In Honor of Hailey Owens....

Psalm 119:76(MSG)
Oh, love me--and right now--hold me tight--just the way You promised!



If you've been anywhere within ear shot of a media outlet over the past 36 hours, then you know about the devastating loss of a sweet young girl from our community by the name of Hailey Owens.  She was abducted from a Springfield neighborhood, less than 48 hours ago on a warm sunny afternoon as she walked care freely down her street, only to be found dead a few hours later.   (Click here to read complete story.)  Many people were desperately looking...praying...and hoping beyond all hope that she would be found unharmed.  Unfortunately, that was not the outcome.

As I sat across from my parents this morning while sipping a warm cup of coffee and visiting with them, I watched my 77 year old mother and my 80 year old father's eyes begin filling with tears.  They wanted to talk about Hailey and try to process what has happened right here in our midst.  I think they represent many of us in our town today, as we try to wrap our minds around this tragedy.

Details are flooding in listing the heroic efforts from bystanders, first responders, police and rescue personnel as they attempted to stop this heinous crime.  One gentleman near the scene, giving no thought for his own safety, jumped into his car and gave chase at a speed in excess of 55mph in a failed attempt to return this child to her home.  What a selfless act of love and bravery!    

The emotions that we are feeling over her loss are raw and uncensored.  Facebook and Twitter are lit up with a myriad of responses ranging from anger, confusion, and outrage to distraction and an overwhelming sense of grief.  Reporters, police, witnesses, and even the prosecutor himself, became choked up during their reporting of the facts surrounding the story.  The people of Springfield are mourning the death of an innocent little girl that most of us never even met, but, because her eyes are seen in our own children everyday, we can't and won't forget little Hailey's bright light.  Last night, all over Springfield, porch lights were lit in an effort to show a sea of support and loving kindness to Hailey's family.  The people here are just wanting to do something....anything....to let her precious family know that, while we cannot possibly understand what they are going through, we are standing with them.



This rose is for Hailey Owens' family.
The tears are flowing...
but we will keep our light bright for you
in honor your sweet baby girl.
 

The family described Hailey as a joyful and smiling little girl who loved to cheer people up when they were down.  She brought light and laughter to every situation.  Her life was a gift and a unique blessing to all those that knew her. 
I wish I could have met her, but sense I didn't, I will choose to see her in every little innocent life that I come in contact with in the coming months.  If I could talk to the family of little Hailey, today, I would say, "I am so sorry that you are suffering because of one person's madness.  I am sorry that we live in a sinful place that has fallen so far from what the Lord designed it to be." 

The world can be a dark place where many do not understand the sanctity of a human life nor the profound impact that their horrendous choices will have on those around them.  But, what shall we do then?  Give up?  No.  No we can't and we won't give up shining our light in a dark and terrifying world.  The light of Christ and His love is brightly burning and we must not let it go out. 

If you are in the Springfield area, there will be a candle light vigil for Hailey this Saturday evening to show our love and dedicated support to this beautiful family.  (Click here for details.) 

Lord,
I will never understand the sinful evil actions that have led to the death of one of Your cherished kids.  I know that this was not Your perfect plan for her life.  I guess it isn't even my place to try to figure it all out.  It is my prayer today that You will hold Hailey's family tight in Your arms...as the verse above states....and give them Your promises of peace and comfort now and every single day, until they can see and hold her again.
In Jesus Name~
Amen

Ancient Landmark Words

Psalm 119:52 (MSG)
I watch for Your ancient landmark words, and know I'm on the right track.

I was sleeping so soundly, that when the first loud clap of thunder roared, it about sent me flying out of the bed! I sat straight up, eyes darting to and fro around the room in an effort to reorient myself.  After realizing it was a storm, I nestled back down under the covers and went back  to sleep, confidently relying on our storm sirens to activate if there was a need to seek shelter in the basement. 

When I awoke in the morning, I found my daughter curled up on the couch beside our bed.  I asked her why she had come in our room, and she told me that the storm had scared her.  She said that she had been asleep when the loud thunder woke her.  She became frightened and went into her closet with her Bible.  She opened it to Isaiah where she read His "ancient landmark words", that told her God is her rock and her shelter.  She read that He is always with her and that she doesn't need to be afraid.  She said those words comforted her and helped her tremendously!  She came into our room and quickly fell back asleep, knowing that God is in control of her life and He is right by her side. 

What a blessing to me, as a Mom, to witness my daughter in an active relationship with a mighty and Holy God who loves her and cares so deeply for all that she is going through!  Quite frankly, I can't think of anything more rewarding than that. 

Most Holy God,
Thank you for Your words that are always true and provide us with such comfort in the literal and figurative storms of each of our lives.  We are so blessed to be called Your children. 
Amen
 

He Is A Delight

Psalm 119:14(MSG)

I delight far more in what You tell me about living than in gathering a pile of riches.

The quietness of a mountain stream.

Awe.....there is so much peace in this verse.  I have been so busy this season running hither and thither that the peace of God has eluded me.  Kind of hate admitting that little secret, but 'tis true.  I always know when I have forgotten to delight on His word, because that frenzied feel begins to creep into the core of my heart.  I start to feel like I am chasing a shadow when I merely read His Word like it were a dictionary, instead of hearing Him talk to me like the special friend that He is.  

I am missing a whole lot when I don't take time to delight in what He is saying to me!  If I am so distracted with a pile of earthly riches that I cannot focus on Him, then it might be time for me to remember what Jesus said:

Luke 12:15(NIV)~Then he said to them, "Watch out!  Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." 

Father,

Thank you for pouring into my life and offering a beautiful picture of who I am as You reveal it to me through Your word.  Help me to always linger in Your presence and to remember that You are a trusted friend and counselor.  Lord, speak gently into the hearts of others today who are struggling to know that You are listening and let them know that You hear and You care for them so deeply! 

In Jesus Name,

Amen

Take Good Care Of Each Other

Proverbs 5:10 (MSG)
Why should you allow strangers to take advantage of you?  Why be exploited by those who care nothing for you?

The Webster's dictionary defines exploit as an action that makes unethical use of someone for one's own profit.  This verse is still talking about the seductive woman in verse 5:3.  Apparently, allowing this woman (man) in one's life is asking to be used.  That's not something that I have any desire to experience.  I think even sadder still, is this part about "strangers that care nothing about you!"

It's so important that we care about each other.  I mean really take care of  each other.   Not just when people are looking, but when people aren't looking.  When there is nothing in it for you.  To walk the walk....not just talk the talk.  To be a friend through thick and thin.....when it's not all perfect, is when it takes a true commitment and lots of love.  That's the kind of "care" we should lavish upon one another!

Praying tonight that the Lord would help me to be the kind of person who wholeheartedly cares for those that He puts in my path.  Thanking Him today, for His grace that He poured over my family in abundant fashion!