Saturday was a day full of celebration for our family. It was such a blessing to celebrate Owen's third birthday and reflect on how far he has come this year. I will post pictures of his birthday, but it feels weird to do that without first honoring the life of a sweet little girl who was buried that same day. I never met Claire, but her mother and I were close friends and running buddies in high school and I've followed her caring bridge page and joined an army of prayer warriors for this sweet little girl and her parents. Sometimes our prayers aren't answered in the way we desire and God called Claire home last week. Please please please pray for the Ratliff family as they continue down the difficult road that has been laid before them. They have been true examples of God's love and faith throughout this terrible journey. Even now, they march on through their grief and continue to raise support and awareness for a cure for cancer. They are an inspiration to many and my heart absolutely breaks for them.
There were many, many, many times (too many to count) before we walked to the starting line of a cross country race that Emily, myself, and five other girls would stand, hold hands, pray for strength in the coming race, and recite the second part of this verse. It only seems fitting that I pray this verse for them now. May He give strength to them in their weariness. May He catch them when they stumble and fall, and most of all, may the days seem short until they too soar on wings like eagles and join their little girl in His kingdom.
Isaiah 40:18-31
"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
There were many, many, many times (too many to count) before we walked to the starting line of a cross country race that Emily, myself, and five other girls would stand, hold hands, pray for strength in the coming race, and recite the second part of this verse. It only seems fitting that I pray this verse for them now. May He give strength to them in their weariness. May He catch them when they stumble and fall, and most of all, may the days seem short until they too soar on wings like eagles and join their little girl in His kingdom.
Isaiah 40:18-31
"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
(Pic from Claire's caringbridge page.)
Oh that verse. People love to quote the end of it, but I find the beginning to be just for me. I'm so sorry for this terrible loss. You and I know the tightrope we walk between health and illness. To fall off that tightrope and still have the tenacity to cling to your faith and trust God despite the pit, well... that's amazing. I'll be praying for this family. My heart goes out to them.
ReplyDeleteRachel, I have been "away" from your blog because of my computer issues, but reading this today has brought tears afresh for this family, for the loss everyone feels so deeply when angels are called home to their Savior at such a young age. I take great hope and comfort from the promises God gives in your scriptures here. I will pray for her family and friends as they walk through grief while still knowing God is faithful to us all. I cherish my grandchildren and am praying for this sweet angel's family as though they were my own.
ReplyDeleteI have been "away" from your blog because of computer issues, but this day I am reading last weekend's post and finding great strength in the scriptures you shared. May this sweet angel's family and friends find comfort, peace, and encouragement in all the love and prayers shared. I cherish my own grandchildren and am praying for her family as though they were my own. May God continue to help you find ways to encourage your friend through this terrible journey.
ReplyDelete