Little Heroes of Mine!

I woke up this morning glad that I could be here when my babies get up. (Im working the evening shift). But I got up before them. I stared at each of them, took a picture of how beautiful they sleep, read my page in 'Jesus Calling', a devotion book I got for Christmas and then sat down with my coffe. I decided to look up Tripp's blog and check on his progress. And then I was brought to tears. 

For a long time now I have been following the story of baby Tripp and his struggle to hold on. In a way I guess I was drawn to his story after knowing the pain of a child's death after sweet Karson. His mother is incredibly strong as is most women I know who have lost a child. Her words and her faith are inspiring. I have shared her blog a few times and can't possibly imagine (and pray I never have to) be in her shoes and have the conviction she possesses. God used her and baby Tripp to touch many lives. More lives than they could have imagined. 

This makes me think of sweet Karson every time. I look at my brother and Val sometimes and just don't know how they go on but they do. And they don't put it behind them. They remember and they feel it and yet they are raising two babies and loving life with smiles on their faces. Karson is still a favorite subject and his stories come up every time one of these babies does something he did. He will never be forgotten. God sends families like theirs and like Tripp's to be secret missionaries. I truly believe this. It takes a special heart to keep breathing after having to endure the unthinkable in laying your baby to rest. God chooses these hearts very carefully and then he wraps his arms around them and keeps them beating.

Karson and Tripp and all sweet innocent babies like them who are taken all too soon are heroes. Because through their short time here they helped so many people to see that God's plans and purposes are higher than our own. While we are on earth we need to love and care for each other. They are my heroes for giving me a fresh outlook, each time I think of them, on our life's purpose, on what matters most... loving Chirst and loving others!

When Karson was taken from us, I remember Val telling me not to take a single day for granted. I remember that look in her eyes and when you see such truth behind words you can't help but silently promise yourself that you will strive with all you have to love those around you with all you have. The wonderful giggles and happy memories make me excited for the time when we can celebrate with Karson again.

 

These stories are powerful and never forgotten. Stories like this make reality seem almost neat, purposeful, meaningful, and that's one of the reasons why our brains love stories. In each of these the details may change so that it sounds like a new story. Like the sudden unknown passing of sweet Karson and the struggle and strength to hold on of sweet Tripp. But every story has a theme. Its is a journey or quest for a mother to find comfort and mercy and strength. It is good vs evil. It is trial vs triumph. 

These stories give us faith that God is in control and that we should celebrate the amazing and short life these precious angels lived. It is hard when such tragedy hits to see the bigger picture and it is amazing when people are able to do that. I was not. When Karson died, I remember Val having to tell me when I was the one with all the doubt "that God only takes the best." and that "Karson was too perfect for this world." It is hard to understand the joy of the situation knowing that there is no more pain, no more suffering, no more doubt. Just the love of a Father with the little ones he loves. I remember singing "Jesus loves me this I know. For the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong. They are weak but he is strong!" over and over and over to Madileigh. We are His. We are always and forever His children and we must trust with all our heart that His plan for lives will be right and well in the end. 

I have a heart for people who are hurting and I can't imagine the physical pain Tripp's mother feels today as she has to lay her sweet baby to rest. She shared her baby's story with the world not knowing the effect it would have. She touched many lives and many people are praying for her strength and peace. She was always honest about her faith and where she stood and the questions she had. This honesty is appreciated and admired by all who came to know Tripp's story. 

This is one of my favorites bands and a song I heard this week, which seems all too appropriate now:

All Who are Thirsty

~Kutless

All who are thirsty

All who are weak

Just come to the fountain

Dip your heart in the stream of life

Let the pain and the sorrow

Be washed away

In the waves of His mercy

As the deep cries out to deep

We sing, come Lord Jesus, come

Come Lord Jesus, come

Come Lord Jesus, come

Come Lord Jesus, come

All who are thirsty

All who are weak

Just come to the fountain

Dip your heart in the stream of life

Let the pain and the sorrow

Be washed away

In the waves of His mercy

As the deep cries out to deep

We sing, come Lord Jesus come

Come Lord Jesus, come

Come Lord Jesus, come

Come Lord Jesus, come

Come Lord Jesus, come

(Won't You come?)

(Won't You come?)

Nothing but Your will for me

I am only free in You

Nothing but Your will for me

I am only free in You, God

Come Lord Jesus, come

(Nothing but Your will for me)

(I am only free in You)

Come Lord Jesus, come

(Nothing but Your will for me)

(I am only free in You)

Come Lord Jesus, come

(Nothing but Your will for me)

(I am only free in You)

Come Lord Jesus, come

He who testifies to these things says,

"Yes, I am coming soon."

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

~Revelation 22:20