I am heartbroken. One of my students died suddenly and tragically in an accident yesterday, and her younger sister (also one of my students) was critically injured, but by the grace of God, she will survive. I woke up early this morning, thinking it was all a nightmare, that I had only dreamed this horrific news, but reality crashed over me as I recalled hugging my students and sobbing with them yesterday. There were no words. We just held each other and shared our grief. Please pray for our school, our students, and our teachers this week as we attempt to comfort one another and continue living with a hole in our lives.
I have had the song
Eye of the Storm by Ryan Stevenson stuck in my head all week, and I began to meditate on its comforting words this morning as I prayed for the family and friends of my students who were in the fatal accident. I was reminded that God is still in control and that we can still trust Him even when terrible things happen to those we love. I have copied some of the lyrics below, but you can click on the link above to watch the YouTube video with all the lyrics.
When the solid ground is falling out from underneath my feet
Between the black skies, and my red eyes, I can barely see…
When my hopes and dreams are far from me
And I’m runnin’ out of faith
I see the future I picture slowly fade away
And when the tears of pain and heartache
Are pouring down my face
I find my peace in Jesus’ name
In the eye of the storm, You remain in control
And in the middle of the war, You guard my soul
You alone are the anchor, When my sails are torn
Your love surrounds me, In the eye of the storm
Lord, I pray that you will guard the souls of these young people who may be confused and running out of faith. We prayed for a miracle, and yet one of our sweet friends is walking on streets of gold. We know she is even more joyful in Heaven than she was here on Earth, but it doesn’t lessen our sorrow that she will no longer be in our lives. However, we do not grieve as unbelievers do because we know that we will see her again in Heaven and spend eternity together worshiping You. Father, surround each of us with your love and comfort us with your peace. Heal the younger sister and bind up her broken heart. Thank you for allowing her to remain with us. We know that you will make all of this work together for our good. Help us not to lose sight of your eternal purpose as we grieve. You give and take away, but my heart will choose to say, “Blessed be Your name.” I ask all this in the name of your son Jesus, who you gave to die for us. Amen.