Sweet Peace

Courtesy Jill Hollis Photography

This summer  I have been featuring stories from readers' lives. 

Today I am awaiting news of a dear friend in the faith, Debbie King. Yesterday we received word that she is reaching the end of her battle with cancer, and is 'ready to go home and be with the Lord'.  

It is Debbie's own story that is helping me walk this path of grief.  I wanted to share a bit of her story, in her words, with you. 

Debbie writes: "15 years ago I received the call that no parent ever wants to receive. Three of my four children were killed instantly in an auto accident on their way to school. My life changed at that point forever and will never be the same. 

We went through that week literally being carried by the Lord. As I walked into McLain & Hayes Funeral home that day and saw three caskets lined up across the front of the chapel I knew in my heart that my children were not there but it was merely their bodies in the caskets; they were resting in the arms of Jesus. As Seth’s Aunt began to play “It is well with my Soul” on the piano I knew that ALL was well with my childrens' souls, so therefore all was OK with me. 

Then as I walked into Noxapater Gym that day and saw three caskets lined up across the front among thousands of flowers and more people than the gym or Noxapater could hold….Great peace came over me as I felt the love pouring out to me & my family. 

I am not saying the years have been easy. The grief and stress from that traumatic day has, I feel, played a part in my fighting cancer. I fought to live on October 17, 1995… I fought to live January 2007-August 2008 [and again in July 2011]. But if I die tomorrow I know I will be with my Savior and my children. Peace….Yes, sweet peace!!

When my head hits my pillow the peace flows because of not what I know but WHO I know. On this side of Glory I’m incomplete and there will always be that part of me missing, but one day soon I will be whole again!"

Who has not experienced the pain of loss? At some point in our lives, we will all walk the path of grief. The question is, will we walk it utilizing what we know, or Who we know?  

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Courtesy Jill Hollis Photography

Dear Father God,

We claim the promise that 'weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning'. (Psalm 30:5b). 
We ask for your comfort and your peace to be with us, and those families that are right now experiencing the loss of a loved one. We thank you that you are our refuge and strength, a very present help in our times of trouble. (Psalm 46:1) 

Please help us to support those in grief with compassion, patience, and graciousness. 

In Jesus' Name, Amen

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