http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/
This is the family's blog of the lead singer in the group Selah. It's an amazing account of a very sad journey, still in the making. Be blessed when you read it, of God's unending power and grace. Have your tissues ready. Actually, you will need the entire box.
I have spent hours this afternoon reading through these pages. I had to go back and start at the beginning and there is still so much more to read. I had to stop for a while and regroup. Wow. I have experienced just a very small taste of what she is going through in my own life. To read her words brings the reality of those long ago days back so clearly. It is so very refreshing to know that He is in control of the tiniest details of our days, as well as the things that are so huge we can't even put them into words. I am overcome with so many thoughts - from overwhelming sorrow, to pure joy, to resting in His loving arms, to the unanswered questions that will always remain, knowing full well that He has a reason that they are unanswered. To the sheer overwhelming presence of Him in my life.
In this life, we are going to be disappointed. We will hurt. But there is great joy in the shadows if you know where to look. I pray that my family will always be willing to struggle "through the rain", for it's the rain that makes the grass so very green.
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8 comments:
What a beautiful story and a beautiful family. It was a tear jerker though. God works in wonderful ways.
I called you this morning, but since then have gone to the beginning of this blog and started with the first postings. It is the most inspiring, provoking, transparent testimony I've seen in a long time. I will not forget so many of her words. I'm still reading - had to get showered & dressed! I could read it all day. She was suspended between "hope" and "preparation" and in that place, you discover what you really believe in the depths of your soul. Very beautiful. Thanks for posting it.
I knew it would bless your hearts. I've followed this blog secretly for awhile and have felt like part of their family through it all. It's so funny because on several occasions, I almost forwarded the link to you but didn't. I don't really know why. I sing some of Selah's music and on several occasions in the past months, I just didn't know if I could make it through the songs around the house thinking of Todd and his family. I am proof that you never quite know what is going through someones mind and heart as they sing at the microphone in church. Many nights I would check this blog last and then head to bed and talk to God about it. God's Hand is very real and very in the middle of our lives. The photographer in this story also has an amazing role and an interesting story to tell in the middle of such a valley.
Have you (Pam & Heather) heard of the organization "Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep". You two would be wonderful at it - about a year ago there was a big article about it in our paper and I was bawling! It was the story of one photographer who volunteers and it was so amazing. It was so ministering to the family.
I have heard about it and it is an amazing ministry. I would also recommend taking a look at http://www.babycakesphotography.net/themaskproject.html
This is another photography ministry through Hopsice and a powerful gift to give to families.
I would certainly be on board for these ministries and I know God can really use these opportunities for His glory.
Also:
http://www.babycakesphotography.net/hospice/index.html
I have done quite a bit of research on the NILMDTS ministry. I have even talked to Beth about it (Pam - she is a good friend who is a Director of Labor and Delivery at one of the largest Baltimore hospitals - also Maddie's mom - Hannah's BFF). They currently don't have the program set up there. I know that God has placed this longing in my heart to be involved with it someday, but I know that now is not the time. He is preparing me for it, just waiting on His timing.
What an amazing story. I haven't cried like that in a while. I didn't know anything about that. I really love their songs.
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