by Jodi Barrows
“Blessed by God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble. Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted. God shall wipe away all sorrow, crying, and pain.” Parker paused for a moment and cleared the huskiness from his throat. “If you have a relationship with Jesus, you will see Lucas again. We can rejoice in that. If you do not, you have a real reason to mourn, for you will never see Lucas Mailly again.”
Liz looked at the closed wooden box that held her beloved grandfather, wrapped in the last quilt his beloved Claire had made for him. Even from her grave, she comforted her husband with the warm brown and green hues of the timber trail quilt. Megan had suggested it as his burial cloth.
Sweet Anna Parker began to sing, and the crowd looked at her as she sang the inspirational song. Liz felt numb again to the world around her, but she somehow managed to bow her head to pray.
“God, I can’t do this again. I don’t want to put a wall around my heart. Please, sweep me away in Your love and comfort. I can’t do this alone.”
Liz’s prayer fell silent with her head lowered when she heard the answer dropped into her soul, clear as a bell.
You are not alone. I am here in your sadness. I will carry you and comfort you. I am as close as your breath and I love you.
Liz knew that voice so well. She always felt amazed at the way God could talk to her so personally.
“Thank you, Father God,” she whispered. “I love You, too.”
She raised her head and took a small step closer to Thomas. Her gloved hand found his hand and she entwined her fingers with his. Thomas looked down at her and she smiled weakly.
Liz looked at the crowd of people. Some of them she did not know at all, but they were there for her family. She began a silent prayer of thanksgiving for them all, and Liz could feel the strength coming back to her. She inhaled a deep breath of hope. She would be strong and comfort her family through this tragedy. She knew how to live through it, after all. She had done it before.
After all, she thought, the Mailly family is a family woven together with threads of hope.
A WORD OF THANKS
I want to thank God from whom all blessings flow. God had a plan for my life and he has a plan for yours. He states it over and over again in the book of Ephesians. When Jesus Christ walked the earth, He showed us how to live that life. Then the Holy Spirit helps you as you walk it out each day. He continues to pour out His promises and fulfill His Scripture. Thank You, Jesus. I’m so very grateful for Your storehouse of blessings!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jodi Barrows is an author, speaker, and quilting revolutionary. She speaks to quilting audiences throughout the United States and around the world, weaving in the story of the Mailly cousins as she goes. Her unique teaching method includes her Square in a Square quilting technique. Jodi has produced dozens of teaching tools and developed several fabric lines. Commissioned to compose quilts for state and national organizations, Jodi also worked with the Kansas Historical Society. She enjoys spending time with her family and her husband, Steve, her high school sweetheart. For more about Jodi, her novels, and the Square in Square method of quilting, go to her website at: www.squareinasquare.com.
River North Fiction is here to provide quality fiction that will refresh and encourage you in your daily walk with God. We want to help readers know, love, and serve JESUS through the power of story.
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