Sunday, December 4, 2011

To God be the Glory!

Nearly 48 hours ago, the Lord saw fit to take every material possession away from my family. I just read my last blog entry and am overwhelmed by the irony of it all. In His great plan, the Lord took care of all the things I worried with. There are no more floors on which to hear the pitter patter little feet. There are no more strollers to push and baby dolls to tuck in. No more cars and trucks and push around the house. No more legos to stack or footballs to be thrown. No more hairbows to wear or cowboy boys to wear. No more clothes to wash, socks to fold, or dishes to put away. No more windows to wash or bathrooms to clean. No more furniture to dust. No more pictures, no more "take home from the hospital outfits". No more baby blankets or dedication outfits. No more baby pictures or videos of first baths, first steps or first words. But nevertheless, we have more than we deserve. God is so good and we want to thank Him for His goodness.

I was at work in the ICU when I received a phone call. I answered the phone and did not recognize the name on the caller ID. The unfamiliar voice said, "You need to come home." "Excuse me?", I replied. Again, "you need to come home right now!" I still didn't understand, "Who is this? What is going on?". He replied, "This is your husband and our home is on fire." I heard something in his voice that made me realize it was my husband, John, on the phone. I was frantic, "The babies? Where are the babies?" He assured me they were outside with him and his sister who was visiting for Christmas. I was breathless, "Is the house gone?". "Almost", he was so strong. As I hung up the phone, I looked at my co-workers and said, "I have to go. My house is on fire." Even as I spoke the words, I didn't believe what was happening. A friend at work drove me home and a few blocks away we saw the flames and the smoke. As we turned into our neighborhood I saw the most horrific sight- our home, engulfed in flames surrounded by a dozen fire engines and countless amazing fire fighters.
I jumped out of the car and ran down the street screaming and asking anyone I could, "My babies?? My family? Please, where are they??" No one could answer. I kept running til I saw my sweet husband, my hero, standing on the side of the road barefoot and cold, watching our home burn. I collapsed at his feet. "The kids?" I was still hysterical. He pointed to a white vehicle and I ran. Inside I saw the most amazing site, my three beautiful babies, barefoot and in their pajamas sweetly waiting with their Aunt Jeana. "MOMMY!!!!", the sweetest sound I have ever heard. I grabbed all three of them. The warmth of their skin and smell of their hair at that moment was almost more than I could handle. They were okay. The Lord brought all 5 of them out of the house and protected them.
There was nothing the fire fighters could do other than try to control the fire. It was beyond saving. So we stood there and watched, as everything we owned burned. But even in that moment of realizing that the Lord had just taken everything away, I knew that He had again given me my family.
Right now, as they sleep nearby, and I listen to their soft rhythmic breathing, I realize that I could be sitting here alone. I realize that I could never again have heard Eliza say "You're my favorite mommy, Mommy." Or heard Olivia say, "Mommy, can you hold me?". Never again see Aiden's beautiful smile or touch his soft blonde curls. Or never again hold my sweet husband's hand or nestle into his neck and smell his cologne. The Lord, in His great mercy, saw fit to give me my family. I don't deserve them. But God is so good. Everything is gone, but I have too much to be unthankful.
Our prayer through all of this is that the LORD would be magnified. He has given us far more than we deserve. He has not only saved us from Hell, but given us an eternal home in Heaven....a home that will never burn! We don't understand. I have questions. Was I took materialistic? Did I worry to much about physical things? Were hair bows and clothes too important? God may never give me the answers, but we chose to trust Him! He has a plan. He has a purpose.
"Wherefore glorify ye the LORD in the fires, even the name of the LORD God"
Isaiah 24:15

15 comments:

  1. Tabitha, the strength and courage you are displaying are evidence of God's amazing grace. We grieve your loss of your material treasures, but praise God with you for the miraculous protection of your family! We are praying for daily strength, comfort and provision for your family. Love, Ginger Baines

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  2. We are all in amazement in how much Faith you all have displayed! What a testimony you are for the Lord! Love you!

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  3. Thinking of you during this time of extreme loss and praying that God works out every detail to restore the life and memories that burned. So thankful that you and John and the children are all safe.

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  4. What an encouragement you are to me and great reminder of all I have to be thankful for, and how little I deserve any of it. So very thankful that your family is safe! My prayers continue to be with you.

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  5. I don't know you, but I'm literally in tears as I read your blog... I am so very sorry for your loss, but so ecstatic that your family is safe! Your bravery and the bravery of your husband will help you push through, and the goodness of the Lord will help guide you. My prayers are with you.

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  6. I do not know you, but I have several relatives that go to church with you. I am truly sorry for your loss but also I am amazed by the Faith and Strength that you show during this time. If it truly a miracle that you family was able to escape the Fire without injury. Your family will be in my prayers and if there is anything that I might be able to do, I would love to help. May God continue to watch over and Bless your family...

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  7. I have been praying for you and your family, Tabitha. I can't imagine the emotions you have encountered over the last few days. . .or the ones still to come! I'm so glad we have a God who cares about us and gives us His strength! I will continue to pray for you in the days ahead. I'm so thankful that you and your family are safe! What a blessing!

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  8. Tabitha, you are in our thoughts and prayers. I read this post with tears streaming down my face amazed at the strength and grace God gives to His own. I'm so glad you were all safe.

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  9. I am so thankful all of your family was safe. God bless you.

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  10. Hey Tabitha. This is one of the most beautiful blogs I have ever read. I can't imagine how hard this must be for you, but I know that our God is an awesome God. This is just a test in your testimony and God is going to bless you and your family with far more that your hearts could ever desire. While I continue to pray for you and your family, I want you to know that I am amazed by the strength of your faith. God bless you!

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  11. Tabitha,

    I read your post and got goosebumps thinking about the perspective and strength you have. I know the deep feeling of loss, having run out of my family's home and standing there watching it burn to the ground. Later, my next home was destroyed by a tornado. It is devasting to see home—a place of family, memories, and safety—become so desolate and dangerous. For me it was not just about losing things; its about losing my equalibrium, facing reality of my lack of controlling life, considering the "what ifs".

    I want you to know that even as you process through the difficulty of sorting, and probably throwing away most of your worldly possessions, it does get easier. And one day you'll realize you still have all the memories, AND in the meantime God grown in you a deeper strength and perspective from this fire that is more valuable in life than anything you lost. You'll see people's care and concern and generousity in ways you never imagined. And in many ways you're going to see God show up with His peace and love, over and over in real, and tangible ways.

    I'm praying that you already have! Thank you for sharing your heart--it's a true blessing.

    If we at ABWE can do anything to help you, please let us know! You are in our prayers!

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  12. Oh, Tabitha...I cried reading your post. I am SO thankful you have your John, Jeana and your children. You are right, it could have been a horrible human tragedy instead of a material one. I'm praying for all of you. I love you all.
    Joyce

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  13. Just read your story. I'm so thankful you are all safe! Prayers for you and your family.

    Jeana

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  14. I am preparing a special gift for you. I hope it will get to you soon.

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  15. I own a home in your neighborhood and am friends with many of your neighbors who called me with your story... my heart is breaking for you and I am in tears as I read your blog - may God continue to wash His peace over you. Praise Him for His faithfulness and mercy!

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