can't shake this

A coworker from another unit lost her husband in a tragic accident last week.  I don't know her other than in passing, but she is always smiling, friendly and sweet.  She has a son and is very pregnant with her second child.  Other friends who know her better say that she and her husband were literally the nicest couple in the entire world.

My heart breaks for her.  I can't stop crying for her and her family.  I can't imagine braving this world of parenting alone, especially so unexpectedly.  I know that God only gives people burdens that they are strong enough to carry.  She must be one strong woman.  I don't say that lightly.

I know that this world holds pain that was never meant to be felt by the human heart.  God would give anything for us to never have experienced such devastation, and some day, whoever wants to be with Him will never have to feel the stabbing pain of grief.  Until then, here we are.

Lord, you are good.  You are faithful, everlasting, and perfect.  Please be the rock that this family needs as they try to pick up the pieces and bravely move forward.

May I carry this perspective with me daily.  In my frustrations with the inconveniences and messes of life, will I remember how precious life itself is.

The following photos are from last summer, but they are one of my favorite memories from the year.  We have so much fun together, our little jordan fam.  I mean, why not throw an old mattress outside and jump the heck out of it?  How unbelievably blessed am I to share this life with this incredible man and sweet, perfect, joyful boys?

I am not worthy of this joy.  But I will take it.  I wish I could share it with people who are hurting more than even this seasoned heart can fathom.

There is a really amazing song called "All of Me" by Matthew Hammitt.  Buy it on iTunes.  It's such a great song.  The lyrics speak to reckless love ... loving someone even though you know you may be hurt in the process.  His story is really cool.  His words can be applied to anyone ...

Afraid to love
Something that could break
Could I move on
If you were torn away
And I'm so close
To what I can't control
I can't give you half my heart
And pray He makes you whole

You're gonna have all of me
You're gonna have all of me
'Cause you're worth every falling tear
You're worth facing any fear
You're gonna know all my love
Even if it's not enough
Enough to mend our broken hearts
But giving you all of me
Is where I'll start

I won't let sadness
Steal you from my arms
I won't let pain keep you from my heart
I'll trade the fear of all that I could lose
For every moment I'll share with you

You're gonna have all of me
You're gonna have all of me
'Cause you're worth every falling tear
You're worth facing any fear
You're gonna know all my love
Even if it's not enough
Enough to mend our broken hearts
But giving you all of me
Is where I'll start

Heaven brought you to this moment
It's too wonderful to speak
You're worth all of me
You're worth all of me
So let me recklessly love you
Even if I bleed
You're worth all of me
You're worth all of me

  I know I could never navigate this world without my Jesus.  Thank you Lord for your unending love and sacrifice so that someday, we will never know words like sorrow, pain, or death.

~ Jessica

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18

Joy.