The memory has been sitting on my heart… heavily, I suppose. It was a beautiful moment, and it keeps calling me to prayer… day after day… hour upon hour.
She courageously left her hat back at her seat as she slowly made her way up for communion. Her family surrounded her… but her eight year old daughter especially caught my eye as she hopped on one shiny, patent leather shoe. She held her other foot just lightly off the ground, as to not dirty her white lace cuffed sock, and she leaned… just a bit towards her mother for balance. And with a sense of love so desperate that I could feel it, Kathy laid her hand upon her daughter’s cheek. Those slender fingers, once strong but now frail, spoke a lifetime to my heart. And in that instant, my own heart cried out for healing louder than it ever had before. They stood as a family... receiving the body and blood of Jesus... and the ache in my heart worked itself in a little deeper.
That day… plays vividly through my mind… and my knowledge of her courage and joy for each precious day attempt to cover my tears. In one selfish moment my heart cries out that I could not bear to lose another friend... and in the next... I am ashamed that I could even put myself into the equation. And with grace... God brings to me the real reason I pray for healing. The husband who adores her. The children who rely on her love for comfort, strength, example, and... balance. Her family... who can not bear the thought of her not being by their side in this lifetime. I don’t know if my prayers will be answered in the way I hope for… but I know that He hears me. And I know… that each and every day is a gift.
14 comments :
Oh wow Dawn. Takes my breath away.
Yes, He hears.
The longing for heaven and a day without the pain of loss and illness gets stronger...and that's not a bad thing.
Have a great Thursday.
Oh, my. My prayer is for you and them.
I am part of a Bible study by Beth Moore right now, on the book of Daniel. And I am reminded of her words-- sometimes He delivers us from the fire. Sometimes He delivers us through the fire. And sometimes He delivers us BY the fire-- into His waiting arms.
Whatever God is doing with your precious friend, He is delivering her. And He is delivering you as well.
He sees. He knows. He loves.
In her Daniel Bible study, Beth Moore talks about God's deliverance.
Sometimes He delivers us from the fire.
Sometimes He delivers us through the fire.
And sometimes He delivers us BY the fire-- right into His arms.
I don't know what God's plans are for your friend. But He will deliver her, of that I am certain. And He will deliver you too.
He sees. He knows. He loves.
Beautifully written. Your gift of writing touches my heart!! Sending a prayer your way!
So touching. These life/death instances are never easy...the hardest part of life is the thought of not having it anymore.
Thoughts and prayers to Kathy and her family.
Beautiful post, Dawn....praying for your friend and her family.
What a beautiful, heart breaking post.
I'm sure your prayer is heard. Aren't they all?
The story of your friend Kathy and her family is heartbreaking. I am praying for them...and for you, too.
He does hear, and each day is a gift...My prayers are with you, your friend and her family...
Everyday is a gift and we forget that! Don't we?
sandy toe
These things just break my heart and defy understanding sometimes.
You are such a beautiful soul.
This was as sad as it was hopeful.
I so think that learning that each and every day is a gift is the best way to live life. As a Christian. And as a person.
Post a Comment