inspired

Losing a loved one to death is a painful experience, no doubt about it.

My dear friend Becky went home to her Heavenly Father last Thursday while giving birth to her second daughter.

I remember hearing the news that night and almost couldn’t even believe it was real. What a tragedy! She was leaving behind her love of her life, the sweetest little 3 year old, and now this precious newborn baby.

I am not going to lie, I struggled with many “whys?” in my head. I mean, it didn’t and doesn’t make sense.. at least to us.

But, the course of this week brought so many things that have changed my outlook on her death… and has inspired me to live my own life differently.

As friends and family began to mourn the loss of sweet Becky, so many stories were told about her. Details of her life that many didn’t know. She was such a giving, kind-hearted person… but one of those awesome people that gave and gave without a spotlight. She did it because she truly loved people and loved God.

She was currently in school studying Theology… and everything she was learning for her degree was firing up her soul. So many stories of how great of a faith this woman had! And how she wanted to share those truths about God with others.

She was as incredible mom. As I played for a little with her three year old this week one on one, I could see the evidence of that. Her daughter is amazing.

She was a loving wife. I know she loved her husband big time, I mean you could tell by the way she looked at him. But, after hearing so many stories this week, I am so inspired by her example as a Godly wife.

The list could on really about my friend. But probably the biggest thing that has impacted me this week, was hearing of the way she prepared for this. She had some complications in her pregnancy, but no one expected this outcome. Becky was prepared for it. She had written journals to her girls, letters to her family, made memory books, and most importantly had prepared her own heart.

She told her husband as they walked in the hospital that day, she was at peace. She was ok with whatever might happen.

That’s what got me.

If she could accept and trust in God, that He had a great purpose for this (which I believe He does), then I can too. I don’t have to know all of the answers why. I don’t have to try and rationalize why. I just have to trust.. just like Becky did.

And it’s not going to be easy, its not going to happen overnight. But there is a promise of peace, just like Becky had.

I love this quote from Louie Giglio…

“Jesus told us, in John 16:33, that we are all going to come to the place where life hurts most. Pain. Tragedy. Sorrow. And when someone we love is hurting, Christianity cannot always be reduced to a simple answer. You can’t put everything on a bumper-sticker. Just because we’re Christians doesn’t mean we have all the answers and always know what to say. But Jesus, in that same verse, promised us He would never leave us. God will be faithful. True. And, ultimately, He promises joy. Peace. Hope, when life hurts most.”

Even this week I read the story of Lazarus in John 11. Jesus understood the pain of losing someone close to His heart, he lost a dear friend. Jesus was deeply moved and wept. This story, however, doesn’t end in tears. Jesus knew He possessed the power needed to raise Lazarus from the dead. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die” (John 11:25).

Last night at Becky’s service, her brother shared from her little Bible that she kept in her wallet. It actually had post it’s for several verses and notes written out from Becky. He shared, through her notes, that Jesus overcame death for us. He took that price for us! We just have to believe He is who said He is. We have to believe this is real stuff.

And for me, it comforting to know that death is not the end for those who believe.

Those who know Jesus as Savior will have eternal life (John 10:28).

God has prepared a new home for us where there will be no more death, tears or pain (Revelation 21:1-4).

And that is where Becky is today. Save a place for me ok my friend?

Thank you to my friend for inspiring me to live my life to the fullest. For showing me that I need to be focusing my time on things that matter. Thank you for encouraging me to truly love others… even without anyone noticing. Thank you for showing me what a Godly wife and mom looks like. And the biggest thank you, for giving us truth… even after you have left this world… the things you wanted to share in your little Bible, the key to true living, was shared last night.  You will be missed my sweet friend!

For those of you that loved Becky too, I leave with you this verse. It’s actually the exact verse/version she had copied down and displayed at home.

“I am leaving you with a gift, peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is not like the peace the world gives, so do not be troubled or afraid.”  – John 14:27

If you want to know about the peace that Becky was talking about and the one that she possessed, please ask anytime. I would love to share with you.