Grace

Grace is 8 or 9 years old. She doesn't have any brothers or sisters. She has medium length straight brown hair and a shy smile. She's in my 3rd grade Sunday school class. And she's about to lose her daddy.

Little Grace's dad had 2 massive strokes, 1 right after the other, about 2 weeks ago and had to be induced into a coma because of the huge amount of blood resulting from brain damage. I don't know all the correct terminology, but I was told that Grace's mom is going to have to make a decision really soon of whether or not to pull him from life support.

My heart just ached for Grace when I heard that.

On Sunday--Father's Day--Grace showed up with the other 3rd graders. During the morning, as we moved rooms from the memory verse to singing to a Bible story lesson to a craft, we talked about God's power and how we can resist our sin and our adversary the devil by trusting in God's strength. Jesus is our Comforter and our Protector when difficult situations around us seem impossible to escape from.

I noticed Grace was holding a homemade card and I asked her about it. She said another little girl in the class had made it to give to her daddy who was sick, but not til yesterday did I learn more details of how serious it was.

What a precious blessing Grace's mom has in the form of her daughter. A beautiful, sweet, gentle, and caring daughter. A little girl named Grace. How fitting, as this woman is losing her husband, being left to care for their only child alone. (Grace, apparently, was a miracle baby because her parents couldn't get pregnant for the longest time, and her parents are in their 50s). But the point is that God is the giver of all grace, and he has given much to this hurting family. This is probably one of the hardest things they have ever had to deal with in life so far (especially for a 9 year old), and yet our Father in heaven promises to never leave our side and to always be there for us in times of trial.

Father...be ever-present as Grace loses her earthly father. Keep her safe in your arms and comfort her little heart as her mom tells her what's going on with daddy. Bless this family with your grace and your peace that goes beyond what we understand. Let them rely on you to sustain them, and comfort them with your Word the way only you can. Remind us to live each day, each moment for you, since we never know when you will take your children home.