Holding them close - with open hands….

It comes in different forms:  a burnt child who fell in the fire, left there while his sibling looked for help, a depressed and anxious, overwhelmed mother who is looking at ways to let go of her child, devastation when a father deserts his family, a missionary without water (how ironic to include this into the list), …..but, not one pain as heart clenching as the death of a child! After months of holding her close, praying and pleading for her life, long nights and days of hospital visits, fighting fevers, the Lord released her from her suffering and took her home yesterday.  Her twin brother continues what once was a legacy of two, now the surviving sibling to know about a beloved sister he shared life with for a short period of time. Our hearts ache for this loss, but rejoice in the Father’s mercy to so many who should have/could have had early childhood deaths here in Ethiopia, but due to the love and care of pockets of loving hearts and hands who bring newborns and young children from a place of hopelessness into a moment of love and grace, the Lord Himself restore and revive so many in the palm of this temporary space of grace! It is so difficult to stay within a place of perspective, as life and death breaths loud next to each other!  We cannot ’save them all’ - as our daughter just reminded me:  “Mamma, Jesus must have loved her just too much to let her be here for now - He needed her more!”   And it is in this childlike expression, that I find my peace today!  “Hold them close - with OPEN HANDS”, I hear Him say - “they are Mine!”  There is such release from the pressure in this reminder and I breathe calmer, with ease and enter a place of rest in knowing that this journey is one of grace - in all directions, but mostly to me, as His servant for today!   It has been a few ‘heavy’ days - filled with discouragement and sadness, I find my cry shallow and tears flow over the edge so easily - only Jesus’ return will truly release us! Thank you for your continuous prayer and support - for investing with us into His Kingdom! With His love, Stephne