To Love Him Still
We stood at the graveside of beautiful five-year-old Lenya Lusko. It was so unexpected, sudden, and shocking a loss.
As we stood beside our dear friends Levi, Jennie, and their three daughters, a chilly wind blew down on us, chasing the tears from my eyes and across my cheeks. Tiny specks of snow began to fall from that steely Montana sky. Their family stood bravely, singing and holding onto each other as her casket was lowered.
How surreal that it was just four years earlier Levi stood by us as we said our goodbyes at the graveside of our precious 33-year-old son, Christopher. This couple had wept and prayed and walked with our family as close as one could through four very difficult and sorrow-filled years.
I know the Scriptures; I do not have any doubt Lenya is alive and we will see her again. But all I could think at that moment was: No, no, no . . . This is so wrong, so not fair. This beautiful family, this godly couple, this child so adorable, full of energy and delightful personality, shouldn’t have to go through this.
Some things cannot be explained to satisfy grief. Amen. We must learn to live in this fallen world through difficult and frightening circumstances. Even Jesus’ followers are not exempt from all of the tragic entanglements of its fallenness.
As I write this, I’m transported back to many painful and empty places I walked in my own unexpected journey through grief. How hard are all those “firsts” that mark such a loss. The first week, the first month, the first trip to the grocery store, crying in the aisles like a baby as I passed by his favorite foods. That first Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Fourth of July . . . and for me one of the most painful: standing beside Christopher’s young wife, Brittany, as she gave birth to his daughter Lucy.
We cry out, “Why did you take them, so young, so talented, so needed, so irreplaceable? Why them . . . not me?”
We can only wait for heaven’s answer one day, and meanwhile grip tightly onto God’s promises like a drowning person—because without them, without Him, we will drown.
As there is no going back, only forward, what do we do now with this new reality? I heard the story of a certain man who, after the death of his beloved wife, went to his minister with the question, “What does God have left for me now that she is gone?” To this the minister quietly and firmly replied, “To know and love God still.” Six single-syllable words that give us the reason to go on.
Often my reading from the Daily Light is just what I need to hear, and today I read:
“This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent . . . Now acquaint yourself with Him, and be at peace . . . That you may know what is the hope of His calling.” (John 17:3, Job 22:21, Ephesians 1:18)
So I will wipe the tears away, catch my breath, look to where my anchor holds within the veil (Hebrews 6:19) and press on to know and love Him . . . still.
75 comments
Angie | April 19, 2013
This is just what I also needed today!
Carmen | April 19, 2013
I lost my dad 57 days ago and this thing is so raw to me. He was a faithful man who loved and served his Savior and I know that I will see him again, but it's still tough. Please pray for my mom. They were married 52 years and she is missing her best friend. Thank you for your insight and for directing me to Jesus and His truth.
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Corinne | April 19, 2013
Thank you so much, Cathe, for your testimony on grief. This matter is so true, yet many people use sorrow and grief like this to be angry at God, or to claim that there couldn't be a loving God because of trauma like this. I know; I've been there, when I lost my favorite and much loved member of my family when I was 14, my mother. Honestly, I still miss and want her here, but I know I'll see her in heaven. It's been 30 years and I still think of her quite often. She was the one to lead me to Christ Jesus -when I was 7 years old! How can I really forget the void and pain of her absence during my high school and college years? However, I believe we need to endure to the end, just like Jesus did, who for the Joy set before him endured the Cross. He said we would have trouble in this life, "but don't worry nor be anxious, for I have Overcome the world." Praise Our God and King Christ Jesus, who gives us love, hope, faith and peace, no matter what happens on this earth!!!
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Debbie | April 19, 2013
My Jesus My Love!
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Elza | April 19, 2013
God is all I need,
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Eleanor Watkins | April 19, 2013
Dear Cathe,
I cry along with you. I too know Grief and I too know our Savior.
Today would have been my husband's birthday. He went home to be with our Lord over 15 yrs. ago.
I hold onto the HOPE of HEAVEN! In fact my church (where you and Greg will be coming) is Calvary
Chapel of Philadelphia. I am really looking forward to this Seminar. I am praying for you and Greg and
your family.
Thank you for sharing those deep and painful places of your heart and also the HOPE we have of one day
being reunited with our loved ones.
Blessings and God's Comfort,
Eleanor
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Ginger Anders | April 19, 2013
We lost our 20 year old son 7 years ago on April 28th. It helps to know he's now safe and sound in the presence of Jesus. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It's very hard to write them down.
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Cindy | April 19, 2013
Thank you!
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Charis Thorness | April 19, 2013
This is so beautiful!! Thank you for sharing your sorrow and hurt with us all! We pray for your family as we know the Lusko's close relationship with your family! The Lusko's are so dear to us and our hearts also break for them. So thankful they have your family to walk with them through this trial! Thank you for your wisdom and open heart! We praise God for your ministry and your willingness to keep going and spreading the gospel in the face of heartache and pain!!
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Jennifer Fitzpatrick | April 19, 2013
As I read this....tears were streaming down my face. We don't have all the answers, but we must have strong faith in our Heavenly Father.
God is so good, He will never fail us and never leave us. He has already paved the road we are traveling on.
I am so sorry you lost your beautiful son. My heart aches for you and your family and I am so sorry for the other family who had to bury their little 5 year old. May God continue to comfort you and hold you tight. Amen.
Therese Pennington | April 19, 2013
Just wanted to comment on this so appropriate message. Also, tears were flowing down my cheeks. I am so deeply sorry for the couples loss of a little five year old. So senseless it seems. I cannot imagine the heartache they must feel. Also, I want to say I am so very sorry for the loss of your son, Christopher. When I heard of that 4 years ago my heart went out to you and your beautiful family. It does not make any sense when good, Godly people are taken unexpectedly.
I lost my husband quickly 7 years ago and it took me places I never expected to go. Way down deep in despair, I felt like I was dead. It has been extremely difficult these past 7 years and been hard on my 3 kids, they were 9, 13, and 16. Since then, I have learned more and been tested more than in my whole life. God has proven His faithfulness, has taught me much and is still refining me. I just wonder so often though what my calling is? I do know for sure that without Him and His Word I can't make it. Thank You for this.
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Denise Michels | April 19, 2013
This post broke my heart & humbled me.
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Jay | April 19, 2013
When I read this it brings me back to the day, time, and place when I heard the words, "your brother died"! UNREAL! He was also in a car accident! But when my days seem to be just too long without him I call out and say "God is so good" because He is and always will be and just saying that helps me feel better though it may not seem like much its truly PROFOUND so when you feel like you just can't make it call out those words and see how you feel. God Bless!!!
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Kathy | April 19, 2013
Cathe
This is beautiful - the heartfelt desires and your writing. I haven't lost a son or daughter, but as my parents get older and deal with Lou Gehrig's this emphasizes my need to keep focusing on the eventual outcome and the time we will all be reunited. Thank you for sharing.
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Joanne Mazurski | April 19, 2013
Thank you for being an example of what a godly woman truly looks like. We will all experience loss in our lifetime but you show me that it can be done with our faith and our hope in the Lord intact.
God bless you, Cathe.
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Nancy Paulson | April 19, 2013
Thank you and Greg for your courage and faith during your tragic loss. Please send this to Kay and Rick Warren. I am sure you have already reached out to them. But I am sure they need much encouragement as you did. They are courageous amazing leaders of Jesus as well. You are all experiencing the ultimate test and evil attack That comes to those who truly making a difference in this world. May your pain be less and less as each day passes. Bless you in the name of Jesus. Thank you
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Geralene Clark | April 19, 2013
My natural parents both died when i was 6 & 7 years old - 1995 my grandfather passed - 2005 my 2nd dad passed - during these times all I could do was cry with no comfort from anyone! Today I know i will see my grandfather and dad and they will be whole just as Jesus - I can't wait! Wy 2nd mother passed last year and sad to say i don't miss her..........We didn't have a good relationship. She played favorites with my brother and took my prayer requests and made them into gossips. BUT I know she's in the presence of Jesus also. I'm having to ask for help to forgive her - some days are more difficult than others. My dad was my prayer partner and my grandfather was strong and gave me valuable encouragements and lessons in our Indian way, but Dad always said that God is God and there is none like Him. Your letter here made me miss my family.
Corinne Zus | April 19, 2013
Cathe got me to miss my mom too, but then I'm cheered up because I know, and have no doubt, that my mom is with Jesus and talking with Him, and enjoying the Joy of Heaven! I'll see her again, but for now I really want to do God's will, for we must remember - "those who are led by the Spirit of God ARE the sons and daughters of God." I think the best we can do is to get filled with the Holy Spirit, renew our minds daily, and really get to know Our Father and Lord, for truly in doing His will is the best we can do for God and ourselves.
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Monica | April 19, 2013
Thank you for these wonderful lines.. I know they are words that come from God. I lost my father 7 years ago and it's not easy. But I hold onto God's promise to see Him again one day. God Bless you!
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Ginger | April 19, 2013
Thank you. I wonder at times if this all is now GOD after the shock/tragedy/loss. It is work, home, bed just to get up work, home, bed, church on Sunday. Is this all there is? But because of this JESUS died and now, "To know and love GOD still", thank you.
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Mary | April 19, 2013
Dear Cathe,
I so know the pain. For I too have lost many. I have lost three of my sisters, just last December 3 my third sister passed away and I was with her until her last breath. And then in January my mother-in-law passed. I have gotten to know our Savior more and with His grace I have been able to grieve with His help. Thank you for your encouraging words...
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Pat | April 19, 2013
This touched me so much today. Thank you.
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Dee de Cheubel | April 19, 2013
Cathe, I truly appreciate this edition of Cathe's Notes. I hope I never have to experience the loss of a child as you and Greg have. My Dad passed away July 2012, a month after being diagnosed with lung cancer and this is our year of firsts stings with joyful memories and longings. This article I will be sure to share with my mother and siblings (5 of us altogether).
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Caron | April 19, 2013
Thank you for sharing your heart. This has blessed me today after feeling so sad about the tragedy in Boston.
God Bless you!
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Debbie | April 19, 2013
Thanks Cathe....You are an encouragement to so many just because you sincerely want to know and love Him ...still! Thanks for your courage and obedience lived as an example before us! My husband and I are very blessed by you and yours....saying a prayer for you both that you forever hold unswervingly to the hope....for He has promised!!!
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Kelli McLean | April 19, 2013
Thank you so much for this, Cathe! So poignant! Levi and Jennie and the girls mean so much to us and we really appreciate all that you and Greg have done to support them and all of the family at Fresh Life Church. We mourn with you for Christopher and we mourn again for Lenya but we hang on the truth of God's Word and believe in His promises. He IS our anchor and we will hold on to Him tightly until He comes to bring us home to be with Him and to be reunited with all those who have gone before us. I pray for continued comfort to you and Greg and your family!
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Lisa Singer | April 19, 2013
Such an example of peace even in the midst of pain.
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Ellie Guerrero | April 19, 2013
Oh Cathe, crying today as I read your message. You are such a sweet soul. Thank you for your constant guidance. While reading, I pray for hope and peace for all those who are in pain. Please always turn to the Bible for comfort. Turn to someone to talk to and lean to the scriptures for comfort until one day we are with our God and all our tears and sorrows will be wiped away. We have the assurance that all our loved ones (who believe that Jesus is their Savior), are in heaven and we WILL see then again and rejoice! God Bless you all..... Ellie
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Julia Boulous | April 19, 2013
This is so beautiful and heart breaking. I know it was very hard to write it down because I could see your love and emotion thru these beautiful lines, but we have to be thankful that we have a Saviour that one day we will see each other. Thanks for sharing the most beautiful and heartfelt experience with all of us. May our Lord always bless Pastor Greg and Bless you and your family. I receive his devotions on a daily basis, and I read them before I start my work. God speaks to me thru his words. Thanks again.
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Stephanie | April 19, 2013
Oh Cathe: I am sitting here weeping with you after reading your tender and cherished words. I too lost my 3 year old 21 years ago. It still hurts as though it were yesterday at times. Only by God's grace have I been able to move past those terrible firsts that you describe. I rejoice when I see the recipient who received his liver and know that my son lives in heaven and part of him lives on here in another young man who has a promising life.
The blessings and promises of God's word are true and ever present. I hold fast to that day when I will once again see my Mikhail. Prayers for you and your dear friends sweet comfort in God's encompassing love.
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Jeanette | April 19, 2013
Thank you Cathe, I bless the Lord for your words today, exactly what I needed to hear
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Sylvia | April 19, 2013
Dear Cathe,
I re-dedicated and completely surrendered my life to the Lord about 4 years ago. And our Father Blessed me over and over. I found it so easy to praise God during those times. Then on October 18th 2012 my oldest son took his life. He was a Veteran and was an LA Deputy Sheriff. A true servant as he had given his heart to Jesus when he was young. He was caught in a spiritual struggle since he returned from Kuwait & Iraq, as so many of our young military are. My heart aches....
When I received the call from my daughter who was staying with him at the time, "Mommy come quick please!" I grabbed my keys and while I was driving I asked my Lord "Please Father, be with me now, help me to face whatever it is I am about to find."
I love my Lord and with love is TRUST, I don't understand what happened, however the Holy Spirit has given me a peace, to look back at the happiness my son brought to me, his brother and sister.
No, my son is no longer on this earth, but thank you Jesus ..Amen
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Tish | April 19, 2013
I totally know the feeling. My husband passed away six months ago after a crazy car accident. I still believe. Even if it hurts.
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Eva | April 19, 2013
Cathe thank you for this. I'm trying to comfort my best friend. Her 19 yr old daughter was found dead on 2/14/13. She hung herself. I'm there for her but have no words because nothing that I say will bring back her daughter. Now I can share this with her. Mahalo I miss all of you. God bless
Sylvia | April 24, 2013
Eva, Please know that anytime we cry out to our Father HE is there with loving comfort. He was there when I asked HIM to give me strength for whatever I was going to find after my daughter called me, and He will be there to minister to our loved ones. I am honored to obey my Lord and be used to comfort.
The Lord says, "I will instruct you. I will teach you the way that you should go. I will advise you as my eyes watch over you." Psalm 32:8
Psalm 16:11 You make the path of life known to me. Complete joy is in your presence. Pleasures are by YOUR SIDE forever....
My Lord has held every tear I shed in not having my son with me. He has also given me renewed strength in His love...I Praise Him Eva. I know I will see my son in God's presence one day....A true mother's comfort ....Amen?
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mary lou holmes | April 19, 2013
So true Cathe. I cried as I read your teaching. Yes, thru all our pain, to love Him still is profound and reviving all at once. So grateful for God's word; and His sweet teachers. Behold, such a magnificent God. In Jesus' faithful, wondrous name. Thank you.
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Nancy Garcia-Martinez | April 19, 2013
I soooo needed to hear this today. My loss is not like yours. My son started getting in trouble at a very young age. He is now in prison, serving time for trafficking and burglary. He is also in segregation right now and it is the hardest thing in the world not to hear his voice or see his face. I wish I could find a judge ANYWHERE who would let me serve his sentence for him. I have panic attacks, anxiety attacks, and general depression on and off. Thank you Cathe for being such an inspiration. I know that as long as my son is alive, he has a chance. God is on him, he knows the Lord. I just want him home so bad.
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Karen | April 19, 2013
Dear Cathe,
Thank you so much for sharing your feelings. I met you at The Cove three and one-half years ago and you took the time to pray with me just a little over a month after our son (Matthew Chase Colyer) was killed in a car accident at age 18. I will never forget your kindness...never! As you well know, our hearts are completely broken, and we think of Chase in everything! Even things like you said, his favorite foods. He was our only child and he was not married, nor did he have any children. Our lives have changed so drastically.
Levi Lusko was one of the speakers/presenters at that particular conference, along with Pastor Greg. The odd thing about this is that I had no idea about your family's tragedy before I got there to The Cove. And we had signed up for this conference before Chase's accident. So I happen to believe that this was a God-thing! Anyway, I love you and Pastor Greg, and I pray for God to continue to give you peace and comfort. Also for the Lusko's.
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Sherylen | April 19, 2013
And we never know when the pain will pierce...in church last weekend Tim sang "I can only imagine" that he sang at David's memorial service last fall...and it brought it all back so suddenly, so deeply...the tears just flowed through the service...But I can only imagine...when I see Jesus' face...and a healed and whole David...
Glory!
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Agnes Stevens | April 19, 2013
In 2000 I lost my husband. There has been time to adjust to the loss but I am old and in my late eighties. Somedays I question why I am still here and there have been times when I feel World War Two was enough to experience. My husband not living and at my side in "9/11", the mass shootings in the schools in Ohio and Connecticut. Now what is happening in Boston. Living to know God better and loving Him more each day has always been my answer and reason many days. So, I thank you, Cathe for reminding me today. i really needed this reminder with what is happening in Boston. I know God is with us, with the people in Boston, Watertown, Cambridge. I know God sees all and I know Jesus weeps. The pastors and you teach us much and you are often in our prayers.
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Annette | April 19, 2013
Beautifully written. Our 25 year old son passed away July 5th, 2007 leaving behind a wife, 6 yr old son and 5 month old baby boy. I too hang onto God's promise of eternal life through His Son, Jesus. Knowing I will see Aaron once again, is the reason I am able to get out of bed every day and can still function. I will keep this family and your's in continuous prayer. Btw, I also lost Aaron's dad, my first husband in a plane crash when Aaron was only 8 months old and my oldest daughter was only 2. Tough world to live in if one does not know The Lord.
Blessings, Annette in WI
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Yvonne | April 19, 2013
What comforting and encouraging words. May you continue to find strength and comfort in the arms of God.
Thank you for encouraging me as well. God bless you and your family>
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Caroline Amaya | April 19, 2013
God is our greatest comforter no matter what comes our way. It's only Love that will get us thru our sorrows.
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Lisa Graham | April 19, 2013
Cathe,
Your message is beautiful and heart seizing at the same moment.
Levi was so great last night, only The Lord!
May The Lord God always pour out His upon all of you.
We love the ministry of Harvest, so happy you are coming to Dos Lagos.
Love Lisa
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Sharon Brown | April 19, 2013
Cathe,
My husband passed away 6 years ago today. We were both in a backslidden state. He was alone when he had a heart attack. My wish is that he cried out to Jesus when he realized what was happening. And, of course, his passing brought me back to the Lord. As I read all of these posts, with tears running down my face, I realize how important is to stay right with the Lord. You just never know. You don't always have time to come back. I hope to see my husband in Heaven, but I just don't know. God bless you and Greg.
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Martha | April 19, 2013
Thank you Cathe for such beautiful words of hope.
On April 23, my daughter would have celebrated her 21st
birthday! She was 16 when she went to be with Jesus
on 11/2008. My 8 year old son went to be with the Lord
also in 1998, and my son who was delivered stillborn in 1997
is also with our Lord. The desire to be with my children is great.
Without the hope I have, I would not be able to breathe.
One day soon, very soon...thank you Lord for the loving
care of my babies. Jer 29:11
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Yvonne Hernandez | April 19, 2013
My mother's passing will be 11 years this May 19th. Our dear cat died in front of my husband and I and could not do anything about it...very traumatic for us. I seem to feel so sad with this date of my mother's passing coming soon and our cat passing that I felt lost again, so abandoned!
Your message helped me very much. Thank you! I needed to hear this.
I LOVE YOU LORD! YVONNE
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Kathy Doremus | April 19, 2013
I read this as I pray for my father who is in the CICU after open heart surgery. I know my God lives and His will is perfect. It is so hard not to be scared but I must hang on to His word that says, "I will never leave nor forsake you." I cling to Him and have faith that He will see me through no matter what is to happen. Thank you Jesus.
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Myriam | April 19, 2013
God bless you and the Lusko family. I would like to share my verse of today.. I am your God. I will strengthen
you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isa 41:10
Love and blessings to you
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Debbie | April 19, 2013
Hi Cathe
You and Greg have been a blessing to me just watching how you carry on after your loss. I lost my husband of 26 years of marriage 6 yrs ago to a car accident. So I know what loss is and how it feels. One thing I know is we carry on. I am remarried now, but a lot of things remind of him so much. I still cry. I still miss him very much. I love what you shared that we need to continue to know Him and Love Him. One day soon we will be with them and see them again. May God continue to use you to comfort those who have lost their loved ones. God always seems to open the doors to comfort those who have gone what we have gone through and the people seem to be relieved that we really understand what they're going through. God Bless You and Greg!
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Damaris | April 19, 2013
Amen Cathe. Thank you for sharing...
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Osan | April 19, 2013
Praying for you and your family. A few days before your son went to be with his Saviour, I had prayed for your husband to stay faithful with God. The message that he gave on the radio was very powerful and I prayed please God keep him faithful to you. Your family has been a testimony to many people. As a mother of 5 children, there is no way I can understand your pain, just pray.
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Jenny Cano | April 19, 2013
I lost my Baby Rudy Cano Jr. in January 2008. He was 36 and he will always be my Baby. I only wish he would have had a child so I can have a part of him. I know he is with our Lord and has a new life and is happy and I know we will see him Again, Love you Jesus!
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Connie Buckner | April 19, 2013
Praise God, we do not always understand why things like this happens. I gave birth to a little dwarf girl 19 years ago this month and as hard as that was for me, my heart truly goes out to this family. All I know is that I just keep trusting in Him, my Jesus and know we will be reunited with our loved ones some day.
Thank you so much for this story, my heart and prayers are with the family!
Blessings in Jesus name, Connie
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Connie Buckner | April 19, 2013
My daughter went to be with the Lord shortly after birth, but my memory of her is her looking into my eyes with the most beautiful blue eyes I have ever seen.
Connie
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Jodi | April 19, 2013
Yes, Cathe I agree, to know and love Him still will bring us courage to live another day. And in my mind, I picture God through the power of the Holy Spirit splashing down like a fountain of life, His mercy and grace upon us, even though we have done nothing to deserve it. Ps 36:9
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Mavis Barlowe | April 19, 2013
So beautiful!
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Pam | April 19, 2013
Thank you Cathe.....I was not aware that there had been such a tragic loss for the Lusko's. My heart weeps for them as it did for you. I have a son named Christopher too. Thank you for the trust and love you have for our Lord. You and Greg, Levi and Jennie, and your families will know the answer someday but until Heaven, your ministry to all of us truly serves the Lord God's purpose for you. God bless you and the Lusko family.
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Joanne | April 19, 2013
Ah, Cathe, precious words indeed, spoken from the fire. I know Jesus walks with you there. Love you.
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Lori | April 19, 2013
oh my heart....what an amazing woman you are...
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Betty Masterson | April 19, 2013
Mrs. Laurie, I am VERY grateful for your devotional page. It's a Blessing every time I receive it and I will pass this particular one to my sister in law. She has lost her son in December just 2 weeks before Christmas and she and her beloved family are going thru it SOOOO hard as you can only imagine. Thank you so much for your bravery and MOST important for your unconditional love for the Lord. God bless you and your beautiful family
Betty Masterson
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Sonja | April 19, 2013
Thank-you.
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Treena | April 19, 2013
Cathe, I can't begin to know the heartache that you and Greg have endured along with the testing of your faith like none other and I didn't know your son but we are the owners of the home where John Collin's family lived and it brought me comfort in my heart knowing that Christopher had probably played many times in our home previously... May God continue to give you comfort as well as the Lusko family who now endure the same testing of their faith....
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Brenda | April 20, 2013
Thank you Cathe.
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Janice | April 20, 2013
Thank you for being such a blessing to us.
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Lovie Hall | April 20, 2013
I lost my son Ben about a year before you lost Christopher. I learned of your loss after I had moved from Okinawa to Germany and wondered why my daily devotions from Pastor Laurie had stopped arriving in my e-mail. This morning I was chatting via Facebook with one of the young men that survived the accident my son was in 5 years ago, and this evening I opened up my e-mail to find your message. You are so right, we love Him still because He died for us, so that we could see our sweet sons again. God Bless you Cathe and thank you for sharing...God's timing is always perfect, even when we don't understand it.
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Julie Torchin | April 20, 2013
Thank you for writing this beautiful message to all of us. It brought tears to my eyes, especially when I read about Brittany giving birth and you being by her side. "We can only wait for heaven’s answer one day, and meanwhile grip tightly onto God’s promises like a drowning person—because without them, without Him, we will drown." This is so amazingly true and so powerful. It's hard for me because I am surrounded by non-believers. I have a Jewish husband and step daughters who don't even believe in God really. My 2 kids have lived more with their father who is agnostic, so they are "lost" when it comes to knowing the Lord. I try to send them messages that I feel will reach into their hearts--and I want to send them what you wrote today. All of my friends are wonderful people--but none of them are Christian. Every day I worry about all these people that I love who are so confused and lost. I'm thankful that I stumbled on Pastor Greg's radio show and that he brought me to the Lord.
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Sylvia Kotel | April 21, 2013
I am sorry what happened to your friend's child. We want to leave this earth before our children. I can't imagine how painful it is. I never had children, but 37 years ago I lost my mother from cancer and have never gotten over it. I wasn't saved then and now I am. I hope to God that God spoke to my mother before she passed on.
I am also sorry for your loss of your son Christopher. You will see him one day. I do know that my two aunts and my uncle have been saved and one day I will see them in heaven. They all believed in Jesus and that Jesus is the son of God the Father. May God bless you and Greg. I get all of his devotionals everyday and love all of them.
Thank you for writing this beautiful message. It breaks my heart when beautiful precious children pass on.
Stay well. We all will have answers one day.
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Laura Anne | April 22, 2013
Thank you for this Cathe. My six year old son Daniel went to heaven over twenty years ago. I will miss him until I see him again. As a mother I know I do not grieve alone. God is good and gently gave me spiritual legs to walk again. Daniel memorized this scripture in his church classroom, Hebrews-"But don't forget to do good and to share, with such sacrifices God is well pleased."
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Kathleen | April 24, 2013
Dear Cathe,
Words can't express my gratitude for reading this. I lost my husband 8 1/2 years ago at the age of 50. It took me many years to accept that this was God's will. Only once I was saved at Calvary Philadelphia have I come to the full understanding of God's will. God's grace and peace be with you and your family. Praise the Lord for people like you.
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Carol | April 26, 2013
Cathe,
Thank you so much for this. I lost someone that I loved very much a little over 5 years ago and my heart still hurts. I wept when I read this. I thought of my own unsaved children. I pray daily for their salvation. I don't know Levi and Jennie personally but I go to the church in Albuquerque where he became a pastor. He was here a few weeks ago with his Skull Church message. Many people came forward that night and accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. I thank God for people like you and Greg and Levi and Jennie who press on, loving Him still and serving the Lord giving hope to those of us, even though I am a believer, still feel so lost sometimes. God Bless you.
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Carmella | April 28, 2013
I find it difficult to wrap my mind around the loss of a loved one, especially those who are young. I have to be honest; what is the purpose? I ask the Lord. This family in Boston whose little boy of 8 years is going through tumultuous times these days as the mom and sister are recovering from the wounds that were inflicted upon them because of two young men who couldn't possibly know what love is all about. My heart breaks for that family - and every day I hold my breath as my grandchildren and great grandchildren go about their lives. Cathe, I thank you for your sharing your own life experience with us, as well as the family who lost their little girl.
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Judith Giliomee | May 3, 2013
My mother died thirty years ago this year. She was the love of my life, and I thought I could not live without her, and when I first heard the news my grief was almost unbearable. The Lord then led me to parts of scriptures I had never seen before. Psalm 30-5"....................weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning". This is exactly what happened. I cried for a night, but when I awoke in the morning, the grief was gone, I could "see" where my mother was, I was full of joy, and I have never shed another tear for my mother. The Lord led me further on in the psalm, to verse 11 and 12, "Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; to the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever". Amen. I have shared this testimony over the years, with anyone the Lord led across my path, experiencing grief. I trust it helps....
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Barbara | May 15, 2013
Thank you for those words of admonishment and comfort.
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Janet | May 19, 2013
Thank You. It always helps to hear a message like this even after losing my sister 5 yrs ago to melanoma at 57 yrs old. Through this time, with the help of my Husband who is the most spirtual, grace filled man I have ever known, that peace that passes all understanding was all over me. I pray for people to understand the importance of staying in the Word, and therefore knowing what it says when the horrible times come. We can make it through with the knowledge that we who believe will all be reunited for eternity, and that promise is the most important one to know in your heart. And just a quick thank you to Judith who lost her mother. My mom is 86 and lives with us. I feel just as she did....when the time comes, how will I go on without her? But I know that He will carry me through, just like He did for my Dad and Sister, until my strength is renewed and then, He will gently put me down when I am able to walk beside Him.
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Elly | June 14, 2013
Cathe,
This was written so beautifully..I read it and cried, partly because of sorrow for both your losses and partly because of Joy in my heart. Joy because of God's Love, knowing your loved ones are with Him. I am a growing Christian and have only recently been listening to Greg and surfing your Virtue blogs etc. My husband on the other hand has been listening for a few years. The other day I was listening to Greg speak about your new book and loved how he was speaking of you and the book. I thought, I gotta get this book. I came home that night and it was on my counter!! We got it in the mail and I was soooo soooo HAPPY!!! So it is one of the books I will be reading this summer! Thank you!!
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Nichole | July 23, 2013
Thank you so much. I lost my mom in 2012. It was unexpected, but she was a devoted Christian and an unselfish person. I know she is with her sweet Jesus.
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Tanya | July 24, 2013
I can relate 100% to the pain and suffering of those left on Earth after the Lord takes a loved one early. On April 5 2013 my twin sister died (39 years old). It is the most devastating and the most indescribable suffering for me. I never expected in my worst imagination that I would have to go through this in my life. Why God didn't answer our prayers to heal her, she had such an amazing and unshakable faith, against all doctors' diagnosis we believed that God would heal her. I have been listening to Greg's preachings- thank you!!! Each suffering has his "owner" and the fact that other people suffer doesn't take our suffering away but it does help us to continue on our journey called earthly life. I am still in very deep grief, my twin sister was part of me. It is so hard to continue to live with such a huge gap in life. I am anticipating that day when we will all be together in heaven without the fear of losing anybody anymore. Until then I pray every day "Come Lord Jesus, come!"
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Myrna | August 8, 2013
The only thing that keeps me whole is knowning I am my beloveds & He is mine.
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Peggy Ortiz | August 20, 2013
I remember watching Levi Lusko earlier in the year. There was something so different about him. This was a man on a mission. This was a man on fire for the things of God. I didn't know his daugher had passed until he mentioned it on one of the podcasts I was watching. I was numb. Not this beautiful couple that honored the Lord in everything they did! I must have heard wrong but there it was..Levi recounted the day she passed. It's always heartbreaking to hear of someone so young and full of life passing but I thank God for Levi and his family! His teachings helped me get through some dark moments in my life and all I can say is thank you God for this gracious and selfless family for allowing us to come along side them in their pain and showing us that if we believe, we can go through with the loving embrace of our friends family but above all our Heavenly Father!
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