at peace

my friend shannon is now at peace, away from her suffering and strife.

I hope tom (shannon's husband) doesn't mind my copying part of what he wrote in the carepages update, but it just really made me feel so much less concern for him and his family. Yes, they will need SO much love and support and help, but I think they're gonna be okay if this is the mindset in which they choose to operate.

here's what Tom wrote:

"I have drawn hope and encouragement from King David's example. In 2 Samuel 12, we read of David praying and fasting as he cried out to God for the life of his sick child. He did this for seven days. And then his child died. Once David realized the child was dead, he stopped praying and fasting and ate a meal. His servants were surprised at his actions. While his child was sick, David fasted, prayed, and wept. Once his child died, David stopped praying and weeping, changed clothes, worshiped God, and ate some food. His sudden change of actions didn't make sense to the servants.

David explained himself: "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, 'Who knows whether the Lord will be gracious to me, that my child may live?' But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me" (2 Sam. 12:22-23).

David was diligent in his prayers for healing. He wept. He grieved. Once he heard his child was dead, instead of being overcome with grief, he worshiped. He got up and continued life. Though (I am sure) his sorrow was great, he took comfort in the fact that one day he would see his child again.'

this family has seen so much love and kindness poured out upon them from people all over the world, people they don't even know. and it is simply amazing. and inspirational. I think that was what kept shannon fighting for so long--this outpouring of love, and through it, hope.

and on a personal note, I wish I could trust in God as much as Tom does. what a testament to faith.