But, there is one mom who has deeply touched my heart in this. Her name is Gwen Bizzell and I want to share this, so that you will be encouraged by the POWER of God's LOVE to heal and bring hope and purpose to our most difficult and deepest sorrow.
Last Sunday, Gwen saw the announcement about the teen events in her church bulletin at Horne. That afternoon, she called to volunteer. That was an act that was far more courageous than it appears. You see, almost one year ago, Gwen's 16 year old daughter, Lanie, was on her way to church, when she ran off the road and was killed. In an instant, her only daughter was gone. The depth of her loss and pain have been immeasurable.
But God has shown Himself to be Gwen's greatest comfort. He has carried her through the deepest valley any parent ever walks. She has found God trustworthy in the worst of storms. Gwen knows this Love that has sustained her and her daughter knew it too. Shortly before she passed away, Lanie wrote a note Gwen shared with me. Her note was filled to overflowing with a deep love and gratitude for God's love and ended with, "If I haven't told you yet, I'm going to be a pastor."
And so Gwen called Sunday. She knew that it would be something that Lanie would have been right in the middle of...she would have invited every girl she knew! So, Gwen invited 2 other churches she has connections with and encouraged them to bring their girls.
Gwen will be there volunteering to serve other girls this Sunday, representing the LOVE of Christ lived out, silently demonstrating the POWER of His healing...standing in the gap for Lanie...her precious daughter. Through her mom's courage, Lanie is indeed pastoring.
Thank you Gwen, for reminding us all that our God is Who He says He is! I love you my friend!
No comments:
Post a Comment