Sunday, May 31, 2009

Does Jesus Care?



I've sat down to the computer more than a few times....and then I get up again, having written nothing. I simply can't think of what to say. Or how to say it.

I was all prepared to come home yesterday from our Chicago trip and share all the fun that we had there--pictures of the zoo, and of the boys fishing with Grandpa--but that whole plan changed when life itself changed in a major way yesterday morning.

If you haven't already seen on Facebook, my sister- and brother-in-law lost their sweet newborn baby girl yesterday morning. Aimee went into labor in the middle of the night; they went to the hospital pretty quickly, because her water had broken; everything was seemingly going along just fine; and then: BAM. Life changed. Something went south....and Aimee was rushed into an emergency C-section to deliver the baby. But, as God had planned it (and in Aimee's own words), by that time, she was already in His arms.

I feel so fortunate that we, by God's design, were up in Chicago visiting this week, and got a chance to see Aimee, Roger, and the baby yesterday before heading back home. It was an unbelievably difficult day; but I know that I will forever be thankful that I got to hold that sweet baby girl. Even if it was only for a few moments.

Aimee and Roger are doing incredibly well. Their faith and testimony has been so encouraging. They know that this, as hard as it is, was God's perfect design for their family.

Still....there is incredible sadness. I, for one, have been able to think of little else since we got that call yesterday morning. My heart is so, so heavy. So are the hearts of many others: our entire family, Aimee's family, and so many friends that are close with Aimee and Roger. I will grieve this loss for days and days. For months.

I can not physically imagine being in their shoes at this moment.

Yet, I can tell you one very certain thing: if I were ever in this situation, I hope and pray that God would give me the grace and strength that He is providing Roger and Aimee right now. They are just being such a light for Christ in this dark world.

God says that He will never, ever give us more than we can handle. To me, that just proves their deep strength in Christ--He knew that, as difficult that this situation would be for the two of them, that they would be able to handle it. Because their faith, their trust, their hope is in Him.

The God of all comfort.

Please, if you haven't already, be in prayer for our family. Especially for Aimee and Roger--that their hearts would heal and that Christ will draw so near to them and would comfort them. And, thank you to the ones who have already been praying. Your comments, emails, and messages mean more than you know.

This morning in church for the offering, I played the song "Does Jesus Care?" with tears streaming down my face. I don't really know, quite honestly, how I even got through it--I could barely see the notes through the blurriness of my own tears. But the chorus of this song just encourages me so much that I wanted to share it. No matter what you may be going through in your own life right now, Jesus sees. He knows. And, he cares about what is going on.

Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
too deeply for mirth and song?
As the burdens press, and the cares distress
and the way grows weary and long?

Oh yes, He cares--
I know He cares!
His heart is touched with my grief.
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.

19 comments:

SarahMerritt said...

I am so sorry for their loss (and yours)I pray God will comfort you and them.
Sarah

Julie said...

I still can't even imagine it... Still praying for you all.

Nancy said...

Devin, I was so saddened to hear the news this morning. We are praying for your family and especially Aimee and Roger at this time.

Hugs, Nancy

Jana said...

Devin, I have been praying continually since I found out last night. My husband and I immediately began praying for comfort and peace for Aimee and Roger. I can not imagine what their pain feels like but you are so right in the fact that Jesus never gives us more than we can bear. Please keep us updated so we know how to continually pray.

Carolyn said...

Devin,

Your words so gently expressed the pain and confusion mixed in with faith and simple but difficult trust that your family must be experiencing.

Continuing to pray for peace and the strength to make it through one day at a time.

With love,
Carolyn

Amanda Hoyt said...

Devin,
I am so sorry to hear this news. I will be praying for all of you during this most difficult time.
Your post was very moving - as we all have wondered - yes, Jesus cares and is with us always.
Hugs,
Amanda

Kathy said...

Words do no justice. My heart continues to hurt. I so long for the day when we will see no more of this. Sometimes it's too much.

Please email when you can and let me know how you are friend.

In prayer.

I'm so profoundly sorry.
Hope to talk soon.

My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. -Psalm 119:50-

Its A Corny Life... said...

Oh Devin, my heart is broken for your family. I am so sorry for this incredible loss. You are all in our prayers.

Elizabeth said...

Praying for your family during this difficult time. Thank you for sharing with us so that even a "stranger" like myself can pray for you.

In Christ Who is Our Hope,
Elizabeth Esther

The Murray Crew said...

Devin, I feel like someone punched me in the stomach reading this...I'm praying tonight and will continue to pray in the days ahead. His Grace is Sufficient...

Warmly,
Jen and the Crew

Molly said...

Devin,

I am so sorry and praying with all my heart for your entire family, especially Roger and Aimee.

It has to be one of the most painful losses imaginable. But, as you have said, and I can wholeheartedly agree, God gives you the grace to make it through.

Praying for comfort and peace,
Molly

Jen said...

Dev-
We just got back from our trip and I read your post. I am so sorry! What a testimony that Aimee and Roger are trusting in God during this difficult time. I will pray for you and your family. If you need an ear or anything else, I'm right around the corner!

Jen

Julie said...

Still praying dear friend.

Lori said...

Devin, you are so right - God will never makes us go through something that we are not strong enough to handle, especially when we are in his arms. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this time of loss - hugs!

Lori

Hannah said...

Devin,
I have no words, but my heart is breaking for your whole family.
I am so, so glad that you could be there and could "meet" this baby girl. I know that was such an important and meaningful blessing for us--that most of our family could come to hold our baby the only time she would physically be with us.
Keeping you all in prayer...
Hannah

Sharon said...

I will be praying for your family! That song is one of my favorites.

Shaye said...

Praying for you and your family.

jillybean said...

Been thinking and praying for you and Aimee. It's hard to make sense, but I love that hymn that you posted. I don't think I've heard that song in many years. It's amazing how differently the words hit me now as opposed to when I was a teen. Thank you for sharing this post!

Kenzie said...

OH, MY PRECIOUS FRIEND!! I am so sorry!! I haven't been reading blogs too much lately and then your comment- I had to come here immediately. Oh, the most terrible news... I'm so sorry for your loss, for that of Aimee and Roger and their little ones... PLEASE know that you can call me anytime. I am just shocked... I'm so sorry Devin.

I love you girl and am praying!!
Kenz