This post has been sitting in my draft box for over a year now. I wanted to post it a year ago but it never felt ready to post. After journeying to the Holy Land, the experience solidified my faith in Jesus as my Lord and Savior and that if we accept Him into our heart we will be reunited in heaven along with our loved ones that have departed before us.
Two years ago, two dear families tragically lost their sons.
Nathan, age 10, was the youngest son of friends that we just met a few years ago in HK. He was also the cousin of Shawna, Emily's former classmate and one of my former students.
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| A sweet quiet fun loving boy who loved to run around outside, play video
games, hang out with his big brother and his dog, Dukie. |
We met his whole family, big brother Marcus (who's the same age as Emily) and mom, Wendy and dad, Levan. I got to spend some quality time with Wendy and we talked a lot about why God allows suffering to happen; why prayers are not answered the way we would like them to be; and how to keep our faith in God strong when it is tested so severely.
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| Nathan and Hannah in HK |
You see, Nathan was diagnosed with liver cancer at the very young age of 3. He had a tumor growing on his liver since then. In January 2013 he had the tumor and liver removed and received a liver transplant. His body was accepting this new liver and he was gaining strength and stamina. But in July, he started having pain in his pelvic area and after some tests it was determined that the cancer spread into his spine and pelvic area. He received chemo but it was not able to eradicate the cancer that was quickly spreading in his little body. He went to be with our Lord on September 27, 2013.
Then a month later, on October 27, while we were at church we heard the horrific news that Jason, our good friends Jay and Lisa's 17 year old son was killed in a car accident. Our church family immediately sobbed and grieved for this high school senior who had so many plans for his future.
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| His pallbearers were his best friends..all high schoolers |
The memorial service was filled with everyone who loved Jason, Jay, Lisa and Danika (their daughter).
Pastor Kevin shared about the choices we make in this lifetime here on earth and that it will have eternal consequences.
Our friends, Jay and Lisa shared loving letters to their son now in heaven.
Though his life ended too quickly, his memory will forever be in hundreds of hearts, many of whom made a decision that afternoon to ask Jesus in their heart and to have eternal life in heaven. His purpose in life continues through his parents, sister and friends.
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| Jason's banner at the reception |
Today, as I commemorate Jason and Nathan's short young lives, I no longer question God, "Why?" I will definitely ask Him when I'm in heaven. There are many things I do not understand that God allows to happen. But I do know that He is God and He loves us and He is with us in the good and the bad. Why does God allow suffering? I do not know. But I do know He is our Hope when we are suffering.
We will see you again, Nathan and Jason. We will see you again.
