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Friday, November 9, 2012

valley of death

A young woman in our community died very suddenly a few weeks ago.
She has 3 children.

We do not know her or her husband personally, however we have several friends and family that do....and they are so full of grief right now.  My mind and heart goes toward them often because the valley of death is so dark, the darkness of "why?" surrounds them and threatens to consume.  I feel so badly for her husband, his sudden shifting of life as he knew it, life as he loved it.  I feel sad for everyone that has to walk in this and try to crawl out the other side.   
We aren't meant for death.  

I hear nothing but beautiful things about this woman, and not just because she is gone....but because she lived life well.  The adoration she had for her family and friends and the commitment to loving deeply all those that knew her and loved her.  



It's an odd sensation, standing on the "outside", of this heartache.  Seeing those around me wrestle with the loss and sitting here feeling helpless for them, all I can offer are my tears, tears for their hearts because death is just hard and maddening.  

And so today, like many of her friends have mentioned, I hold my kids a little closer, love my man a little sweeter because someday, this will be all of us.  Death will come and we will leave only those things we have done for others.   

I came across this today and can honestly say, I've never seen an illustration like this, so small, yet so FULL of power!!  

If you would like to help in a practical way The Leatherman Family Fund has been initiated by Calvary Monument Bible Church and her husband Marks employer, Earl R Martin, Inc to enable Mark to spend more time with his children, which is his primary concern. 

Please direct your tax deductible LOVE GIFTS to:

 Calvary Monument Bible Church

1660 Mine Road

Paradise,Pa. 

17562



"Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
when the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain, 
will your anchor drift or firm remain?

It will surely hold in the floods of death, 
when the waters cold chill our latest breath;
on the rising tide it can never fail;

while our hopes abide within the veil."

~from Priscilla Jane Owens hymn, 
"Will your anchor hold"~

6 comments:

Bess said...

Same here, Janelle...

Several in our church knew Ruth. I met her sister in church just last week, and when the realization hit that they were sisters, I hugged her and wanted to cry and cry. I find myself getting really emotional about it, even though I never had the privilege of meeting her.

Beautiful post, my friend.

The Trendy Family said...

This is super sad... I grew up with Mark and his family! Mark's younger brother and my sister were close friends...Sometimes we just don't understand what God's plan is..

clarita @ the cottage said...

Janelle... this is exquisitely beautiful. Thank you for caring for the family, even if you don't personally know them. Thank you for living so well, for being one of those beautiful women who radiates JESUS.

That clip from Francis Chan is just amazing. AMAZING. Thank you so much for sharing that. Do you mind if I pass it along?

Much love...

Anonymous said...

i just was at the park with the kids and ran into a nearby neighbor, this is her sister in law, so i got the full story and my heart is heavy for this young family.

prayers are hugely appreciate for them all.

Dawn said...

Thank you for this beautiful post about dearest Ruth. She was a good friend of mine.

Carol Moyer Leatherman said...

Thank you for your care and understanding for our son, Mark and dear "littles', who had the best Mommy. We loved this special "daughter"and grieve deeply with Mark, the children and Ruth's family. Thanks for sharing your talent in this beautiful tribute to a wonderful woman of God, who is enjoying Heaven now, and one more Saint is waiting for us. We are "Jealous of the Angels".