My heart has been heavy. A little girl that we have been praying for, almost daily for the past year, died of cancer this weekend. (Quite suddenly, without warning.) Her name was Anna Margaret Dahl. She was 3 years old, had a contagious smile, and a beautiful heart for God. We never even met her--simply received a request to pray from my friend Heather over a year ago. From there we began to receive Anna Meg's daily Caring Bridge updates. Never have I been so compelled to continue interceding for someone I've never met before.
Abby and Emily would ask often how Anna Margaret was doing, and Emily was faithful to lead us in prayer over Anna almost every night. The Dahl family and their story really gripped our hearts. It was Anna's dad, Nate, who would write the updates. Such a gift to articulate both the anguish that a parent feels as they wonder if their child will survive, and a magnificent hope in a God that is sovereign and good in all He does. This little girl and her family inspired many to a greater trust in God, and a bigger determination to honor Him in all we do, despite great suffering we may have to endure.
Zach, Lisa, Nate, and Anna Dahl
Last night Abby really poured out her heart to God, asking Him for "no more death, please, for a while, ...first it was Great Grandma Sallie in December, then Kala (my parents' gentle black lab dog) a few weeks ago, and now Anna Margaret." My heart feels the same, Abby. (And I would add to that list, sweet Sheri's dad.) As one of our pastors put it recently, (I'm paraphrasing) "Death is not a natural part of life. There is nothing natural about it. We weren't created for death; we were created for life." But we won't experience the fulfillment and restoration of that until heaven. Come, Lord Jesus.
8 comments:
I'm sorry. I'll pray for the family of that beautiful little girl.
I'm so sorry, friend. Blessings on you as you continue to model faith for the hearts of your dear kiddos in walking through both joy and sorrow while pointing to Jesus. That is beautiful.
Also - I'm so sorry to hear about Kala - if you'd mentioned it before, it hadn't registered. Very sad - and I know she was yours too. Peace be on all of you.
Wow. That was a beautiful post for the family and for your girls. I am so sorry about that little peanut. What a dollie in those purple sunglasses. Oh my heart.
It's good for all of us to have occasions to ask what it means when God doesn't answer our fervent prayers the way we really wish he would . . .
KaraJo- I don't pretend to know the mind of God, or why he allows certain things. I do trust in his heart, and will pray for the Dahls, you, and your girlies.
Thanks for the post Kj~
I went to the site and read the Dads entry's since last year- It was gutwrenching....
I can not. even. imagine.
Just when we think we've got it bad~
Lauralynn, thanks for taking the time to read about Anna's life and the family's struggles this past year. It was through reading all of these journal entries that I've come to really feel like I know this family personally.
Sweet, sweet girlybug. Thank you KaraJo.
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