A few weeks ago so many of you prayed, comforted and loved our family during the eighth anniversary of Anna. We celebrated and grieved her life, we exalted hope and we glorified Jesus as we sat in puddles at His feet, once again, immersed in divine love.
We explained to our three boys…are hearts are like these balloons, often deflated, and then, the breath of Jesus comes and we are full, emerging and rising higher and higher with hope, until one day, we will be laughing in His presence too.
I love our story…I love the nail scarred hands that wipe the tears, the peace that conquers pain, and the truth which always wrestles down deceit, commanding the enemy to flee. I love the hero of our story and I love that we the characters are called to simply abide in the shadow of His wings…the shadow of the Almighty. This mama is desperate to toss out a few million ounces of the love and compassion I’ve received within the shadow- this place weeping, this haven of grace and regeneration. I pray that as I continue to share the mess of me and the might and mercy of God, that others in grief may be intrigued to join me in His shadow as well.
But for today,
I invite you into our sacred moments of celebration, our cherished hours devoted to Anna and the Father who holds us and binds us together in hope. There are always roses, cupcakes, birthday books, and of course, pink balloons. A special thank you to my dear friend Alicia who gave us these moments to hold in our fingers- Dear friend, I long for the day I will watch as you embrace your boys in heaven. Thank you God that this day will come for all of us who grieve and hope in your name.
This is the way we honor Anna…
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Today I stand in hope. I stand in the assurance that all will be redeemed. I lift my eyes from painful realities to peer into the face of Jesus, the one who gazes back with a love and tenderness that continually lifts me from the abyss of despair. I love this God and I love His promises. What if the last note my life played was hopelessness? Thank you God that you have removed the sting of death. Thank you God that this little one I long for will come running toward me, arms and joy spread wide. Thank you that by your grace I can tell the story, the one where you enter my darkness with your light and make all things new…again and again and again.
A new year has begun and I suppose my most earnest plea as I move forward is for the strength to remain in the shadow. To do my living and breathing in the awareness of His presence just as I have grieved here. And next year, when I once again trudge through the cold and dark of February, I will know… I am already home.
“He will cover you with His feathers. He will shelter you with His wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” Psalm 91:4
Beautiful words from your heart, as always. Part of me wants to sigh for you and say, “Whew! Another year of grief behind you, “but, we both know, there are still milestones ahead for the years to come. Thankfully, Jesus waits at those birthdays and funeral days just as HE did this year. Full of grace, hope, peace and heavenly arms outstretched waiting for whatever pain, grief and hope you are willing to give Him. Repeat as needed. He doesn’t mind.
Your celebration of Anna blessed me. I know it knocked HIS holy socks off! Way to go Anna’s family.
Dawn Mast
oh Kate. thanks for this post and the sharing the deep and real hope of Jesus. love love love you guys…
Hi, I am a friend of Alicia, I found your blog through her. Your words are so very beautiful! Jesus is shining through your words; His Love is reaching far beyond what you could imagine.
I am so sorry for the loss of your precious daughter. I love the way you honor her.
Annika
PS Please give my sweet friend a hug for me
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Your honor and celebration of Anna’s life makes the veil between heaven and earth even thinner for me. She is so blessed to have a family who loves like you all do!
Sorry, I’m not signed in properly. I (Karla) posted, not Gav.
we did some of these very same things early on when we lost our son. It was 10 years ago today. I can’t believe it’s been 10 years. I also can’t believe how strong the sorrow still is when this time of year comes around. There’s not a day goes by that I do not think of him. I was drawn to your post when I saw the pictures. I also have three boys – who are now teenagers- but the pictures reminded me so much of my boys when they were young. We have similar pictures of them writing letters, releasing balloons. We donate books on his birthday. Thank you for sharing your experience on how you coped with the loss of your precious little girl….