Layla Grace

This morning, Layla Grace passed away.

As soon as I heard of this sweet little girl, I was captivated. I began to think of her day and night. Prayed as hard as I could. And, checked her blog every 3 minutes. I don't know what exactly it was that made me obsess over her story. Maybe it was the fact that she was so young. Or maybe it was because since having Sahara, I realized how precious health and life really was. Or perhaps it was because I realized that that could be my baby any day. It amazed me how many people were praying for this little girl and how quickly her story materialized and soon was on the lips of everyone.

Every time I prayed for God to heal her and bring her comfort, I would think, "He would be answering that prayer even if He chose to bring her to Heaven." So, today, He has in fact answered our prayers. It may not be the way many people would have liked; and not personally knowing her family, I don't know what they are feeling at this point. But, because they are Christians, I hope and pray that they have peace. How hard to watch your baby die painfully and not be able to do anything about it. But, no longer do they have to go through that. She is now healthy. Strong. Joyful. Without Pain.

I will continue to pray for this family. For the ache that they must have missing Layla while here on earth. And, for her two sisters who must be having a very hard time dealing with this loss while being so young still. May they grow up knowing Christ as their Saviour, without bitterness in their hearts.

And, as for Layla, I will not say, Rest in Peace, for you did too much resting here on earth to possibly want to rest more in Heaven...So, instead, to you I will say, Jump for Joy, Layla! Jump for Joy!

"In Your presence, there is fullness of joy." Psalm 16:11