Looking for Grace in the presence of Pain

 Yesterday I got word that a tragedy struck a dear friend of mine.  And right now I am looking for grace in the presence of pain and asking God to supernatural help the Starfenstein family through this great time of pain and loss.

I met the Starfenstein’s while I was in seminary in New Orleans.  We ended up attending FBC of New Orleans and Jodi and Jennifer where leaders in our Sunday School class.  Jodi ended up being a very dear friend and brother in Christ to me.

In the wake of Katrina I tried to track down the Starfenstein’s with no luck.  I did find out that they had moved and no longer lived in New Orleans…so I assumed all was well.  Then this past summer I went to SLidell, LA on a church mission project.  I was supposed to preach, but thank God that got cancelled (you probably never thought you would hear a pastor say that).  But as a result I was in church at FBC Slidell with the mission team, and it was there that I ran into the Starfenstein’s and was reunited. 

There was great joy and the rekindling of a friendship and covering lost time.  It was really nice.  IN fact, Jodi and Jennifer invited the entire mission team over to their house one evening for a cook out and to swim.  It was great!

That is why the news I got last nigth hit so hard.  This past summer after being reunited and seeing those four precious girls and knowing that the Starfensteins 2nd oldest daughter was named Savannah like my little one…makes this tragedy fill my heart with great pain.

The Starfenstein’s daughter (Savannah) was in a Christmas parade.  While trying to board a float it her foot got caught and she was pulled under the moving (slowly) float.  But it still ran over her.  Jodi and Jennifer were right there.  They got to Savannah immediately.  But Savannah was called home.

I hold back tears right now thinking about the greatness of this loss for Jodi and Jennifer.  I cannot phathom the pain.  I lost a daughter at birth, I cannot imagine losing a daughter at 9. 

I know God has a plan…I know that He is in charge of this sin sick world and all the bad things that happen.  I know that in Heaven there is no pain and I know that for Savannah death has no sting because she knew Jesus!!!  But the pain is present.

For the Starfensteins I pray for GOd’s grace in the presence of this pain.  I pray for the loving arms of Christ to hold them.  I pray that the love of the saints can help them. 

Until the day we see OUR LORD face to face, and Savannah too…may God grace be sufficent.