Linda H. sent me an e-mail this morning. In her opening remarks, she said she thought long and hard before sending it, but felt I would like to read this story. Evidently, she receieved it by mistake, it was meant to be addressed to another Linda in her office. Never has a mistake been so "correct"!
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What Linda sent was a newsletter for First Baptist Church here in my town, with a story about a former member whose 4 year old daughter died earlier this month of meningitis. Both the father and the mother gave amazing testimonies regarding their faith in the Lord and His salvation promises.....so many of their words were reminiscent, their feelings, fears, sense of loss, which is really really quite fresh yet for me. Wow, what a trip I was to go on already today!!!!
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Through this article, I found the link to the family's blogsite and read more and more testimony, especially enjoying the part written by Hope, the mom of the child who died, who says "I long for heaven". Could have been written by me. I also found a link to another site, a youtube.com story about Rick Burgess of the "Rick and Bubba" radio show. His "memorial" given at his 2 year old sons service is titled "A Father's Heart", where he gives praise and thanks to the Lord instead of blaming God for taking his child away. A remarkable testimony. His little boy drowned in the family pool on, of all days, January 19, 2008! So, my fingers have been busy ever since Linda thought long and hard about sending me her mistaken e-mailed newsletter!!!!
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I made sure to tell the parents of the little girl who died to not worry about anyone suggesting they "get over it" and encouraged them to keep talking about the faith and hope in salvation that sustains them. These things happen to God's purpose, for us to use, with the Holy Spirit, to extend His kingdom. It would be most unfortunate to let an opportunity slip by without sharing the Good News with someone!
