A Mother's Protection Is Limited

Shaken up! Natalie was just in an earthquake in San Diego. Everyone at camp is fine and they ended up having an amazing cross talk out in the field. My daughter's courage astounds me. She was a part of a cardboard confession where each person puts a life problem on 1 side of a piece of cardboard and God's solution on the other. Natalie put, 'My brother committed suicide 2 months ago' and 'God's grace and presence are getting me through' on the other. Powerful, courageous, intimate, incredible. God is using her loss to reach others.

Who was sitting on that field after hearing God's sacrifice on the cross, and made more vulnerable by an earthquake shaking things up? God knows just who was there and who needed  to hear each cardboard confession. Reaching others by openly sharing our pain is giving God a longer reach. Letting him touch others with our loss and the loving life our son led while we were blessed to have him with us. Ryan died too early all of us will agree, but God will draw us near to Him through our sorrow and pain.

I thank God for His incredible love of my children. My protection can't stand up to an earthquake or a shotgun, but He has each of them in His embrace.

'God, thank you for the time I had with Ryan and  the joy he brought into my life. Help me to be grateful for every moment I have with my other children, grandchildren and all those I love in this life. Thank you also for the hope that I have to be reunited with those who are gone in heaven. Be thankful in all things you say. Okay, I am thankful today that Natalie and the campers are okay. I am thankful that Ryan is in your presence and that I told him a million times how much I loved him.

In Him,
Joyful
6-14-2010