a great loss for our family

Our hearts are broken for our dear Greg and Heather (Matt's brother and his wife) whose baby Maelee Linn passed away Easter Sunday, April 4. She was born April 6, less than two weeks before her due date, and they will have a small memorial service for her this Friday.

Isaiah seems to have connected with this sad news. He loves that in the end Jesus defeats all the bad guys, even death. That's just what Christ did on Easter, when Maelee died. But sadly for us, his victory has only begun. When that victory is complete, we'll get to see Maelee alive with Christ.

Heather's status on facebook, that she posted early on Easter, was a line from a great song: "For God the Just was satisfied to look on him [Christ] and pardon me." There is life- true life beyond this one- because Christ died. He took the penalty of death for all who trust in him and he rose victorious. There is life in the end... but oh what grief today!

And yet, we grieve with hope. We are so comforted to know that Greg and Heather, even in this unspeakable anguish, are held within, upheld by this hope. Solid HOPE in Christ, the Ultimate Victor, who will make all things right. We know he has won the war of this age, but in that greater war, this particular battle loss is great. It's devastating right now. Would you please pray for this dear family with us?

We're going to be silent on the blogging-front for a while, till we can get through some of this wreckage in our own hearts too. Thank you for your love and prayers with us for them.