This lesson came as many of them do - right in the midst of a conversation with one of my children.
Eveley was getting ready to watch one of her favorite movies. One she has seen at least a dozen times.
She confided that she was nervous to watch it again because she feared the main character would get hurt in a dangerous scene.
"Why are you so fearful?" I asked. "You know how the story ends."
"Exactly," I heard the Spirit whisper to me.
*******
January is a difficult month. It hasn't always been this way, of course. My Januarys were typically consumed with picking out the perfect new calendar, tidying up the closets and labeling the playroom bins, and vowing to exercise more, eat better, and lose a few pounds.
But for the past few years, Januarys have become, frankly, very daunting. I dread them. After Christmas, I sort of feel as if life is at a standstill until the looming date of January 16 passes.
It was January 16, 2007, when our world forever changed. I was forced to say goodbye to our beautiful Robbie and to begin a journey more difficult than I could have ever imagined.
But it was also January 16, 2007, when our world forever changed, and I began to know Jesus in a way I had never imagined.
He held me so very close. He let me cry and yell. He listened to my heart struggling to find answers and explanations. He guarded my mind as it wandered down many dangerous paths, trying to unpack the tragedy. He displayed His power and goodness in soft and loud ways. And He gently reminded me of Truth.
"My grace is sufficient for you. For My power is made perfect in your weakness." I Cor. 12:9
"Death is swallowed up in victory. O, death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" I Cor. 15:54-55
"I have told you these things so that in Me, you shall have peace. In this world, you will have tribulations. But take heart. I have overcome the world!" John 16:33
"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." Rev. 21:4
Well, here it is. January 16, 2013.
"Why should I be fearful?" I ask myself. "I know how the story ends."
Maranatha.
13 comments:
Praying for you and your sweet family Lauren!
Love you! Maranatha!!!
We love you guys.
Your testimony is amazing. My heart was broken with you. In your journey, you have shown me that the Bible verse that states Jesus gives us a peace that passes all understanding is so true. My heart still breaks for you but only because I know you and Robbie are seperated for a time. I also rejoice with you because now I see that he has two brothers and two sisters he will get to meet in Heaven someday. Thank you so much for sharing this journey.
Now I remember why this day tugs at my heart...it started yesterday and for the life of me I couldn't remember why...I kept asking God!! Lauren you have shown such courage and love! Both you and Bobby have gotten me through Mikes death and my cancer by watching you. You have done it with so much grace! You guys set the bar for me...I know where to go to get the truth....I remember the day we sat under the pine tree in Tully and you both opened up to me and shared your experience, strength and hope..you have given all this to me! I love you all..and will be forever full of gratitude for both you and Bobby. Know that Robbie guides us all and is giving you
all his love today and everyday! xoxo
I thank you for always sharing your sweet moments. I was looking at pictures just yesterday of us on the cruise and looking back at the ones of us with Bradley. We had just gotten off the phone with Bob. Still to this day, if we need a good "talking to" or find ourselves in our own Pitty party we put in our cd of the memorial service and listen to the strength that God gave Bob that day.
Dionne
prayers for you today! i too have a month that i dread...mine is february. thanks for sharing the reminder about "the end of the story".
Love you. Miss him sooo much.
You inspire me everyday, Lauren. Kathy called you Superhuman today. I agreed, and then quickly realized that you just do what we're all called to do. You sincerely trust Him, immediately, honestly and completely. You never for a moment doubt Him. I admire that more than words can say.
This so touched my heart. I pray for you often that God will be with you each step. I have learned so much from you through you speaking at Union Grove and through your blog. Although we never fully understand God's plan we know this. His way is perfect. You will never know how many lives you have touched.
Praise God for a better ending than we could ever imagine! Praying for you.
Lauren
I loathe that you have had to deal with the pain and suffering of being seperated from Robbie for now. But I do know that The Lord has used you to shine light and faith to SO SO SO many people. I have told you many time before. You have influences my reliance on God more than anyone else. When I witnessed you trusting in Him and turning to Him in the deepest darkest moments of a mother's pain, I was reminded that I need to do that every single day. And while I always had faith, it was not like th faith I have now. You really are incredble.
Much love to you all in this tough month (it is almost over).
Love,
Kim
I don't know why I'm just now reading this blog post but I am. I'm so thankful for your beautiful family and your FAITH. Your faith is the most beautiful thing about you (and there are lots of beautiful things about you).
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