Thursday, January 14, 2010

The Hope of Heaven

Today we got a phone call in the children's ministry office to let us know that CW, one of the dearest 15 year old boys ever, who has been struggling with a mitochondrial disease his entire life, went home to be with Jesus.

CW was a boy who had so much hope for heaven that he was an encouragement for all who knew him. He was a true joy to see grow up and into such an incredible young man of God. The last conversation I had with him went like this:

Yo, CW! (I talk street with teens. It makes them laugh at like me)
Hey, Missamber! (always respectful, always said it like it was one word)
How are you, buddy?
I'm tired, Misssamber. But good.
Someday, we won't be tired anymore, will we, bud?
Nope! Heaven's going to be awesome! So... how are you anyway?

Because part of his health issues dealt with digestion, CW walked around with a backback on his back, filled with essentials for his daily nourishment.  Today, he's in Heaven- with (in the words of a friend) that cumbersome backpack dropped off at the gate...every need met, sitting at the big ol' Banqueting Table, chatting it up with our Savior!

I couldn't be happier for that 24 lovin'-volunteerin' in children's ministry-dog havin'-joke tellin'-beautiful grinnin'-always polite-Jesus praisin' kid...

And couldn't be more brokenhearted for his family.

CW has 3 older sisters, an older brother, and an amazing set of parents.

Please join me in prayer this night for the comfort of Jesus to be extremely obvious to them in the days to come.

And Mommies? Will you pray a special prayer from your MommyHeart for C's mom, P?  She's gonna need some extra Jesus for certain. I can't even imagine.

*sigh* Have fun in Heaven, CW. Save a seat at the table for us....


  “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.”
  Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”
  Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

John 14:3

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13 comments:

God's Guitar Girl said...

Reminds me of "Carried to the Table" and the story of Mephibosheth. What a bittersweet day.

Sing4joy said...

Praying special prayers for P. Beautiful post as usual.

whimzie said...

Celebrating for CW. Hurting for his family and friends.

Thanks, GuitarGirl for mentioning "Carried to the Table." Had never thought of that song that way but wow! Beautiful imagery.

Thinking of you, too, HisGirl as you grieve.

Fran said...

With big ole tears in my eyes....that was beautifully said Amber!!!

Fiddledeedee said...

Amber, that was a beautiful tribute!

Jenster said...

I agree. Beautiful tribute. How is it we can rejoice and mourn all at the same time? His family is in my prayers.

Gretchen said...

Amber, this is an amazing reminder of what we have to look forward to. I can't help but be devastated for his parents, because it's so unnatural to one's children. But we all want the best for our children. And one day, I hope that they are comforted by the thought that he's indeed with the best. Right now, I pray for Him to be the lifter of their heads--for all the family. Hugs to you and them. Sorry for your loss. So glad he's healed entirely.

lisasmith said...

Saying a prayer now. Nothing harder than that. (sigh)
I have a friend that just lost her son too. Hard. just plain hard. love how jenster says how can it be we can grieve and rejoice at the same time. I love the picture of C laying that heavy backpack down.

PS I posted an "extra" on Daniel because I was so excited. I'm so loving this safari.

lisasmith said...

oops I mean I'm posting it in the morning =) fixing all my typos and such now. you rock!

signsofpatriotism said...

Thanks for sharing Amber and reminding us how precious life is, but also how precious is the gift waiting for us in Heaven to be with our Lord!! Prayers for all!!

Halfmoon Girl said...

It is so true- our hearts rejoice for those who have gone HOME, and are broken at the same time. My heart will be praying for this family, especially his Mom. sigh.

Melissa Stover said...

i'm so sorry. he sounds like he was a wonderful boy.

Shanda said...

My "mommy heart" is broken for P. May God wrap her (and their entire family)in His peace and love. May CW be "livin it large" with his Savior!