08/04/2020
Looking at my memories from my personal page today, a pivotal day that was planned for me, my husband, and our beautiful daughter, Abigail, from our all merciful, gracious, and Sovereign Lord.
Thought I’d reshare these words from four years ago. The picture referenced is my cover photo.
God’s grace and mercy are ever present. The fact that you’re reading this is very evident. You have breath today in your lungs because He has allowed to you another morning and day.
Be blessed my friend as you read below a small glimpse into our life twenty-one years ago.
“This photo shows the last time I held Abigail, but this was only her earthly shell; she was already in her forever home.
As we sat in the chapel room at McEwen Funeral Home in Monroe, NC, we cried, said our temporary goodbyes, and talked about her complete healing in the presence of her Healer. It was difficult and heart wrenching trying to tell her big sissy that Abigail wouldn't get to be with us. How do you explain that to an almost two year old?
It's been seventeen years since Abigail left my arms for the arms of Jesus. She left her temporary dwelling place nearly 24 hours after her birth, for her real Home. Billy and I were heartbroken as we watched her slip away. But our hope wasn't gone with her death. It was only strengthened.
Of course, there were so many questions, usually proceeded with the word, 'Why.' Those whys, more than likely, will never be answered this side of Heaven, but what we both cling to is the Hope we have in Christ because of His death, burial and resurrection. Jesus is the only reason we are able to say, "Thank you for giving us our Abigail."
We mourn her loss these seventeen years after her death, but not as ones without hope. Unless you've experienced this, it's hard to explain it. It just is. Not because of us, but because of Christ.
I cried yesterday morning as I took my morning walk, and I know I'll cry a few times today, because this loss is very real. It's a part of who I am today. Those months of watching my body grow as she grew were hard to relate it to the reality that each day would bring her closer to not just her birth, but her death if God chose not to heal her here. Not only was there physical growth, literally, but an unseen growth. God grew me through it. Growth didn't stop with putting her in her grave, but continues every time I share her story, which is part of His Story.
I'll leave you with this: Let God grow you no matter where you are in your life, no matter the trials and tribulations, no matter what your reality may be. Let God do within you only what He can do: make you new.
If you don't know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, I'd love to introduce you to Him.”
These words are still my heart and my song, twenty-one years later. —Latanya
