Sunday, February 8

Our Beautiful Savior

I came home from church today expecting a relaxing afternoon.  Sat down in the living room, with a large cup of coffee, hoping to catch up on blogs from friends around the world.  I didn't make it past this one.

Cora McClenahan is with Jesus today.  

Tears still well up in my eyes as I think of her beautiful family and the loss they are suffering.  I don't know the McClenahans, but their sweet little Cora bears a striking resemblance to my Annelise.  Cora would be celebrating her first birthday on March 6th, but before she could reach such a milestone, her life was shortened by cancer.  

Never have I felt so much sorrow for a stranger.  When I finished viewing their post about Cora's passing, I immediate made my way to Annelise' room.  She was sound asleep as I scooped her into my arms and wept.

"Why Cora?"

"Why not Annelise?"

Questions pouring through my mind...emotions like anger, confusion and grief.  

Maybe their story touches me so deeply, because its so very similar to ours.  A young couple enjoying the birth of their first daughter.  Celebrating family events like Christmas and New Year's.  Beginning 2009 with so many hopes for the future.  The only difference?  Our daughter doesn't have stage 4 cancer.  

I've never heard this song before, but its seems to have been a comfort for the McClenahans during Cora's last days.  I know its words are powerful and true.  Please pay for them today.

This Is Our God
A refuge for the poor
A shelter from the storm
This is our God
And He will wipe away your tears
And return your wasted years
This is our God
Oh, this is our God
Oh, this is our God
A Father to the orphan
A healer to the broken
This is our God
And He brings peace to our madness
And comfort in our sadness
This is our God
Oh, this is our God
Oh, this is our God

4 comments:

PAULS FAMILY: said...

Yeah, I have been following this blog too. I clicked on it from one of your blog list friends. So sad! I couldn't even imagine the feeling. When I checked the blog when we got home from church, I too went and scooped Evee up from her nap and just held her! Things like this make me an over worried mother and the doctor's really don't like me.

Pam said...

I was sobbing when I read it! Thank you Lord for everyday I have with those I love.
I think i squeezed my kids just a bit tighter when I put them down tonight.

The Talberts said...

Wow. I don't even know what to say. I went through their blog from the first post on the cancer and cried through most of it. I am so sad for them.

Travis,Stephanie, Olivia & Alex said...

Its amazing the impact one can have on another and be total strangers at that. Tears flowed since the day i started reading their blog, checking and praying every day. My heart ached as i read early sunday morning that Cora is with Jesus but smiled knowing that Jesus was holding her now. Just makes us want to hold our children tighter and thank God for giving us one more day !