She walked away from me after one last hug, curly hair bouncing merrily, face confidant, dark eyes twinkling with excited anticipation. Our 18 year-old daughter Jacqui was ready to soar, and I almost sensed wings fluttering as she sauntered towards her new college dorm. I dried my tears as my heart filled with joy at the sight of our perfectly happy girl. How could I weep over my loss when she was fulfilling her dream and embarking on this new adventure?
Should I react differently for James?
Two years ago I gave him one last hug before he soared to heaven, squeezed him tightly, kissed his delicious face, and let him go. It was not my choice. God called him and we were forced to relinquish our treasure. But he lives now perfectly happy, filled to overflowing with endless joy. He is not homesick for earth as he relishes the majesty and brilliance of eternity. I must wipe my tears away and focus on him, intensely preoccupied with his Father's business, soaring free, angel wings fluttering in accompaniment.
So now I get to tell his story. Yesterday I sat with microphone before me, headphones pressed against my ears, radio waves transporting the message I always imagined he would one day relate. But those were my plans. I serve a Master who does all things well, who is faithful and true, who never makes a mistake. As He supplies the grace, I will share James' story with any willing to be reminded of the hope Christ provides, regardless of the good-byes he calls us to endure.
Copyright 2008 Moody Radio
From the program: Chris Fabry Live
posted by Elizabeth on 8/21/2008
6 Comments:
Elizabeth, I am so glad John sent me the link for your book and I found your interview. You are doing a wonderful thing to turn this loss into a way to minister to others.
bivra jo casey
Bivra Jo Casey,
Thank you for your kind comments. I am so glad you listened in and were blessed by it. I am humbled to know that God can take our difficult circumstances and use it to encourage others. May He continue to use you to be a blessing to others as well.
With love
Elizabeth
Dearest Elizabeth,
What an amazing light you shine into the darkness of grief.
Well done sister, well done!
Love, Pegi
Pegi,
You are a sister to me. Thank you for all your love and the way you lift my spirits.
I love you
Elizabeth
I subscribed to this podcast in iTunes back in early 2007 when I was going thru hard times and loss. I longed for Fridays when a new episode and blog came out. Without it, I dare say I would not have had the strength to face the day during that period. My trial and loss was nothing compared to you but In coming to this site, I felt I had access to someone who knew what loss was all about and was able to turn that experience into something that helped others. There's plenty of advice out there but little with the pedigree of this site. Thank you for being faithful in what God entrusted to you. It was good to hear a father's perspective in your latest podcast on Moody.
How incredible to hear from you and to know you have been listening in to our story since 2007. I am so glad to learn how the Lord ministered to you when you were walking through difficult days. I pray that He will continue to encourage your heart and that as He draws you to Himself you in turn will be a source of blessing to others.
Elizabeth
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