Many of you know that I was in a car accident in May of 1996 where my then 4 year old (Lynnie) was suddenly taken home to heaven. The is every parent's worst nightmare. Many tears. But then again, that simple faith comes in...I simply threw myself at the foot of the cross and said, "Lord, You better be who You say You are, or there's no point in this life. Lynnie is yours...and so am I." The grace and love of God rushed in in more ways than I can begin to tell you.

Now eight years later, on a weekly, sometimes daily basis I hear about tragic losses. Someone will write or call and ask if there is a word I could share, a CD, a song, anything, with her friend who just lost a child. The grieving parent is reeling. I remember reeling. I remember reaching out to grab hold of something to stop the downward spiral...and found the hand of our Savior. Sometimes it was in the words of a friend. Sometimes it was in a scripture someone pasted to a flower they lefton my door. Sometimes it was on a tear-soaked page of my bible...but I grabbed hold of Jesus. He is the Rock. He is unshakable. He is hope. He is eternal life. What an unexpected joy now to be able to be that steady hand, that word of truth to reeling moms and dads of all kinds who've said unexpected goodbyes to a child and their hearts are shattered.

In 2 Corinthians, the apostle Paul says, "the God of all comfort...comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the confort we have received from God." This is my privilege. Jesus has taken the sting out of death by conquering it and giving us everlasting hope in heaven. I love sharing this good news. It is SUCH good news. I didn't ask for this ministry. I didn't ask to be flakey and simple-minded. I didn't ask to have my daughter only live 4 years with us. But those two things (and sooooo many others) God has used to prepare me to serve Him. And gladly I will.

What an honor to be a mouthpiece for Him, a conduit of His love--to be His arms of love. Wherever you are, know it is His desire to draw you nearer to His heart and fill you with His lasting joy, passion, purpose and peace. If what we do encourages you on your journey, we are thrilled.

Stay close to His beautiful heart, friends,

More later,

Jana
www.janaalayra.com