You are there

Last Thursday my mom and I lunch together after my classes. 

Conversation drifted towards my family in Dallas and the struggles they are facing. - My mom's sister and her family.

My mom told me that she really felt like she was supposed to go help out and visit before its too late.

I suggested that we go. I could see in her eyes that she needed to be there, and felt a little tug on my heart to take her.

I told her I could take off a few days from work and drive her there. 

She doesn't drive in busy city/freeway traffic and you can't get around that there. 

I called Adam to ask what he thought and he told me he felt like I needed to go too. 

My mom checked in with my dad and he told her the same.

An hour later we were on the road. 

I love spontaneous trips. 

Although this trip was full of sadness, it was also full of so much joy. 

(more on that later. I had my momma all to myself for three days. perfect.)

Seeing my cousin in the condition he is in is heartbreaking. 

He got brain cancer when he was 15 and has been struggling just to live ever since. He has had several strokes recently and now can't talk or do anything at all for himself. He goes to physical therapy for hours every morning, just trying to master a nod and head shake for yes and no. He is 47 and still loves Jesus with every ounce of his broken, beaten down body. 

What a beautiful faith. 

Even in a life full of incredibly hard struggles, He believes. He clings to Jesus. He claims Him as his only hope. 

He knows this world, this pain, these struggles are only temporary and he will have a beautiful, pain-free, joyful life in Heaven someday. 

Oh, what a sweet testimony. 

I think he has experienced Jesus in a way most of us never will. He knows him well.

Even in the toughest of times, he trusts in Jesus. fiercely. With every thing he is, he trusts in Jesus.

It really made me stop and think about the important things in my life. 

Lately, I've been consumed with decisions and struggles of my own. 

What should I do? 

How do I handle this? 

I don't feel like life is turning out how I planned - 

How? Why? When?

Life isn't fair. Obviously.  No one told me it would be.

But, it's still beautiful. 

Despite all the struggles, which seem absolutely miniscule next to his, life is beautiful. 

Oh God, this life - thank you for this life, for your love, for your faithfulness. 

You will never leave my side, no matter what I go through. 

 You are there.

Be with Brant. Give him peace, healing, your presence.
You are there.