Walking through this together....

One week ago our lives were forever changed.  The words that came out of my daughter's mouth about what had happened to her were gut wrenching and very hard to take in.  I wasn't sure if it was real, I felt like I was in a dream...a very bad dream.  Without going into the details, our daughter had something happen that no other person should ever have to deal with.  Her innocence forever gone.  Taken away by someone our whole family trusted.  Someone we allowed into our home on a number of occasions. 

Psalm 34:18
"The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit."

I've mentioned before on here that our sweet daughter has multiple disabilities that take away from her being able to make rash decisions and many times comprehend something that is happening.  That is the case of what happened to her.  We are all dealing with a great deal of emotions regarding this situation.  I'm feeling a lot of guilt for not being there for my daughter when she needed me the most.  I'm feeling a lot of anger toward the boy who did this to her.  I started to become angry at God for allowing this to happen.  I still do not know why it has happened.  But I do know that God gives us grace to get through these situations.

Psalm 19:14
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer."

 We have come together as a family and are doing what we need to do.  I've learned that no matter how old your children are they still need their parents. 

Our other children are also dealing with a lot of emotions regarding this.  This boy was a friend of our son's.  He is dealing with a lot of guilt and anger as well.  He has become very protective of his sister's now.  Our eldest daughter thinks she should have done more to keep her sister safe.  I won't even discuss what my husband is going through.  We are all dealing with a lot of emotions.

Psalm 51:17
"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart-These, O God, You will not despise."

We have spent the last week at doctor's appointments, long phone calls, and police interviews.  We have learned that it is hard to trust anyone!  I know we will get through this.  We are walking through this valley together as a family.  Psalm 23 has been a comforting portion of scripture to us. 

"The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
² He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
³ He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

⁴ Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever."

I walk past my daughter's room and hear her singing hymns my heart immediately warms up.  I praise God for the words that come from my daughter's lips, "it is well with my soul".  She has really leaned on God for help during this time.  I have never seen her more devoted to reading her Bible and talking with God ever before.

Through this time of trials for our family we have become a much closer family.  We are leaning on God's promises.  He will never leave us or forsake us.  Although, I must admit I felt all alone much of the week.  It was my sweet girl who looked me in the eyes and told me that God was with us ALL the time.  Even in the bad times.  We have been listening to "Blessings" by Laura Story a lot this week.  It really has more meaning to us now.



We covet prayers for our family during this time.  We know God has a purpose for everything.  We just need to trust Him.