On Family, Death, and Life

I come from a family of 5 and was raised in a Christ-centered home. I have 5 aunts, uncles, and 19 cousins, most of whom are followers of Christ. God, in His sovereignty, had me marry into a family that grew my aunt and uncle count to over 30 and so many cousins and children of cousins that I can't begin to count them all. For the past 25 years these people have been the mission field of my mother- and father-in-law, and the more time I spend with them, the more I realize that I didn't just marry only into the family but also into this mission field. So opposite from my background. I admit that it is uncomfortable sometimes; I love the comfort and warmth of being surrounded by believers. But the more I get to know them the more I love them, and this weekend God gave me opportunity to build some relationships with a few of my newish cousins, and He blessed me!

Last week we were told that Michael's 20-year-old cousin, Whitney, had passed away from an internal infection that was the result of the bone cancer she had been battling for a while. Michael was able to get Friday off of work and we made it time for the funeral. We had wondered if Whitney knew the Lord, and throughout the funeral it was evident that in the past several weeks of her life God had drawn her to Himself; we cried happy tears!

At one point after the funeral as everone was mingling and munching on menudo and red chile, I got to sit down and talk with one of my cousins about death and life in Christ. It was the first time I've shared the gospel with one of Michael's family members, and I was nervous! But God was so good - she was open, curious, and thankful (as we were getting into the car to leave she yelled my name from down the street and said "Thank you!" and blew me a kiss)! I look forward to how my relationship with her will grow. I am sending her her very first bible along with some pointers on what to start reading first. I pray that God would save her for Himself!

Mike and Josie, Michael's parents, are such a huge blessing in my life. They show me love and encouragement contstantly, and the wisdom and stamina God has given them amazes me. They are my examples in how to communicate with the family; I am so very thankful for them!

In my quiet time this morning...

"You have rebuked the nations, You have destroyed the wicked; You have blotted out their name forever and ever... And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, For You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You." Psalm 9:5,10

With a smudge of His thumb He erases scores and scores of people and their "power," yet holds close the individuals who trust in Him. Such different actions. I am so thankful that Whitney is now being held by Him and that I'll be there one day!