I knew when I saw my Dad's number pop up on my cell phone that someone had died. My grandparents have not been in good health for a while now and it was because of their declining health that we visited Arkansas last Thanksgiving. So, it was natural for me to assume that one of my Dad's parents had passed when I saw his number. You see, my Dad and I have not had many conversations in the last several years. To say our relationship has been strained is a tad of an understatement.
Still, when my Dad told me that it was my step-mother that had died and not one of my grandparents my heart broke. Immediately I asked about my sister then all I could muster out was "Dad, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry."
I got in touch with Luke who was enjoying a rare guys afternoon out at the movie. He came home immediately and I began searching for flights.
The 4th of July holiday meant inflated ticket prices. The least I could get there for was $478. For that price, we could all go (by car). Luke and I decided over the phone that all of us would make the trip.
I called my Dad and told him I was packing at that we would be there some time the next day. "You don't need to load up all those kids in the car that long," he stated.
"Dad, I'm coming either way. If you'd prefer the kids not to come because they'd be in the way, I'm okay with that. But, it's your call."
"I'd love to see my grandbabies," his voice said with a crack. We hung up and I continued packing for the seven of us to make a last minute trip across the state of Tennessee.
At 9pm EST we pulled out. We drove all night while the kids slept, Luke and I taking turns sleeping. We arrived at my Dad's house a little after 8:00am CST.
The details of my step-mother's death are ones that I am choosing to keep private, but she did dies of natural causes in her sleep. My sister found her body the next morning while my Dad was gone fishing. I can't imagine the images that will haunt my sister's mind for the rest of her life.
She and my step-mom were close. Best friends, in fact. They were like two peas in a pod. My step-mom did a great job training up my sister to be a woman who loves the Lord. Both my sister and step-mom attended church regularly and were believers in Jesus. I know that my step-mom is dancing on the streets of heaven now, worshiping our Lord and for that I take comfort. But, my heart aches deeply for my sister.
She's 16 and not only lost her mother but her best friend. She's 16 and has the rest of her life to endure without her mother cheering her on. She's 16 and in her future lies graduations, weddings and the births of her children. She's 16 and has her entire life ahead of her, without the love and support that only a mother can provide.
But, with all of that said, I know that God is sovereign. I know that He knows His perfect will and how that includes my sister facing a life without her Mom. I can't begin to rationalize why God would allow my step-mom to die at this point in her life. I can't begin to understand why God knows that my sister will be closer to Him through it all. I can't understand because my mind is merely human and God's mind is all knowing.
But I can believe and I can trust and I can encourage and love her the best I know how from this far away. I can be on my knees, begging God to send her someone she can confide in, trust and fill a small piece of the void she must feel. I can beseech the most Holy God on behalf of my sister and dad and pray for His mercy and love to fill their hearts.
God is good no matter our present circumstances. I pray that you will join me in lifting up a hurting daughter before the King of Kings and a broken man who desperately needs a relationship with the One who can heal all wounds.
Thank you friends.
Still, when my Dad told me that it was my step-mother that had died and not one of my grandparents my heart broke. Immediately I asked about my sister then all I could muster out was "Dad, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry."
I got in touch with Luke who was enjoying a rare guys afternoon out at the movie. He came home immediately and I began searching for flights.
The 4th of July holiday meant inflated ticket prices. The least I could get there for was $478. For that price, we could all go (by car). Luke and I decided over the phone that all of us would make the trip.
I called my Dad and told him I was packing at that we would be there some time the next day. "You don't need to load up all those kids in the car that long," he stated.
"Dad, I'm coming either way. If you'd prefer the kids not to come because they'd be in the way, I'm okay with that. But, it's your call."
"I'd love to see my grandbabies," his voice said with a crack. We hung up and I continued packing for the seven of us to make a last minute trip across the state of Tennessee.
At 9pm EST we pulled out. We drove all night while the kids slept, Luke and I taking turns sleeping. We arrived at my Dad's house a little after 8:00am CST.
The details of my step-mother's death are ones that I am choosing to keep private, but she did dies of natural causes in her sleep. My sister found her body the next morning while my Dad was gone fishing. I can't imagine the images that will haunt my sister's mind for the rest of her life.
She and my step-mom were close. Best friends, in fact. They were like two peas in a pod. My step-mom did a great job training up my sister to be a woman who loves the Lord. Both my sister and step-mom attended church regularly and were believers in Jesus. I know that my step-mom is dancing on the streets of heaven now, worshiping our Lord and for that I take comfort. But, my heart aches deeply for my sister.
She's 16 and not only lost her mother but her best friend. She's 16 and has the rest of her life to endure without her mother cheering her on. She's 16 and in her future lies graduations, weddings and the births of her children. She's 16 and has her entire life ahead of her, without the love and support that only a mother can provide.
But, with all of that said, I know that God is sovereign. I know that He knows His perfect will and how that includes my sister facing a life without her Mom. I can't begin to rationalize why God would allow my step-mom to die at this point in her life. I can't begin to understand why God knows that my sister will be closer to Him through it all. I can't understand because my mind is merely human and God's mind is all knowing.
But I can believe and I can trust and I can encourage and love her the best I know how from this far away. I can be on my knees, begging God to send her someone she can confide in, trust and fill a small piece of the void she must feel. I can beseech the most Holy God on behalf of my sister and dad and pray for His mercy and love to fill their hearts.
God is good no matter our present circumstances. I pray that you will join me in lifting up a hurting daughter before the King of Kings and a broken man who desperately needs a relationship with the One who can heal all wounds.
Thank you friends.