Tuesday, March 9, 2010

RIP Layla Grace Marsh-Lessons Learned

Yesterday my daughter, Marissa, came across a blog, laylagrace.org , about this incredibly beautiful 2 year old princess who was fighting Neuroblastoma. The pictures of this precious jewel are incredible. Especially the photos that the family was able to have done just before Layla got really bad. We read the entire blog, 10 months worth of posts, in one sitting (no, we do NOT normally do things like this) and shed many, many tears. The smiles she shared with her family and friends are incredible. She was a fighter and a VERY smart little girl. There are video clips of her showing her incisions, getting tickled by her daddy and laughing the most precious laugh, and telling her mommy just how she felt about bedtime during one hospital stay.

This morning we found out that little Layla had gone to be with Jesus.

My heart is broken for the Marsh family. I keep thinking about how I would be feeling if this had been one of my children. I truly feel that God has used this little girl and her family's wonderful but painful journey of her life to remind me that the world doesn't revolve around me, my family, my church, my immediate surroundings. There is a great big world out there where so many people are hurting, dying, losing loved ones, and suffering through their own trials.

I am burdened anew for deeper prayer and intercession for the world. Marissa has been deeply affected as well and is determined to pray more. Mark and I spoke this morning for a while about how so many recent developments, circumstances, painful trials, and physical ailments have been directing us once again to the throne of God. I am not saying that we haven't been praying...it just isn't enough any more. God is wanting more of us. And I believe it is because of His soon return. His people, His church need to be in intercession for the lost and hurting so that they too can come to know Jesus in the fullness of truth.

If you get a moment, remember Layla's family during this dark hour of sorrow. And take a little longer to pray for others as well. Pray for my family and me too, please!

God bless you, my friends. I am praying for you!