I knew Christmas would be a real struggle this year and that I would have to simplify life down to the few things that I could handle. I have tried to do that, saying no a lot and keeping my expectations of myself small. I am not a big holiday person anyhow, so it would have been really easy for me to leave the whole season in its box. Yet I didn’t want to lose the opportunity to see and hear God in the midst of it, so I have been working through a study for Advent, spending time early every morning in God’s word and meeting with two dear women each week.
Like so many other things in my life right now, it hasn’t been easy. But I am learning that sometimes hard tasks are also healing. Looking through Katie's makeup, reading her journals, visiting the cemetery, making scones for breakfast. All hard, yet healing. Most Sundays, worship is like having my insides cleaned with a water hose. How does something feel so painful and so refreshing at the same time? Sitting with God is the hardest. And the most healing. Like Jacob, I wrestle with God, refusing to let go until He blesses me. And when I do walk, it is with a limp. A limp that is the result of both the part of me that is missing and the One who allowed it to be. As I have been preparing for Advent, several thoughts have hung with me, but the one that resonates the most is that of redemption. Usually the word redemption is more associated with Easter, when Christ gave his life to redeem ours. But Christmas is celebration of a birth, right? Yes, the birth of a baby who was born for redemption. God’s pursuit of man and the redemptive story of Christ began long before Bethlehem, but this little podunk town is where it got real. The promises were finally palpable. Thankfully, God has promised not only redemption of sin, but of all creation. I used to walk around the hospital in Cincinnati, seeing all the kids who were visibly affected by the brokenness of this world through accidents or illnesses, and I would say to God, “Redeem that!” Over and over again. What an ugly and evil enemy who would mercilessly attack our children in an effort to destroy their Creator. Because of this, I look forward to the redemption of all creation. To say God has a purpose in our pain is a bit too trite for me, but I do love the word redemption. For it is the redemptive story of Christ, which begins at his birth, that gives me hope in the redemptive story of my daughter. Blessings and Merry Christmas, Forever Cobb 7
13 Comments
Jennifer V
12/22/2017 08:33:12 am
Tears and prayers.
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Kim Saunders
12/22/2017 08:53:01 am
Merry Christmas, to the Cobb7! Hugs and continued prayers for all of you.
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Whitney Cox
12/22/2017 09:02:22 am
Your heart is so pure! Thank you for being so vulnerable and courageous enough to share your feelings. It’s amazing to see how God is using something so tragic and painful to do such good in our community and through this blog. Katie’s life has touched so many. What a precious blessed life she lived! She is beautiful in every way. 💜
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Cathy Stutler
12/22/2017 10:10:26 am
I love you...
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Shannon Louk
12/22/2017 10:48:34 am
You all have been on my heart so much lately. I continue to pray for all of you and yet it is you who continues to bless me. With love and many prayers to come...
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Diane Lett
12/22/2017 01:37:08 pm
Surrounding each of you with love and prayers.
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Tim n Bev
12/22/2017 05:10:16 pm
Still praying for you all! Love the Cobbs !!!🙏❤️
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Jennifer F
12/22/2017 09:21:47 pm
I can't imagine the pain and struggles you and your family are going through. Blessings to you all.
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Sam and Amy Preston
12/22/2017 09:42:39 pm
God Bless your family!!! I think of her often and pray for you guys!!!!! One day soon!!!!!!
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Patty Tabor
12/22/2017 09:57:55 pm
I think of Katie often, and when I do, I lift up prayers for your family. May God's love and peace fill you, encompass you, and encourage you daily.
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Cathy Mohebbi
12/24/2017 12:24:36 pm
Praying for your beautiful family every night . God bless you😇🙏🏻🎄
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Bob
1/14/2018 12:08:08 am
How is your family doing with the new year?
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Matthew
1/23/2018 10:48:27 pm
How are you all doing?
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