A question that has been on my heart is “Why do bad things happen?” This past month I’ve been touched by a story of a young woman who just recently passed away due to cancer. She and I went to the same college but I never knew her. However, through a lot of facebook stalking and posts from mutual friends I have learned of her story. I saw many struggle with the question, “why do bad things happen?” She was 24 years old and recently gave birth to a baby boy last February. Please see the link below for more details. I’ve seen many posts offering prayers of encouragement to her and her family.
As I stated before, I never knew this beautiful young woman. And yet, her story has touched my heart and forced me to look inside of myself. From my stalking, I’ve learned that she was an amazing woman with a strong faith and love for the Lord. I’ve seen pictures and tributes to her and one thing that has touched me more than anything is seeing this young woman holding her newborn baby and knowing she will never see him grow to be a man. She was smiling and glowing with the love of Christ for her family. She had her husband’s admiration and her faith radiated out of her smile and cheerful demeanor. Granted, it was only a photograph but the beauty that shined off this young woman struck me to my core.
So, this leads me to my question. Why do bad things happen? Why doesn’t this woman, who was living for the Lord, get the chance to raise her child? Why is her journey over? The fact that her story has struck me; someone who is her sister in Christ but under different circumstances never would’ve known her, and the fact that her life has touched mine and many others is how she will live on in all of us. In John Chapter 9, Jesus says, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in (her) life.” What an amazing legacy this young woman is leaving behind for her son and all of us that are privileged to be touched by her story. There are mothers out there that are cherishing their children more because of her story. There’s a wife, right here, that will cherish the love of her husband because of her example of how short and precious life can be.
Rest in peace dear sister, you have touched my life and demonstrated Christ’s love to me in ways that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. Know that your legacy lives on not only in those who were blessed to have known and loved you, but also in those of us that have been touched by your example of faith and courage for His glory.
http://mankatofreepress.com/obituaries/x403301882/Ruth-M-Wilde-Gullixson-Webber
Joanna's "King"-dom 