It's all about Grace.

As so many of you know the month of July is one that brings back vivid memories and marks another year of living in light of the tragedy that struck our family in 2001. It's been a long road and continues to be a journey of ongoing healing, changes, reflection and Hope.
I do a lot of thinking and soul-seeking on any given day, but it is more heightened at this time of the year than any other. The memories are so ingrained in my mind; what I saw and felt and experienced will never go away and yet time has changed the pain I felt and will forever feel. I would be remiss to say that my grief has gone away. Even after these many years. It's still there, but what I have noticed and am so keenly aware is that the grief I carry in my heart has been softened and soaked in God's love and the Hope I have of His plan and it {my grief} now turns my thoughts more often to Grace rather than the hurt of my memories and loss.
I want to you to know that my story- our story- is not unique or amazing in any way. I do share openly and try to be very transparent as the journey has unfolded these past several years, but that doesn't make it incredible. What I do hope is that our response to death and suffering either changes you and your perspective to loss, or that it cements your faith in God in a way that only God can use suffering.
I came across another 'story' this week. It's profound in the measure of suffering and pain as well, but this story so closely echoes what I try to put into words here and in my own life. I invite you to listen or check out the link to order a book if you so choose. There are three parts to the story, but if you have time to listen to only one, I would recommend part 3 of 3. I know so many people wonder where God is in the midst of heartache and loss. I know people sometimes think Chip and I have some super-strength and great fauth. It's so not true. What we have is available to every single person and it is the one thing we hope everyone can "see" when they peer into our story- and that is this, God's grace is enough. God is bigger than grief. God is greater than our hurts. God can bring Joy from pain and He can, does and always will.