She can’t help it, she just oozes Jesus.
Rita is one of those people who speaks the name of Jesus as naturally as she exhales. She wouldn’t dream of compartmentalizing her faith–everything about Rita cries out “I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL!” Her life’s call is service to others through Hope Unlimited, a small but effective inner-city ministry. Rita’s simple, consistent, demonstrative walk challenges and inspires me and makes me want more of what she obviously has–uninterrupted intimacy with Christ.
Do you know people like this?
Then you know, too, that sometimes bad things happen to good people.
Her mother’s heart was shattered this week when her 29-year-old son, Victor–her gentle giant–was killed in a head-on collision. Three grandchildren (Victor’s nieces/nephews) were in the collision as well; thankfully, none seriously injured. When I learned about the accident I wanted to scream “Nooooooooo! Not Rita, not Victor!”
In my head and heart, I did.
The news immediately brought to mind my own daughter’s accident, but you really can’t even compare the two. Still, I’m a mother; I can’t imagine the horror of this tragedy…Rita’s tragedy…the tragedy that has shaken her family…
but not broken them.
In spite of their loss, they have responded with dignity and grace. Amidst an ocean of pain, they have continued to proclaim the goodness and faithfulness of God. Victor’s funeral was a celebration of his life, well lived, to the glory of God.
At the greatest testing of their faith, they have been faithful.
As a result, many have heard the gospel and responded to the call of God in their lives. Victor’s accident did not come as surprise to God, and I’m astonished already to see how God is using this for Rita’s (and her family’s) good, His glory…and the advance of the gospel.
It doesn’t make sense. But I suppose God tells us that in his word ~
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing,
but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
~ 1 Corinthians 1:18
During life’s storms–death, disease, broken relationships, financial disaster–music and lyrics can often minister in a way beyond words. Casting Crowns has had that affect in my life consistently since their debut album, and “Praise You in the Storm” is a song that always comes to heart and mind during difficult life seasons. I’ve watched Rita praise God in this storm…and in so doing, she has not only blessed her heavenly Father, she has extended hope to everyone who hears her story.
\”Praise You in the Storm\” by Casting Crowns
What songs bring hope and healing when you experience “life storms”? What scriptures most encourage you during difficult seasons? And if you think about it, will you please offer a prayer for Rita and her family? A bold prayer warrior herself, I know the pain of her loss will be slow to fade, but she’ll be buoyed by the prayers of the Saints whenever you read this. (My heartfelt thanks to you all.)
By Robin, Pensieve
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All my heartfelt prayers and love to rita and her family.. and also to you, as it is difficukt time for friends too, May the God of comfort embrace and comfort you now and forevermore. 2 corinthians 1 v 3-5.
p.s this has been my ‘go to’ song in this hard year.. thank you for sharing it so others can here such strength
x
Grace {Hope},
A few weeks have passed now since the accident and when I’ve seen Rita at church, she’s “Rita”–a smile on her face and encouraging others. We aren’t tight friends but I’ve always admired her. Thank you for praying for her and sharing God’s word (and, for you, I pray God shows himself mighty during what you’ve described as a hard year–hugs!)
I, too, loved the song “Praise You in the Storm” the first time I heard it after the death of my husband a couple years ago.
A friend suggested I listen to K-Love and I’ve hardly turned off my K-Love radio station since then because of all the encouraging songs they played. I can’t begin to list the songs that I’ve heard at just the right time. But one does come right to mind. I just passed the 2nd “anniversary” of the death of my husband this past week. It was a busy day at work and, near the end of the day, when I was finally alone with my thoughts and probably would have started to feel sorry for myself and cry, out of habit, I turned on the car radio and Matt Redman’s “You Never Let Go” was playing. It had been my theme song and I could hardly believe it was playing just at the right time again. “Oh, no, You never let go, through the calm and through the storm…” God never let go of me at any time during my grief journey. I thanked Him again all the way home.
The bible verse I’ve turned to throughout this time:
Isaiah 40:31 – But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint. (KJV) The song, “Everlasting God”, by Lincoln Brewster is another favorite. This scripture, from which it is taken, just reminded me of it.
Becky,
First {hugs} to you have passed this milestone; the acute pain of your loss will fade as years go by, but you’ll always remember…and I’m thankful you’re focusing on the One who can carry you during weak moments.
The songs, the scripture in Isaiah have all lifted me at times; I never tire from reading/hearing their truth. Thank you.
I often listen to You Hold Me Now by Hillsong when I am faced with a tragedy. It reminds me that even in the depth of my sadness God is holding me. Even though I look for him at the twists and turns in my life he is really there holding me. I love that!
I will definitely pray for Rita and her family.
I love the song “Unredeemed” by Selah.
On April 13, 2010 I deliverd my baby (16 weeks gestation) Abigail Eden into the arms of Jesus. This after having 2 previous losses, one even later at 20 weeks. It has been a tough road but God has been there in every detail…even at first when I could not see it.
This song “Unredeemed” is a reminder that I need to lay it before Him, often every. single. day.
I still struggle with the losses…I have four beautiful living …but I have experienced so much love and grace through this…I feel so held.
I love that song by Casting Crowns. Since the death of my 5 month old son to SIDS on March 11, 2010, “Praise You In This Storm” has been there for me, or shall I say, God’s used it to provide a reminder, provide comfort and eventually provided peace.
Thank you!
Praying for Rita and her family and praising God for her! What an example of grace and strength and hope. You are blessed to watch Him move in her life. A sweet friend reminded me of one of my favorite songs this morning, “God of This City” – Chris Tomlin. One of my favorite verses goes like this:
You’re the Lord of Creation
The Creator of all things
You’re the King above all kings
You Are
You’re the strength in our weakness
You’re the love to the broken
You’re the joy in the sadness
You Are
God is… and this daughter is grateful.
Praying for Rita and her family.
my song is Have Your Way by Britt Nicole
its amazing
Thank you for sharing this about Rita and her family. I will certainly be praying for her, the reality of what has happened doesn’t really kick in for a bit after a tragedy like this, and she will need lots of love and support.
The Casting Crowns song you mentioned really ministered to me after my family lost our home to Hurricane Katrina.
Too true that music ministers to us in our darkest hours…
Joining you and Jesus, who ever lives to make intercession for us, whispering Rita’s name. Father hears and cups us close.
Thank you for loving the Love-Body so well, Robin…
All’s grace,
Ann
So thankful He is so close to the broken-hearted.
We had a similar situation in our church. A precious older couple lost their missionary son who was home on furlough with his family. He was killed by a drunk driver while he and other ministers from church were riding bicycles. His father, Willie, was known for his answer to the question, “How are you, Willie?” For years and years, his answer had always been, “Richly Blessed.” The night his son was killed, he was asked, “How are you, Willie?” With tears streaming down his face, he answered, “I’m Richly Blessed.” It changed so many people to see him faithfully holding on to His Savior. Willie went to the young man who had killed his son and told him he forgave him and shared the Good News of a Savior big enough to forgive whatever we have done. Ken Young, of Hallal Music, wrote a song: Richly Blessed, in honor of Willie’s testimony. It always makes me weep. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGWSgk–k5E)
Nicole C Mullen’s “Redeemer” is what I listen to regularly to lift me back into faith when all my life’s weights and sorrows push me down. I love the part where she sings…..”cause I know that I know that I know that I KNOW my Redeemer lives…” It helps me remember how much he loves me and my connection with God.
No songs can ease pain like this,
no words will do
I’ve just said a small, a whisper in the wind prayer to God for Rita,
And Robin, mark your calendar for 6 months, or a year from the date, because in that time everyone will forget, but she may remember most bitterly. And look past the smile, and just hug. Hugs with no words, and maybe a gentle rocking, are the only songs that can get through this kind of pain.
I heart your words Robin.
I can’t even imagine what kind of pain Rita must be going through right now. The only thing I can think of that comes close was one of my best friend’s moms died a few years back. I was at the wake and the funeral. I barely knew her mom, but I was crying as hard as the people that did know her. I can only imagine what her daughter was going through, though she knew it was coming. And yes, I do know quite a few people well who seem to just ooze Jesus. It makes me feel better just being around them no matter what I’m going through. Unfortunately the ones I’m really close to are too far away to just drop by unannounced (they’re a few provinces east of me). I’m going through a few storms of my own right now and its so hard “hearing” God through the storm. And praising God, I’m not even close to that point yet. I’ve got a good core group of friends right now, but family, well they’re part of the issue. Sad, but true. My mom’s too busy to care and my dad, well, he’s not the openly emotional type. I wish I could rely on my family but I just can’t. I can’t even really cry out in the open at home precisely because my parents are the type where you don’t show emotion because that shows vulnerability, and we don’t do that sort of thing in this house.
My mother’s heart breaks for Rita and her family, but also rejoices that he is with the Lord because there is NO better “place” to be. When God loans us His children, we are never promised for how long which is of course a hard fact of life on earth. May the peace and comfort that passes ALL understanding envelope Rita and her family at this time. My prayers will definitely be with them. My favorite verse to remember when I’m not sure what tomorrow will bring is
Is 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
Favorite song: “It is Well With My Soul” written after a father lost all of his daughters at sea. It certainly blesses my heart every time I hear it and remember what the circumstances were when penned.
God Bless Rita and her family.
I seem to have a new favorite each week because God brings to light another song to match/help/soothe/encourage me that fits perfectly with what is going on at that time. But I would say my all time favorite is Resurrection by Nicole Sponberg.
I just returned from our women’s retreat with my church, our theme song this weekend was a great one also…Praise you with the Dance, Casting Crowns I think?
This retreat was absolutely life changing for me!
Robin, I love the way you love the people in your life–and the Jesus who holds us all together in this storms under His umbrella in ways beyond our understanding. I’m praying for Rita and her family right now…
So sorry to hear about this loss for your friend, Rita. From what you’ve said, her deep relationship with the Lord has amazingly carried her through this tragedy. I can’t imagine going through anything so horrific.
May the Lord continue to hold her close, comfort her, and let her be a light for the world. She certainly is!
The Lord bless you, too, in your loss and for your courage to share God’s faithfulness in the midst of the worst storm in a life.
Blessings,
Janis