Life is hard, God is good

I met a real warrior a little over four years ago. Her name was Emily. 

On my birthday, four years ago, my husband came in from work upset. His coworker had walked in his office that day and said his daughter was taken to Children's Hospital for some testing about bruises on her legs. Sometime during supper that night his friend called back to say Emily had Leukemia.

This morning I think back on the last four years and what their witness has taught me. I think what Emily's mission has taught me.  For four years we were friends that sat on the sidelines and watched a family fight.  We watched in awe at times as their faith grew and never waivered. 

Brian was our fix it friend. If we had a tree down he was there using a chainsaw. Before we owned a truck, Brian was the pickup truck driver. He has installed every appliance I have at my house. The new oven is only in my kitchen because of Brian and God. He would tell you the same. No matter what is going on in his world he is the guy who wants to fix. Most recently he has been the consultant by text on our bathroom remodel. Michele and I have learned to be the wives that don't call repair men. We are wives very grateful that the men in our lives have each other. Brian and the kids have been in the stands watching my kids play ball in cold and in heat. You see even in the midst of great trail, they showed us how to be friends. 

Emily, age 11, left this world Sunday and was immediately in the presence of her creator who she knew and wrote about. Emily was an author. She wrote Picnic Pals when she was first diagnosed. Her heart and mission was to feed hungry children. Emily's mission became reality when her book was published. All proceeds from her book go to feed hungry children. 

http://childcrynyc.org/shop_with_a_purpose_books-picnic.php

Most recently she wrote another book that will also be published and the proceeds will continue her mission. You see she was a warrior for Christ. Never circumstances. Never test results. Never numbers discouraged her mission. We may never know the seeds or harvest from this child's life but we do know her witness. Her witness to me personally has been at times life changing, eye opening and convicting. 

but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men. (Lamentations 3:32-33 ESV)

I read these verses and I know this. He causes grief. He afflicts. But it is in a merciful purpose.Oh grief is not without mercy. Even if we don't know or see.

My son said it best the other night. He said, "Mommy this is good and hard." My reply was, "yes and only Jesus makes it both." Only God can make things that are so hard and so good at the same time. Today please pray as we celebrate the life of this child. Keep their family in your prayers and thank Him for making the hard good.