Grief comes in waves of emotion. Even with the comfort of truth there are many tears and much fear. When people ask what they can do, we are not repeating trite words when we ask for prayer. We are counting on you to hold the ropes. We are counting on you to pray.
When I wake in the early morning darkness and feel calmness instead of rising panic, I will know you are praying.
When my family gathers around the table and there is soft laughter and easy conversation instead of more tears, we will know you are praying.
When my teenagers ask hard questions and we can answer with calm assurance, we will know you are praying.
When the heavy cloak of sadness is lifted enough for us to enjoy the moments we are given, we will know you are praying.
When our steps are weary and yet we do not stumble, do not falter, do not doubt–we will know you are praying.
When there are pieces of mercy–bits of good news, financial provision, acts of kindness shown–we will know you are praying.
If spiritual eyes are opened and the blind are made to see, we will know you are praying.
If my children move toward God instead of pulling away in confusion or bitter sadness, we will know you are praying.
When pain and darkness come and we are able to kiss the hand that brings them, we will know you are praying.
If Marissa is strengthened and enabled to walk this pilgrim journey with eyes of faith;
if she runs sure and strong down this appointed path to the finish line;
if she doesn’t doubt, walks without fear, leans hard on everlasting arms;
if joy sustains her and grace surrounds her;
if she walks by faith and not by sight–
then we will know.
We will know you are praying.
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
Tracing His Goodness 
Oh how rich are these words of truth! Thank you for sharing.
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Keeps running through my head, the phrase from “O Holy Night”– “LONG lay the world” and from the 2nd chorus: “He knows our need, to our weaknesses no stranger, Behold your King!” Pondering on them again as I pray for you all this morning.
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I am and am doing so EVERY DAY!!!
You need to put your writings into a book. You do an awesome job and are a real encouragement to everyone who knows you. You all are deeply loved!
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Just prayed and will continue daily. Love you so much. Thank you for the encouragement you are to many who read this blog.As others walk through hard times, it will help them see the strength and peace God has given you.. Hope you have a sweet time with your family
Chris
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And I will continue to pray. God is pleased to work through the prayers of his own. So heartening to know you sense those prayers.
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Thank you for continuing to trace His goodness through the raw pain and the reality of everyday life in the midst of it. We pray continually in Chambersburg PA . I remember Marissa as a girl of about 6years old, so seeing her photos helps me to focus in prayer.
I am meditating on a hymn written in the 5th century : “OF The FATHERS LOVE BEGOTTEN “.
I have sung 6 verses of it a as a processional with Mercersburg Community chorus, for a Christmas Concert. There are actually 9 verses! Each verse ends with “evermore and evermore”.
This is the final verse :
“Christ, to Thee with God the Father, and, O Holy Ghost to Thee
Hymn and chant with high thanksgiving, and unwearied praises be:
Honor, glory and dominion,
And eternal victory, evermore and evermore !”
Daily victory to you, dear cousin. The eternal victory is already in place.
And someday our praise will truly be “unwwearied”.
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Thank you, Carol! Precious truth. ❤
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