Today is a bittersweet day for our family.  Today marks the 'anniversary' of Caleb's new life...the day he was brought home to be with the Lord.  Caleb is my brother in law, my husband's only brother.  He had only begun his life, when the Lord called him home.  I say he had only begun because he had been married a mere 3 months when he passed.  He was in college to be a Deisel Mechanic.  He was just starting out his adult life. 

The night before Caleb died, I had worked the night shift, so I was sleeping when the family called to tell us.  I was awoken to my husband jumping on the bed screaming and shaking "He's Dead!  He's Dead"  I still get tears remembering this.  I couldn't understand what Calvin was saying.  I was so startled, and then I heard it again, loud and clear....and I asked who...and he said "Caleb!!Caleb!!"  I don't know how long I laid there holding my husband as he cried like never I had seen before. 

We made the long flight home to Mississippi a few days later.  And we struggled through the funeral.  But through all this loss, at a time when most people will crumble and curse God, I witnessed a rebirth like I have never seen before.  Famly who had stopped attending church rededicated themselves to the Lord.  Family who held grudges against one another grew closer.  I witnessed my mother in law become the strongest woman I have ever seen, all because she trusted God, and she leaned on Him during this time.  I saw my husband grow even more into a strong father and brother.  I saw my sister in laws trust in God like never before...and felt a closeness to them I had not felt before. 

I encourage you to give your burdens to the Lord.  Don't carry grudges or hurts.  Don't let Satan steal your joy.  Trust and believe that GOD is in control.  That GOD reigns over your life.  Allow GOD to reign over your life - the happy times and the sad times.

Blessings,

Hope