in praying for these three families today…
For the Tipping family in Columbia, South Carolina who found out on April 21st that their three year old daughter, Zoe, has a Wilm’s tumor (cancer of the kidney) that is Stage 4 and has already spread to her lungs. She has started chemo, but her body is very weak and she’s had a fever the last few days. The Tippings have a long and painful road ahead of them.
For the family of Sarah Defren – a mom of two in Woodstock, Virginia – who passed out moments after crossing the finish line of a half marathon with good friends on Saturday, and went home to Jesus last night.
And for Jacqui and Dan (of the blog Baby Boy Bakery) as they grieve the too-short life of their little boy Ryan who was hit by a truck and killed Friday evening while chasing a frisbee in the front yard.
These three stories, they just scratch the surface… There are thousands (millions even) suffering that will never have campaigns on Instagram or Caring Bridge sites… I looked for some kind of inspirational quote or scripture to include in this post, but they all seemed trite. The truth is, there are no words.
Let’s just pray, ok?
E
I was in the middle of booking Disney reservations when I read your post – and now I can’t finish. Maybe tomorrow. This was a good reminder to stop taking everyday for granted….prayers to all of these families whose lives have been turned completely upside in seconds.
oh my goodness. I can’t even click on any of those links. We cling to a hope that God is working all things for good, that our holiness is more important than our comfort. and may these families see Him at work in their lives, especially now.
I found out about the story of Ryan last night and I couldn’t sleep. Sometimes this life scares the shit out of me. I mean, it was just a second of being in the wrong place and suddenly it’s over. I don’t understand. I guess I’ll never understand until I go home to be with Jesus (which I hope is a long long time away). But my heart aches. I cried on my way to work this morning. I wish there were something I could do.