As I walk this path of grief I am learning new things.
I struggle with the dichotomy of joy, that Elijah is with Jesus,
and deep anguish because I miss him.
But I am learning.
If I really believe what I say I do, then there is no dichotomy.
Church was beautiful. Thomas and Christian, 2 of Elijah's friends, shared a medley, "Worn". The words to the first part were from , "Cry to Jesus."
Oh how often I have cried out to Jesus;
pleaded with the Author of the Universe that this is NOT my path. . .
Yet what am I crying?
Will I only take the good that He has to offer? That when the tough stuff comes. . .
I am out of here?
What am I crying?
Today was also a day for new life.
We celebrated baptisms.
A great grandpa baptizing his great grandson.
What a testimony. What an honor.
And here is the group.
There is a gift in this group.
A touch from Heaven.
One of these entered the waters of baptism after giving their life to Jesus at Elijah's funeral.
They heard the call and answered "yes" to eternal life.
What a gift of grace for my family.
How incredibly humbling. . .
that the same Author of the Universe that called
my son home. . .also called a new believer into the Kingdom.
That. . . is wild Grace.
September 22, 2009
Elijah's Testimony:
I accepted Jesus Christ into my heart when I was five or six. I don't really remember exactly how I felt, but I remember knowing for certain that this was an important event. and that it was wise to pay attention. I said a prayer with my mom and ever since I have been working to build a relationship with God. It hasn't been easy, especially in public school, but in the middle of 7th grade my mom decided to home school me for the rest of that year and the next. Being home schooled really gave me some time to reflect on how I had been acting in public school, and how I needed to act when I went back. The transition from homeschooling back to public school this year has been a little difficult, but a friend of mine showed me a verse that is wonderful to say in your head when there is so much going on and you're overwhelmed. Matthew 6:34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it's own.
Ephesians 2:8
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--
and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--
How sweet that the Father has enlarged His kingdom and called this one to Himself. We are all bought with a price. It seems that this one, though, was bought with a double price. Yet I'm sure that Elijah was rejoicing with the angels over this one who has repented. Indeed--wild grace.
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We will be In That Number.
One Love,
A&N
Hi Tammy - so glad you are writing. Your very frank question above prompts in me my own answer: we cry because we miss the Lord's provision of the great comfort of human love. His love is deeper, longer, stronger yet not meant to be as tangible, intimate and accessible as a hug from a son, or a spouse. That's how He made us. It was not good for the man to be alone. Our grief does not denigrate His love, it affirms the wisdom of the One who "sets the lonely in families".
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