“I have come as a light”
Merry Christmas
“I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not remain in darkness” John 12:46
We are now heart-problem free. Ricky’s heart has gone from working at under 15 percent to functioning at what a normal heart does. If that’s not God, I’m not sure what you’d call it.
“For with God nothing shall be impossible.” (Luke 1:37)
This year has been a tough one for all of us. This time of year is especially hard for our family, we all know it leads up to the date Savannah left us. The calendar keeps moving, but grief has a way of standing still. This year feels a little heavier. It’s hard not hearing Ricky talk to us. Yet even in the silence, I absolutely believe and trust that God will bring his voice back, in His perfect timing.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
We have seen miracle after miracle. New movement in different areas, strength returning where doctors once said it wouldn’t, and hope renewed daily. Progress may come slowly, but we are reminded that God is still working, even when we can’t see the full picture yet.
“Being confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” (Philippians 1:6)
Tonight, all of my children are home with us, and I am so grateful for that. I’m grateful for older children who find joy in watching their little sister experience the magic of Christmas. As I watched them tonight, I was reminded of being the little sister myself, the one who could hardly sleep on Christmas Eve, with two big brothers who would do anything to make me happy.
As the years went by, we experienced the loss of one of our brothers, Jason. Loss changes a family forever. Ricky made bad decisions in life, but as a brother, he always made the perfect ones. A year or so ago, just before Christmas, Ricky showed up with a blue KitchenAid mixer, just because he saw it and knew I’d love it. No special occasion, no reason beyond love. Those small moments remind me how deeply he loves all of us, even now, even if his voice is silent.
“Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:8)
We are still praying, for a van so we can bring Ricky home more often, for his voice to return, and for his arms, hands, legs, and feet to continue growing stronger. We pray that every step forward brings him closer to restoration.
“But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds, declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 30:17)
Our prayers extend beyond our own home. We are praying for every family walking through this season carrying loss, heartbreak, or unanswered questions. Christmas can shine brightly for some, but for others it magnifies the empty spaces.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)
As I was scrolling through Facebook, I saw a post from Mr. Carl’s family. Mr. Carl and his family became our family while we were at UAB. That man sat awake for hours with us, listening, talking, and sometimes just sitting in silence. It was never about being lonely; it was about shared pain that words couldn’t touch.
His twin grandsons, his son, and his daughter-in-law were involved in a tragic car accident. While Mr. Carl sat with us just down the hall, his son was fighting for his life, and across the hospital one of his twin grandsons was holding on the best he could, waiting for his daddy before going to Heaven.
Tonight, there was a post about the surviving twin missing his brother, his first Christmas without him here on Earth. I can’t imagine the weight that little heart carries, especially during this season. One day, just as we’ve had to learn, he will fully understand that his brother is celebrating Christmas every single day, because he is in the presence of Jesus, the One Christmas is truly about.
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 21:4)
As I think about all of these things, I am reminded of Mary. I’m sure, just like we do, Mary felt sorrow. She gave birth to a son KNOWING He didn’t belong to her alone, He was sent for all of us. Her faith and strength absolutely amaze me. How selfless was she? And how beautiful would it be if we all lived with that same kind of selfless faith?
“Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to Your word.” (Luke 1:38)
Even in the midst of sorrow, we cling to hope, because God is faithful, and His promises never fail.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)
