Thank you all for your kind words and thoughts for us over the past few days. We are so very grateful.
The temptation during a time like this is to ask why? Why did this happen? Why did God do this? Why me? The fact is, this is life on this imperfect earth. Many people before us have gone through similar tragedies and worse, and many people after us will go through them. The better question is why not me?
This is where the rubber of our faith meets the road of life. Sure, it is unbelievably painful. We feel weak. We are beside ourselves. We are undone. How could she have pulled through heart surgery only to be taken by a fluke infection? There are many questions. But these things did not surprise our God. He is, and always has been, in control of this situation. He is good, he loves us, and he has not abandoned us. If we are to have free will, we have to live with sin and death and suffering on this earth - but only for a while. A day will come when "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain."
We are anxious for that day to come soon.
Our sweet little girl touched many hearts and lives over the course of her very short life. If anyone would like to attend services for Brigid, there will be a viewing/memorial service on Wednesday evening, June 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Gravenor's Funeral Home in Ephrata, Pa. There will also be a funeral Mass on Thursday, June 30 at 11 a.m. at Our Mother of Perpetual Help church in Ephrata, Pa. All who would like to come are welcome.
8 comments:
Eileen, this is Mark Jordan and I never thought a post from me would have originated from something like this. Words fail. My heart is broken for you and your family. Jen and I have been through a lot but nothing like this. I scrambled through my bible notes and witty Christian non-fiction quotes to find some nugget of wisdom to share with you, but while I was searching, at this very moment, Jen called. She was leaving work, and she just wanted to call and say she loves me. That's what Jesus does. He doesn't send you to an old dusty theology book, or some jazzy new Christian author with the sound- bite of the day. He just calls to say He loves you. He loves you, and your husband, and all your little guys, and Brigid, who is with Him right now living the life you and I are dreaming of. And He wants you to know that everything is ok. What could be better? Easy for me to say, but I really, truly, hope it helps.
Ok I found something that I thought would help me through a bad time. A quote from Joyce Meyer, "Secrets To Exceptional Living" pg 204: "You can be saved, full of the Holy Spirit and operate in many gifts, but there will still be times when you feel like smacking someone upside the head." If that doesn't help now, save it for another day.
We love you, Eileen. Praise God that your girl is in heaven.
Love,
The Jordans
I've found myself thinking about Brigid and your family all day long. If I wasn't several states away with my own preemie to tend to, I would attend the celebration service of your amazing daughter. Such a strong, incredible creature to touch so many lives, even those of strangers!
Eileen, you have been such an inspiration to me. Your strength and faith is so inspiring. I can tell you that when I had my miscarriage at only 6 weeks, I was devastated. Even though it was still so very early, to me, it was a life lost. I also questioned, why? Why me? Why now? Etc, Etc. The only way I found the courage to go on, was to have a strong faith in God. To trust that this is his plan, there is a reason for all this. And to keep loving God, and trusting him. It really helped ALOT. Our Lord loves us. And he never wants to see us sad or hurting. If we turn to him in the worst of times, he will help. I know this. And it seems like you do too. I know that I have a baby in heaven waiting for me someday. Just like Fiona and Brigid are waiting for you. Your experience will now help others. And you can be there to share your story and knowledge about God. Leading them to the Lord. God has a reason, and we must trust that its only for the best.
(((((BIG HUGS)))) Sending my love and prayers to you all!
Eileen,
I will be there in spirit for your precious little baby. Your faith brings me to tears. God is so proud of you. You are such a servant to Him for others to witness, and it has touched me greatly. Your little girls love you with all their heart and they will forever.
With love, Mary Slaman-Forsythe
I was so sad when I heard the news about little Brigid. I have been praying for you often during my quiet times with John over the past few months. My heart continues to ache for your loss. May God continue to strengthen you and give you peace, adding to the beautiful tesitmony of grace and faith in yours and Patrick's lives. I know that His Spirit can comfort you in ways that my feeble words cannot.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." 2 corinthians 1:3-4
because of His grace,
wendy
I love you, and please know i am here. I lost my daughter and i know those hard days.
Eileen,
I was so sorry to hear about Brigid. Our little church has been praying for you. I will be thinking of you especially tonight.
Eileen, what u wrote is so good. Thank you.
Nancy R
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