The Courage To Face Pain

Last Wednesday in Oklahoma City a mother and her two young sons were leaving McDonald's after a play date and were hit by a car. The three year old was killed, the mother was also ran over, and the four year old watched it all. On Thursday, 460 miles away, I received a packet in the mail. It was from MOPS, Mothers of Preschoolers. Our theme this year is Be you, Bravely and they included the Giving Key. I knew immediately to whom I was giving the key. I didn't know the mother, though I had met her once while we were both pregnant with our now three year old children. Her husband however was in our wedding, a dear friend from college and we knew we needed to make the long trip across three states, if you can really count NM since we live just a few miles from the Texas state line. Nonetheless we were there for them. On Sunday night I wrote the definition of courage, found on the card included with the key. Then I wrote Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
On Monday I gave her the letter and the Key. As she held it she told me I didn't know how much it meant to her. She is right, I don't, but as I hold my little three year old's hands and see their smiling faces I know what kind of faith and courage it would take if they were taken from me. It's Wednesday again as I sit and type this story. One week since the accident. Pray for this family. Pray they have courage to face this pain. I will be thinking of the MOPS theme, Be you, Bravely as I pray and as I serve as mother to my sweet babies. All we want is to keep them from harm....she was still holding his little hand when she regained consciousness.