MY REFLECTION! Fellow Saints of the most high God, friends, and loved ones: I want to take a moment to thank you for the hundreds, even thousands of messages, cards, phone calls, and emails over this past year (the year of firsts without Ella). After last night, we can no longer say,this time last year we were doing this or that with our Ella. Because this time last year I believe Ella had already seen Jesus! Even though her body would lie in a bed for 10 days in PICU, I believe God in His grace and mercy was allowing us to slowly release her unto Him. How grateful I am that He gave us a little more time to say goodbye and give Julie enough time to attend her funeral. Yes, I am grateful that Gods people care about us, care about our story, and care about hearing that story. I am also thankful they understand it is part of Gods BIG story. My desire and prayer is that we can tell our story, with our own words, our own actions, and live this story well and that it will be counted for Gods Glory! Julie and I realize now that this is Gods calling in our lives, but we also know this is a HARD calling. We know in ways we would have NEVER understood without the loss of our beloved Ella, that we are truly standing on Holy Ground as we share Jesus Christ with the children God places before us. But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14 NKJV) Ella Marie Formby was a typical 5 year old child. She loved everyone, she had no prejudices, she loved arts and crafts, horses, life, flowers, but most of all Jesus. I have had many many people tell me this was a tragedy and a devastating loss (which to us it seems that way), but this did not catch God by surprise. What I mean is, if the God of the universe could have glorified Himself more by leaving Ella here for another 80-90 years, then He surely would you done just that. No, Ella was NEVER going to be more than 5 years old. Her mission on this earth was completed. So, I will not worry myself with things I dont understand about our God. When those creepy, horrid questions slither their way into my mind from Satans minions, you know the,WHY questions? Why would a loving God allow such a thing? The only answer that makes sense, to those questions is: It is for Gods ultimate glory! I dont have to understand it, just have faith that He knew better than we did. Bad things happen to good people, innocent people. And God NEVER promised the believer an earthly tomorrow. What He did promise is ETERNAL LIFE through JESUS CHRIST if we choose to place our trust in Him. We are not the first patents to lose a child, and unfortunately we will not be the last. But I believe with all my being that it is what we choose to do with that loss that matters most. The apostle Paul said,now I am seeing through that mirror/glass dimly ...But one day Julie and i will see face to face and claim the victory! I know God loves us, He has and will sustain us, comfort us each and every day, and empower us through the Holy Spirit. And when tragedy happens and others are watching (and they are watching mind you) They will be drawn to this supernatural power like a moth is to an open flame. God is not done with us yet or we both would have died in that 1940 Chevrolet January 25, 2013. My prayer is that Julie and I can pick up Ellas torch as long as we are able and keep her light shining bright! May God Bless you All...
Posted on: Sun, 26 Jan 2014 18:28:19 +0000