“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:7-9, 16-18 ESV Katie's "jar of clay" has been wracked with cancer for the better part of the past year, and even more so in the past 6 months. We were hopeful that we could escape the throes of cancer for a few days with our trip to Hawaii, but that wasn't the case. While there, Katie began to have some fevers and respiratory symptoms. So we cut the trip short and made our way back home and back to her medical team in Cincinnati late Sunday evening. Our worst fears were realized when they told us that the cancer has aggressively overtaken her lungs again, and there are no other curative treatment options for us to pursue. The goal now is to keep Katie as comfortable as possible. These are the hardest words I've ever written: We only have days remaining with our sweet and precious Katie. Our hearts are heavy with grief and loss and our minds filled with questions that have no answers. Katie lived a life of selfless joy and loved so well and, from our perspective, it's a life tragically cut short. But the foundation of our faith is the resurrection of Christ and the promise that her earthly life (and ours) is not the end. She has fought so hard and so courageously for this entire time. She has run the race set for her, she has fought the good fight, and she awaits her prize: eternity with her Heavenly Father (1 Thess 4:14). She's going home! Father, thank you for seeing fit to give us the perfect gift of Katie for 14 years! Forever ... The Cobb 7!
121 Comments
Joann Maddox
10/10/2017 01:16:57 am
I love your family... please know I'm praying for all of you as I know you are completely broken.
Reply
Yolanda Benintendi
10/10/2017 09:11:40 am
The Benintendi family is lifting you up in prayer. May God’s loving arms wrap around your family, may his comfort pour deep into your heartbreak, and may a peace that passes understanding settle into your soul. We are so sorry for your loss!
Reply
Bari Bledsoe
10/10/2017 10:20:54 pm
My heat is broken for your family and I am inspired by your faith. God bless you all and prayers are going out for all
Reply
Vicki Brown
10/10/2017 01:36:36 am
Prayers going up for your family!!!
Reply
Heather Kirk
10/10/2017 01:41:09 am
Praying for your family and your precious Katie.
Reply
Zondra Dillard
10/10/2017 09:10:30 am
My heart aches for you and your family. Prayers for all and for Katie.
Reply
Brenda Cobb
10/10/2017 01:42:10 am
My heart aches for you all. I will never forget Katie or her bravery. I will keep praying for the Cobb family and all the extended family I have come to love.
Reply
Hannah Lloyd
10/10/2017 01:52:23 am
I do not personally know you but I am from the community and I have been keeping up with Katie's trials and tribulations over the past few months. I pray for comfort and peace for everyone. This is unimaginable for you all and I just wanted to say that your story has deeply touched my heart and I am truly sorry your time on Earth with Katie is being cut so short. Forever j. My prayers.
Reply
Debbie Nease
10/10/2017 09:48:12 am
May God wrap his arms around all of you and give you each peace and comfort especially Katie! Our Love, Thoughts and Prayers are with each of you.💔💔💔
Reply
Laura Shamblin-Smith
10/10/2017 10:43:26 am
Can anyone reach this family. Please tell them to try cannabis oil with the vapor cig thing!!
Reply
Anonymous
10/10/2017 10:56:49 am
Now is not the time to bring up poorly studied tests that are not controlled. Their whole family is being broken and hurt. What we need to do now is pray for God's will to be done.
Miranda Young
10/10/2017 02:06:46 am
Continuing to pray for Katie and all of you.
Reply
Dee Dee Spolarich
10/10/2017 04:35:13 am
Hugs and prayers for you all. 💜
Reply
Meghan Swartz
10/10/2017 05:28:22 am
Katherine and I send our prayers and love. Katie is one of those rare finds in life. A true vessel for Jesus. She is beautiful inside and out. We treasure the memories we have been gifted. I pray that you will feel the loving arms of Jesus wrapped tightly around your family. Love, The Swartz Family
Reply
Lois McCray
10/10/2017 05:39:38 am
Prayers for all of you
Reply
Renee
10/10/2017 05:50:06 am
Hugs and prayers to you and your family!
Reply
Jill Ennis
10/10/2017 06:05:20 am
Oh, Sarah! My heart breaks for you and your family! Praying for the peace that passes all understanding, and for continued grace and strength to get you through each day. I know that God is holding each of you in His Comforting Hand. Prayers, Jill
Reply
Barb Blankenship
10/10/2017 06:07:09 am
I am so sorry. There are no words that can take your pain but so many people are praying for you all. Rest in His arms.
Reply
Lynda
10/10/2017 06:11:13 am
Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you.
Reply
Sam and Amy
10/10/2017 06:13:42 am
Our hearts are heavy but we know where Katie is going. Our hope for her is comfort during this time. I'm praying for her and the family during this challenge. God Bless you, words are difficult at this time. Keep pressing forward looking up for he is coming soon. God Bless the Cobb Family!!!
Reply
Crissy Rinick
10/10/2017 06:24:44 am
I will focus my prayers for Katie's comfort and peace, I know she will be in heaven soon. There she will find rest! She will be feeling no pain, but will be in Glory! Sarah and Chad you are true example for all of us. I also continue to pray for you and all the kids and cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents and friends.
Reply
Pete Bishop
10/10/2017 06:25:15 am
Thoughts and prayers to the Cobb family we love you. Lord keep them close and wrap your loving arms around them.
Reply
Toni
10/10/2017 06:28:57 am
Praying for The comfort that only our God can provide for your entire family...
Reply
Jacquelyn
10/10/2017 06:31:45 am
Oh my heart..... praying for comfort for all of you.
Reply
Jan
10/10/2017 06:36:52 am
I have learned so much about faith through your updates. Praying for all of you for a peaceful transition.
Reply
Amanda
10/10/2017 06:49:46 am
Continuously praying for Katie and the whole family. ❤️🙏🏻
Reply
Carolyn Parsons
10/10/2017 06:52:11 am
💔💔💔💔💔💔💔
Reply
Hargraves family
10/10/2017 06:54:36 am
Praying 💜
Reply
Julie Craddock
10/10/2017 06:58:18 am
My heart aches for all of you! I'll be praying for peace and comfort for the Forever Cobb 7. 💔
Reply
Cathy Fraley
10/10/2017 07:01:19 am
May God surround your family with peace and love. Prayers for you and your family.
Reply
Esther
10/10/2017 07:01:19 am
Continue to pray for Katie and the family.
Reply
Melissa Pratt
10/10/2017 07:02:22 am
Grateful for the hope of Heaven and the reality of God’s presence on this journey. We never walk alone when we hold God’s hand. You are loved, Cobb family.
Reply
Dani poe
10/10/2017 07:05:27 am
My prayers are with you during this horrible time. There is nothing I can say to ease your pain but I want you to know many people have you in their thoughts now and for the past many difficult months. God will take care.❤️
Reply
Anita Callicoat
10/10/2017 07:15:13 am
Thank you for sharing this journey with us knowing not the destination but understanding and faith that He would know the way and give your family the strength to see it through. Prayers be with your family now and for the journey that still lies ahead.
Reply
Stephanie
10/10/2017 07:16:20 am
I like many have never met your family but have been following and praying for your Katie and your family. The faith and courage you have shown has been a testament to our whole community. Prayers for peace beyond understanding and that God may wrap you in His arms.
Reply
Tiffany Miller
10/10/2017 07:19:13 am
My thoughts and prayers are with the Cobb Family. I know your hearts are broken. May God wrap you in His arms so tightly in the days to come. We love you guys! The Millers
Reply
Julie
10/10/2017 07:20:06 am
I have been following Katie's journey through FB these past months. Although I do not know your family, I have prayed and thought about you constantly. May God be with you in this most difficult time.
Reply
Rachel Blackwell
10/10/2017 07:23:19 am
I don't know you, but reading this you have inspired me. You are handling such a tragic situation with grace. I am praying for you and your family that God gives you peace and strength to endure.
Reply
Jessie
10/10/2017 07:26:44 am
No words. Prayers and tears.
Reply
Nancy Gendron Hofmann
10/10/2017 07:27:02 am
Prayers and strength to all of you.
Reply
Rosemary Steadman
10/10/2017 07:29:57 am
🙏🏻
Reply
Stephanie Goff
10/10/2017 07:33:09 am
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Reply
Martin Klapproth
10/10/2017 07:33:26 am
My thoughts and prayers are with the Cobb family.
Reply
Samantha Craig
10/10/2017 07:35:16 am
Prayers, prayers, prayers....
Reply
Mary Lou Moore
10/10/2017 07:35:22 am
I am so sorry-can't even imagine the heartache you're experiencing. She has fought a great battle. Prayers are with all of you.
Reply
Nancy Faulkner
10/10/2017 07:37:29 am
Prayers!
Reply
Tanya gilbert
10/10/2017 07:49:02 am
My heart hurts for you. I am crying as I type this. It makes me so mad that this is the path she must walk. he is using this for his glory and that is so evident in our community, but it still sucks. My prayers will be for peace for Katie, and strength for you to walk this road with her. As a mom I can't imagine the strength you will require to do what you are being asked to do. All my thoughts and love are with you.
Reply
Linda Crabtree
10/10/2017 07:57:43 am
My heart breaks for your family! I pray that God gives you peace and comfort in the days ahead! Hugs and prayers! 🙏🙏🙏
Reply
Debbie Orrison
10/10/2017 07:58:20 am
Love and prayers ❤️🙏🏻
Reply
Steve Parsons
10/10/2017 08:01:17 am
🙏🏻
Reply
Bryn Brown
10/10/2017 08:03:15 am
Love, hugs and prayers. 💔
Reply
Cindy Smith
10/10/2017 08:04:31 am
My Heart and Prayers are with you all.
Reply
Julie
10/10/2017 08:04:36 am
Continued prayers for this precious family!!! Forever Cobb 7 ❤️
Reply
The Poling Family
10/10/2017 08:06:02 am
Heart-felt prayers to the entire Cobb family, to the extended relatives and friends, and to all that are impacted during this time. Each of you are loved so very much and thankful. We are all scattered and engaged with our busy lives, but I have a presence of mind to know that everyone of us today, and for days to come....our minds, our hearts, and our prayers are centered on our Katie and the Cobb family. She will always be our Katie and the bright light in the room. With God's love and peace, the Poling's
Reply
Wendy and Makenzie
10/10/2017 08:11:18 am
Sarah and Chad our hearts are truly broken Katie is wonderful, and brings joy into our lives. We love her so much. She is an inspiration to every one she touched. You are in our thoughts and prayers. The Cobb 7
Reply
Serena Martin
10/10/2017 08:11:52 am
Ty and I have kept you in our thoughts and prayers for months and certainly prayed for a different outcome. We will pray for peace and comfort for the Forever Cobb 7 and family as you take these next steps. I am so very sorry.
Reply
Jenna Wallace
10/10/2017 08:12:11 am
Lifting all 7 of you up in prayer with a heavy heart today. Katie's courageous life has touched so many of us, and I am so blessed to be a part of your family's ministry. Lots of love from the Wallace family.
Reply
Rick Wilton
10/10/2017 08:14:23 am
Father,
Reply
Virginia kanniard
10/10/2017 08:15:44 am
Prayers for Katie and the family. I can't imagine the heartache your feeling and all the emotions. Tabby husband Andrew is my cousin makes them family were not close as I'd like but family is family I've been keeping up with your posts and updates of Katie and it breaks my heart I'm so very sorry . Katie and your whole family our in my prayers and our so courageous. Lean to God for peace and comfort.
Reply
Katrina
10/10/2017 08:19:40 am
And oh how her little light did shine....let it shine, let it shine.
Reply
Whitney Cox
10/10/2017 08:20:32 am
What a precious life. She has contagious joy. She is so beautiful. She is loved by so many. 💜💜💜
Reply
Lisa Nease
10/10/2017 08:21:48 am
My heart ❤️ breaks for your family. Prayers.
Reply
Scott Spence
10/10/2017 08:23:34 am
Praying for you all.
Reply
Laura Cunningham
10/10/2017 08:23:36 am
Prayers for peace and comfort for you all. Love you.
Reply
Jeanette Raynes Capocefalo
10/10/2017 08:24:02 am
My thoughts and prayers are for you Katie. My heart is breaking for you. You will always be in thoughts and prayers. 😇
Reply
Tom & Leslie White
10/10/2017 08:24:54 am
There are no words. May the peace of our God which surpasses all understanding be with you & your family now & in the coming days. Love to all.
Reply
Joe and Jackie Sweeley
10/10/2017 08:32:30 am
Ours hearts are broken 💔 . We are praying for your family.
Reply
Debbie
10/10/2017 08:33:44 am
Praying diligently for Katie & your entire family❤🙏
Reply
Barb collins
10/10/2017 08:34:00 am
I don't know your family, but am heart broken for you. We definitely don't know God's plans, but have to trust in his loving ways for us. I'm praying for strength and love and Gods hands to wrap your whole family. Know that all my prayers are with you now.
Reply
The Smith Family
10/10/2017 08:34:39 am
Although I have never met your family I have followed Sweet Katie's journey. My heart breaks for you and your family. I can't imagine the roller coaster of emotions you are experiencing right now. Katie will always be remembered and look down on you while she waits your arrival in her new home where there is no sickness or pain. May God bless you and comfort you in the coming days.
Reply
JANE Hoover
10/10/2017 08:37:24 am
Sarah and Chad, you were in my thoughts last week and I hoped you were having a great vacation. I'm so sad to find out that Katie got sick there and you had to come back to the hospital to such heartbreaking news. Prayers for you and your family for the days to come.
Reply
Tamara Cline
10/10/2017 08:39:38 am
I am so broken over this for you all. What a beautiful girl you have. She’s such a light for all of us. Your courage and faith are so palpable. I pray for peace and love and happy times in the next few days.
Reply
Karen Setterstrom
10/10/2017 08:44:12 am
My heart is breaking for your family.
Reply
Teresa
10/10/2017 08:50:16 am
My heart aches for you! I am so deeply sorry! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Reply
10/10/2017 08:54:18 am
My prayers and thoughts are with you all...may God comfort you and bless you all 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Reply
Jessica Grady
10/10/2017 08:57:26 am
My heart breaks for your family but at the same time so thankful that Christ is there to see you through and so thankful for the promise of eternity. Praying for your comfort during this time.
Reply
10/10/2017 09:00:57 am
Chad, Sarah and family. We will be lifting you up in prayer! I don’t even know what to say. We love you and I am so so sorry. 💜💜🙏🏼💜💜
Reply
Becky Shamblin
10/10/2017 09:05:50 am
My heart is broken for you all as the tears keep coming. Katie is a beautiful girl who has touched many lives. I am praying for you all in such a difficult time. May peace fill each of you, in Jesus name. We love you all!
Reply
Terry Quentrill
10/10/2017 09:06:55 am
I’m so sorry for the heartache and loss you are facing. This world is so hard to live in sometimes. I cannot begin to imagine. I will continuously pray for your family and for Katie that God’s arms are waiting to hold her close when yours cannot. Love and prayers to you all.
Reply
Perry Estep
10/10/2017 09:08:57 am
Rest assured Katie & her entire family has touched us all to extend ourselves in making our world a better place through our faith. The Cobb families adventure and adversities has broken our hearts but made us also aware of the importance of never taking life for granted. Forever will I be inspired by the Cobbs faith and love for our God even through the darkest moments.
Reply
Loyd Family
10/10/2017 09:12:53 am
Praying for all of you!!
Reply
Lara
10/10/2017 09:18:37 am
💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
Reply
The Stutlers
10/10/2017 09:19:39 am
We love your family so much! Thankful for Katie and what her story has done for the faith of others. Thankful she won’t have to suffer anymore. Thankful that while this temporary loss will be painful for your family, God is close to you and will comfort you. I will continue to pray for you all.
Reply
Lorrie Young
10/10/2017 09:27:55 am
I am a member of SRC in Fairmont and have been praying for your daughter for months. OUr 13 year old nephew was diagnosed with leukemia a year ago and has had a very difficult year as well. Watching my sister go through all of this has been so heartbreaking. I cannot imagine your pain.
Reply
Suzie Chung
10/10/2017 09:30:01 am
Continuing to pray for Katie and all of you. Praying for Katie and your family's comfort during this time.
Reply
A friend
10/10/2017 09:31:52 am
Life through Christ is a marathon. Your race begins the moment you accept Him, and is complete when He determines you’ve ran long enough. That race is longer for some than others. Katie is close to winning her race while the rest of us keep running towards our prize.
Reply
Jess Scott
10/10/2017 09:38:01 am
My heart, thoughts and prayers are with you 💜
Reply
Janie Raynes
10/10/2017 09:45:40 am
My prayers are with you and your family, may God bring comfort, strength and peace! I have followed your posts all along, you have been an inspiration to many! Katie was a warrior! 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Reply
Covert Family
10/10/2017 09:48:48 am
Our prayers are with you all. May God provide comfort, peace and understanding thru this most unfathomable moment in your lives. Much love to each one of you ❤❤❤❤
Reply
Ric Bertolotti
10/10/2017 09:55:13 am
Spoke with Jason Billups this morning. Praying for you all. We never know His plan, may He bless Katie and receive her gently into His arms.
Reply
Robin & Richard Phelps
10/10/2017 09:56:08 am
We will be praying for Katie, your family and all those that this precious child has affected in her 14 years.
Reply
Shari
10/10/2017 10:10:18 am
I'm so sorry ...praying for peace and comfort for you all...our family has been on a similar journey this past year...our 21 yo daughter was diagnosed with lymphoma in November 2016... she went to be with Jesus on September 28
Reply
Kathy Cook
10/10/2017 10:31:39 am
My deepest, heartfelt prayers for your family. Katie will be welcomed by the Lord to such wonderful, pain free love. You’ll remain in my prayers as your family releases her to God’s arms.
Reply
Dorothy Prudich
10/10/2017 10:42:44 am
I don't know you, but when I read this today my heart broke for you and your family.
Reply
Kim Cecil
10/10/2017 10:48:25 am
I don't know your family personally, but have saw all the beautiful comments about Katie & her courageous battle she fought. We are praying for peace & comfort for your extended family & know what a blessing it is to know of the Savior''s atoning sacrifice he made for us & that you will be with Katie once again. May God bless each one of you.
Reply
Melody
10/10/2017 10:50:05 am
I am praying for you all. I am so very sorry.
Reply
Theresa Litteral & Family
10/10/2017 11:00:12 am
We all have heavy hearts for you & your family at this sad time. Our thoughts & prayers are with you always & hope you will be able to find peace & comfort. Sending much love & heartfelt prayers xxx
Reply
Anonymous
10/10/2017 11:03:01 am
She's going home! So beautifully said, so true. Keep the faith. The Lord, our God will comfort you. He is waiting for Katie with open arms.
Reply
Darlene Peaks
10/10/2017 11:16:41 am
Our heartfelt prayers for you all, especially Katie that she be comforted and not afraid, that she feel the power of all who are praying, that she walk in heavenly sunlight all of her journey,,,,much love
Reply
Debbie Winter
10/10/2017 11:39:08 am
losing a child is every parents nightmare but thankfully the Cobb family had a peace that their daughter will have a home in Heaven !!! Prayers for the Cobb family !
Reply
Patti Raker
10/10/2017 12:04:05 pm
I know all too well the pain of having a child pass on before you!!!!!! My Son, Luke is in heaven. He was just a baby when the Lord chose to take him there. He would now be 25 years old if he were here with us on earth. We just cling to the fact that one day we will be reunited with him and share ALL of eternity together in heaven!!!! The pain is sometimes overwhelming, but God gets you through the days that are rough. He is always faithful. Lean completely on Him!!!! So sorry that you had to bear this hard and difficult time with Katie. Hugs to you all and prayers for all of you!!!!! I know that you don't know me, but I attend the Church where your friends Pastor. Kenny & Cheryl Smith.
Reply
Karen Caines
10/10/2017 12:05:03 pm
Praying for The Cobb 7 🙏🙏🙏
Reply
Jacob Miller
10/10/2017 12:07:52 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with you all todayand forever. She is an example of Christ in what she does and how she loves everyone. Much love to the Cobb 7 in this time
Reply
Cindi
10/10/2017 12:39:02 pm
Thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Reply
10/10/2017 12:54:50 pm
I have not known your family or your precious daughter. I only learned of your blog today, on what has to be the most painful day of all. Reading over some of your blog posts gives me a small sense of the nightmare you have all endured, and what a sweet and loving child you brought into the world for 14 years. I wish your family much peace and comfort.
Reply
Tammy Dill
10/10/2017 01:13:16 pm
Love and prayers for all of you.
Reply
Judy
10/10/2017 01:13:20 pm
I, too, just read about your daughter’ s journey today. I am touched and saddened by all that Katie and your loving family had to endure. My heart and condolences go out to you and your family.
Reply
Michelle Kosa
10/10/2017 04:00:20 pm
Prayers for peace and comfort for the family!
Reply
Maxine Hodges
10/10/2017 04:23:42 pm
I will be in prayer for Katie's comfort. May your family find strength in God's love to get through this most difficult time a family has to endure.
Reply
Angie Baria
10/10/2017 04:28:35 pm
I pray so much for peace and comfort, for there is no others words.
Reply
Jeff Amedro
10/10/2017 05:35:35 pm
I’m so saddened to hear. I can’t imagine the pain you’re going through and I wish I had the right words to say, but please know that you and your family are in our prayers.
Reply
Cindy Hughes
10/10/2017 07:32:17 pm
My heart breaks for the Cobb family. Although no words can take away the pain and sorrow that you bare, I pray you are comforted to know what an inspiration Katie and your family are. She touched so many people, of all ages, in her 14 years, and others will be positively impacted by her courage. Katie was a faithful warrior and your family is testimony of Christian love and strength.
Reply
Tammi
10/10/2017 10:20:15 pm
I am praying for you and yours. May God give you the overwhelming grace to walk through this.
Reply
Deb Klimek
10/10/2017 10:21:44 pm
My heart aches for you. I'm so very sorry for your loss. I knew of Katie through the homeschool community and her sweetness touched the lives of so many. She will not be forgotten.
Reply
Mark Coleman
10/10/2017 10:29:18 pm
My heart is absolutely broken for your family’s unthinkable loss. Take solace is knowing that Katie is now free from all pain and worry since her gentle soul now resides in a very peaceful eternal heavenly home. I wish I would have personally known Katie better, but will always remember her infectious smile and how it could brighten up any room. She fought a very courageous fight and served as an inspiration on how to battle through adversity and still live life to the fullest, as has the whole Cobb family. Please know that all of you will be in my thoughts and prayers. With all my love.
Reply
Sharon
10/10/2017 10:45:42 pm
Only God can give you the comfort that only comes from Him. My heart is so broken for your family. Just know the Cobb family are my prayers.
Reply
10/11/2017 12:35:03 am
I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting Katie briefly on the night of the Hurricane High Schools homecoming when she joined my daughter Hannah and her cross country friends for pictures . Katie's smile could light up any room! She looked so pretty that evening and I was so glad that she was able to join the other young people. Prayers for your family.
Reply
Lisa Abbott
10/11/2017 07:20:22 am
I don’t know you personally but I feel as if I do. I have read your blog for months and I have prayed along with you for Katie. You are my brothers and sisters in Christ and my heart is broken for you. So thankful that you have the comfort of our Lord during this time. There are just no words I can give you that take away your grief and pain but there is coming a day when “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain. For the old order of things has passed away.” Rev. 21:4. God bless you and comfort you until that day!
Reply
Brooke Williams
10/11/2017 07:59:19 am
❤️️❤️️I am praying for her and your family, may god cover you guys and keep you guys strong. I know this feeling a little to well.
Reply
The Crawford Family
10/11/2017 08:31:52 pm
Our prayers are with you & Katie! May God bring comfort and peace!
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
March 2020
Categories |