Gone too Soon

I found out this week that a former client of mine passed away suddenly in a car crash at only 21 years of age.  He was one of my first clients at the first job I had straight out of college.  I had the privilege of being his mentor and watching his growth during the time that I worked with him.

He became a believer during that time as well.  I would teach him biblical things and he would explain pop culture to me.  I was not a very good student!  He teased me when I wrote down M+M instead of Eminem! Oops.

He would always quote Tupac quotes to anyone who would listen, trying to brighten someone's day or just to help himself survive.  One of his favorites was, "For every dark night, there's a brighter day."  It is a reminder of a hope of better things to come.  I've been thinking a lot about that and his life this week. Although he had his struggles, I'm taking hope in that he knew the Lord and is now seeing a brighter day for all eternity.

 It got me thinking about my role as a social worker/missionary. Being a social worker can be a very discouraging job.  I never know if I've made an impact or if they are learning anything from me.  It is also hard to let them go once it's time for them to move on.  I want them to be successful and live up to their God-given potential.  And then I have to remember that they are in God's hands. There's only so much I can do.  I can't be responsible for what happens after.  I need to simply love well, help them in their struggles, and point them to God.  God is in control of their lives, not me.
I don't understand why the Lord took him at such a young age, but I know that he was in God's hands the entire time.
It is a difficult time for the family, but I'm praying they can see a brighter day through it all.  Please pray for the family as they grieve his loss.

Puppy Love

“It’s like you two saved each other”

Someone commented after noticing my relationship with my precious little dog Thunder.  Originally rescued from the streets and later adopted by a missionary friend of mine, Thunder is terrified of everything.  Ironically she is terrified of thunderstorms as well!  Yet when she is with me, she is happy, cuddly, and loyal.  We formed an immediate attachment and bond.  She follows me everywhere!

In the five months that I’ve been at CMA since my sister’s death, Thunder has been a constant presence and comfort in my life.  When I isolated myself, she was always there for me.  I spent moments crying with her or stroking her fur while I wrestled with God.

One day this past week, I had a very difficult day and was sobbing while hugging Thunder for hours.  During my moment of crisis, this verse from Psalm 16:8, came to me.  “I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”

Almost immediately after I read this verse, a thunderstorm rolled onto campus and it started pouring down rain.  Of course, Thunder started trembling and shaking

uncontrollably!  Immediately the roles were reversed and I started comforting her and stroking her fur.  Suddenly, the image of ‘I will not be shaken’ had a whole new meaning.  As I sat there watching Thunder tremble in fear, I suddenly knew that God was teaching me something through my relationship with Thunder. 

How many times am I shaking and overcome by my fears?

No matter what I’m going through, I cannot be shaken because God is on my side and is always comforting me.   He wraps me in his arms and is protecting me. 

I have been meditating on this verse all week.  God gave me this verse for a reason during my time of need.   I’m so grateful for the blessing God has given me in Thunder.  She is the best therapy dog!

 I will not be shaken.