Life at times, has a way of tumbling us into the brick wall called REALITY! This wall is always hit straight on, and at full speed because you never see it coming. If you have ever hit this wall you can easily relate. This past weekend I was hurtled into such a wall. The crash left me in shock and my entire body feeling numb. The aftermath screamed REALITY CHECK!
It was late Friday evening, I was driving home with my husband from a gathering at a friends house when suddenly, I felt an unction within to check my email. I NEVER look at my email in the evenings (as this is part of my self-care routine), yet I know myself well enough to respect that nudge I was sensing. I picked up my phone, and just as I was opening my email a new post came through (I mean literally, just as I opened my mail). The subject line read: “Immediate prayer needed tragic news”.
As I clicked to open the email and began reading… I figuratively hit the brick wall! Everything in my being cried out, “please don’t let this be true”. The email explained… A precious family I know had gone missing while on a camping trip in the country of Georgia where they live. A rescue team found the women’s body in a ravine, while the husband and young toddler were still missing.
How could this be?… Was one of the many questions racing through my mind. Hence a long weekend of facing the unknown began. Data filing in at a slow pace along with sketchy facts, complicated the ‘waiting process’. With a broken heart and a soul filled with questions I began to pray.
After days of reading reports, emails and text messages, the totality of the situation was revealed. The unthinkable happened… all members of this family were found dead.
Reality Check!
Scriptures regarding the frailty of life began to ring in my ears… “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes (James 4:14). This family was young and full of dreams. Trying as I might, it has been difficult to wrap my mind around this tragedy.
A void the size of a crater just landed in my heart. I began thinking about my own life, my family and loved ones. I sought God for answers and comfort.
Reality Check: Finding Purpose In Everyday Life … Is a MUST!
Often times we overthink what this actually means. Purpose is something that has meaning beyond ourselves and beyond our life span. This amazing family lived out their short lives doing exactly that. They selfishly gave of themselves for the betterment of others. They loved God first and foremost, and fulfilled their purpose by spreading that love to others. They followed the example of Jesus.
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal (2Corinthians 4:18).
Reality Check… There is no earthy gain that we can attain that can hold a candle to living for the purposes of loving God and loving others. This lifestyle is not only for those in ‘ministry work’, It is a command from God to ALL those who follow Christ (Matthew 22:37-39). If we are given another day on this earth, we have the opportunity to fulfill this command… let’s not waste another day!
Through my heartache, I rejoice for the hope this family had in Jesus. To be absent from the body, is to be in the presence of the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). For those of us left behind, whether we knew this precious couple or not…this is a REALITY CHECK!
Being purposeful about every moment of every day. Living life to the fullest, not in a selfish way, yet intentionally finding ways to look outside of ourselves to reach out to those around us. In our families, communities and beyond. Start in your sphere of influence. You will be amazed at the the return on your investment.
This precious family impacted a nation, taking small steps towards helping others and allowing God to multiple their efforts. We can do the same.
Reality Check: Start now, don’t wait until you hit a wall to be reminded of how precious every moment is. Perhaps for you this means offering forgiveness to someone, or saying I Love you to those close to you. Perhaps sharing a smile with a stranger, or stepping out of your comfort zone to pray for someone in need. Small steps taken daily can be multiplied in the hands of God to impact the world around you.
Reality Checks are often difficult, yet with an open heart and prayer, they can be used to encourage us to reach new levels of Purpose In Our Everyday Life.
In reflection, my heart is broken for such a great loss, yet my hope in a loving God is fearless, and my desire to inspire YOU to uncover purpose in your everyday life has been rekindled to new heights.
Lora, Ryan and Caleb… You are greatly missed, but will never be forgotten!
-Lucy Ann
OPPPORTUNITY TO HELP:
If you so desire, you have an opportunity to support the Go-fund-me which has been established to help with the expenses facing the families dealing with this tragedy. You can give at this link https://www.gofundme.com/ryan-lora-amp-caleb-fund .
Be sure to “Join the Team” so we can stay connected!
Well said, sis! ❤️