The tears that have since been shed for this family can not be counted. After crying in the shower for the third morning in a row, I've come to terms with the fact that it doesn't have to be a close loved one or friend to hurt like it is.
We love this family as if they are our family... and the truth is, they are. They're church family. They may have moved out of state last summer, but they never moved out of our hearts. The rallying of support and love around them has been incredible and I am proud to be part of a church body that gathers around their own in such a powerful way.
But there is no way to truly imagine what they are going through. Please pray for them. While we rejoice that Ryan is in heaven with Jesus, and that he gave life to two others through the donation of his kidneys, he will be missed forever here on earth, and by no one more so than his family.
Psalms 119:50 This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.
Psalm 73:26 My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 34:18 The Lord is close to those whose hearts have been broken. He saves those whose spirits have been crushed.
And let's make that DAY FOUR in a row of crying. Beautifully written my dear sister. I love our church family even more after this weekend!!
ReplyDeleteI cried all night saturday! and have cried each day, at least once, since! you're so right - it does not have to be a "close friend" or "family member" ... the past three years I have witnessed, from afar, a few people lose their children and it has crushed me each and every time, regardless of how well I knew them or if I had ever even met their children! I am in prayer each day for this family ... I can't imagine ... may God continue to cover them and hold them and bring comfort!
ReplyDeleteYes, amen, Sasha.
DeleteThanks honey...reduced to tears once again. This is beautiful, and I know this will bless and touch the family as well as others near and far. I too, am so proud to be a part of a Church body that gathers around their own in such a powerful way. Loving is giving. His promise, The Lord is near to all who call on Him , He is our strength and our comfort, He will never leave us or forsake us...He is our refuge ,our very present help in time
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Great Scriptures, Jodi. I have to not think to long about the whole thing or I would be crying most of the day. Love to the Kishpaughs and the whole family.
ReplyDeleteIam so sorry for your church family's loss, and for the family. I can relate to the pain as something similar happned to my best friend 3 years ago. It was awful, the pain, the grief, and the journey of recovery with some scars that will remain till we see heaven. Clinging to Jesus is the only way the family made it through. I'm glad you are all drawing near to the Lord. Praying he comforts all affected. It is beautiful that your church really does life together...the happy and the sad. Hugs.
ReplyDeletethank you so much for your words and encouragement! I don't know how people make it through at all without the Comforter to lean on. Glad your best friend had Him (and a friend like you).
DeleteIt has been awful Jodi! I look at my own little ones and my heart aches for Chad & Amanda and their family. I keep trying to understand with my mommy brain, but I keep just having to give it to God.
ReplyDeleteShawn
I know, me too. So hard.
DeleteYou said it so well Jodi...so did 1st time mommy. I keep hurting for Vicki, my friend, and Ryan's loving Grandmother.
ReplyDeleteOh, I am so, so sorry for your loss!! It just feels like a punch in the stomach to hear a little one's life has been taken so soon. I pray for God's comfort for you and your family and for Ryan's family. It's amazing that his life has given sustaining life to two other lives. What a gift he and his family have given.
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