Glory

My heart is aching tonight over the loss of young Christopher Pace. He nearly drowned in his family's pool on Thursday, and died this evening from complications resulting from the accident. He was only three years old. I have just been consumed with this tragedy over the past two days, praying and grieving for his family. And I've nearly smothered my own boys with hugs and kisses as I grapple with the flood of emotion that comes each time I think of what they must be going through.

And yet, in the past 24 hours, through the enormous outpouring for his family on Facebook alone, I am witnessing the glory God is receiving through this terrible tragedy. As Christians, it is our duty and honor to lift others up in prayer, going to God on their behalf and in their time of need. It is, in fact, a blessing to do so. And hundreds of people have been praying for this little boy and his family. It is humbling to watch how quickly and without hesitation our church family has surrounded his family, covering them in prayer, offering support, and just loving on them without restraint. People were and are still asking for prayer in their status updates, a testimony to everyone on their friend list that they believe in God's healing power.

I believe it is particularly powerful how those same people are responding now, after we have learned of Christopher's death. From what I have observed, little has changed. Statuses continue to ask for prayer, believing in God for peace, hope, and healing for this family. Above all, there are prayers for God's perfect will in their lives. His will for this family is causing them to endure great pain at this moment, but those who are praying continue to believe that He will be glorified, and the very fact that they are testifying to that belief in a very public forum is giving Him the glory. It is staggering to think of all of the lives that have been touched by this tragedy, and the hearts that are changing and growing closer to God through this one little boy. We prayed for healing and continued life for Christopher here on earth, and God's answer was "No. I have other plans." His parents have decided to donate his organs, so his death is giving great hope to countless others. I pray God uses that decision as one of many ways that Christopher's family can find peace, hope, and purpose in his death.

And Christopher is with Jesus. Perfect and whole again, without suffering or pain. Smiling, like he did so beautifully here on earth. To God be the glory.

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³ To all who mourn in Israel,
he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,
a joyous blessing instead of mourning,
festive praise instead of despair.
In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks
that the Lord has planted for his own glory.

Isaiah 61:3 (NLT)