Yesterday, we watched our sweet friends do something that no Mommy or Daddy should ever have to do…bury their sweet baby…their precious first born son. It was heartbreaking and seemed so unfair.
But, Dr. David Shibley, the amazing man that led part of the service, said it beautifully. He said, “Because of Jesus Christ, our pain is all wrapped up in promise!” Promise that sweet Smith is in Heaven. Promise that, if we believe, we will get to see him one day. And, promise that, in his too short 11 days of life, he fulfilled God’s purpose for him.
Dr. Shibley reminded us that in that week and a half, people were brought to pray at the throne of God in a way that would not have been done otherwise…and that the outpouring of faith, hope and love during that time was indescribable.
Ephesians 4:20 says, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory…” Even though we would have hoped that Jesus had chosen to heal Smith and give him a long life on earth, He knew that this was was His way of doing immeasurably more.
So, since Smith’s passing on the 10th of May, my prayers have changed from “heal his body…may this little man be a living miracle...” to “continue to change people through the short life that he lived…may they see Your face in the situation and in his sweet family…may they HAVE to know You because of this little man and his testimony!”
When I hugged Kori at the funeral (with my BIG and very obvious belly in our way), I grieved with her. And, even though pain and heartache is obviously there, the peace and strength that she exudes (especially as she spoke so beautifully at her son’s funeral) could only come from her precious relationship with Jesus Christ.
It is true that I am better for knowing her and her family, and I am very thankful for her friendship. Sadly, Smith & Nash won’t be the “cool buddies” that we were dreaming of them being, but I’m thankful that they’ll get to meet in Heaven one day. And, I can rest assured that playgroups are much more fun there anyway.
…Please continue to pray for this family. They are precious to us and I want them to truly experience the peace that surpasses all understanding. (Philippians 4:7)
6 comments:
I didn't realize that baby Smith went to be with his Father. I'm so sorry for his family. I'll be praying for them and all of those he changed while he was on Earth. Praise God for the day when we will all be reunited.
Such a heartache for this family and all who are close to them. Praying for peace for them all.
Hello there. You dont know me. I read your blog every now and then. A friend of mine found it a while back and showed it to me.
I recently had a miscarriage. The situation is different but I have lost a child, too.
Some perspective God gave me during this time is about something you touched on in this post - His purpose for our lives.
Scripture tells us that we had a purpose and God knew us before we were in our mothers womb. Ecc also tells us that our spirits come from God and return to Him.
The perspective I think He gave me is this:
We tend to measure how much God loves us, or how much He blesses us...or His purpose for us by the way we get to live THIS life - in the flesh. The thing is, is this life in the flesh is only part of it...and a very small part of it, at that. And, some of us dont ever get to or have to live this life. We dont need to and our purpose goes much further than this life.
My baby came into the natural but was never 'born.' I have no doubt that some of her purpose was fulfilled through the events that took place and a lot of that had to do with me...but I also know that she still has purpose. We all do after we "die." She is still a Son and she will still reign with Him one day. Thats all of our purposes, really. To reign as fully mature Sons of God. She still is loved by God. She still is blessed.
I dont think my baby's purpose has been fulfilled. Our spirits have no beginning and no end, just like God from whom they came. Our purpose, then, I believe is the same way.
People may say, 'I'm sorry your baby didnt get to live.' The truth is, she does live and she did get to be. She is.
She's with God just like Smith with so much more to come for them.
Its comforting.
I enjoy your blog. Prayers for your friends in their loss.
Tears. My heart just aches for them and I realize more and more how miraculous my little Calla is.
Thank you for sharing this with us. It sounds like an amazing service and family. It is so hard to walk alongside friends when they lose a child; but, for me, it has been AMAZING to see what God does in the lives of the parents and others through dark circumstances.
I work in the NICU, and a wonderful book you could give them/recommend is called, "Big George: The Autobiography of an Angel." It's the story of an angel in disguise as a preemie in the NICU. I have given it to many parents who have been through the loss of their baby. It is very inspirational and helps heal the heart. :) I'd be more than happy to send you a copy to give them if you are at all interested. It is no longer in print and hard to come across. Just email me at jessie102279@yahoo.com if you'd like a copy.
Jessie
we have been praying for their family and sweet baby smith. heartbroken and continuing prayers for healing.
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