Memorials

I have always loved Easter Sunday. A day to celebrate our Savior’s triumphant resurrection, His defeat over death. It’s the reason for our hope—long term and day to day. This Easter has held even more significance as I reflect on the gospel, knowing that it’s because of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection that I will see Elizabeth Grace again. I am so thankful for His gift.

These weeks since losing Elizabeth have not been easy, but God has continued to be faithful. His sustaining power and presence are undeniable. And this is not some crutch that I’m leaning on to get me through—not some illusion I’ve bought into because of desperation. Oh, I am desperate for Him, but it’s because I know how real He is. This life here on earth is full of pain and ugly. Babies shouldn’t be born with fatal birth defects and parents shouldn’t have to watch their child struggle for breath. This is not how it’s supposed to be. So we long for heaven and cling to the Father, knowing that the trials are always for our good (James 1:2-4) and His glory. That He is sovereign over all things and fully trustworthy. This testing of my faith has driven me closer to the Lord and I have found Him to not only be there, but to be good. He has revealed Himself in ways I never could have never known and has comforted like I could not have imagined. I am so thankful for His love.

Please continue to pray for us. Onan and I are overwhelmed with the sympathy that has been expressed by so many, the gifts given to us in honor of Elizabeth Grace. We were blown away by the number of people who attended her memorial service and so grateful to our pastor for boldly proclaiming the gospel. My husband teaches and coaches at a large public school and so many of his co-workers and fellow coaches came—not to mention just about every baseball player at the school. Truly amazing and humbling to have all of these precious young guys come up to hug us after the service. It’s something I will never forget. Here are a few pictures from the service…















We also shared a slide show at the service. A family friend has recently added a few more pictures and put together this beautiful video for us: