The moment we hear the incomprehensible words that our child has died we instantly recognize the devastation as catastrophic. But in the weeks, months, and years that follow we are involuntarily tasked with discovering the many detailed and varied points of impact. Each sharp pain or deep sorrow is another point in our mapping out … Continue reading Seventh Year Sabbath
Still Talking About It
"When will they stop talking about it?" A question that is perhaps thought more often than spoken regarding grieving parents who continue to talk about their children and their sorrow. I've only heard it asked a couple of times, but have thought of it countless times since, and this month in particular. Sarah's birthday is … Continue reading Still Talking About It
Her Present Absence
As I sat by the window in the still of the morning a gust of wind brought a vibrant cascade of orange, red and brown gracefully flowing from the trees beside me. The beauty of the colors and the melodic rustling of the leaves was pleasant to my soul. The beauty and pleasure of the … Continue reading Her Present Absence
Burdened Excessively and Despairing of Life
I find it fascinating and so very encouraging that God inspired the apostle Paul to transparently share the depths of his personal suffering and discouragement in his second letter to the Corinthians. He wrote, "we were so burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the … Continue reading Burdened Excessively and Despairing of Life
Missing You Today, Especially
My sweet Sarah, Monday at 2:09 p.m. Katelyn gave birth to your first niece, Lauren Hope. She is so precious, and she reminds me so very much of you. Adorable full cheeks, inquisitive furrowed brow, and a head full of dark hair. Katelyn and Phillip named her Lauren after you. We all know how much … Continue reading Missing You Today, Especially
Exceedingly Abundantly Above
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 [NKJV] We returned yesterday from our fourth missions opportunity in Botswana. … Continue reading Exceedingly Abundantly Above
Serve Day 2023
June 8th will mark six years since the Mount Zion Baptist Church bus crash and Sarah's death. Mount Zion Baptist Church hosts an annual Serve Day on the first Saturday of June as a way of remembering God's faithfulness even on June 8, 2017; a day of great distress and suffering for many, and tragedy … Continue reading Serve Day 2023
Hopefully Missing you
Hopefully Missing YouLovingly dedicated to Sarah Lauren Harmening by her "Mommy" Some want me to be silent,to no longer say your name. They’ve no way to know or understand, absent a deep loss the same. My missing you is not hopeless, nor my remembering you in vain. Sorrow deep, with Hope deeper yet,used by Him, my heart … Continue reading Hopefully Missing you
#servelikesarah?
We, Sarah's family, would love to share with you what it means to “serve like Sarah.” We did not initiate #servelikesarah after Sarah's death, but we are so grateful that is the phrase that came to other people's minds when reflecting on Sarah's life. It is so very fitting. Sarah had a deep and abiding … Continue reading #servelikesarah?
The Cup of Salvation
"What shall I render to the LORD For all His benefits toward me? I shall lift up the cup of salvation And call upon the name of the LORD." Psalm 116:12-13 [NASB95] Easter is bittersweet for me. Sarah didn't die at Easter, but Easter of 2017 is the last vivid memories I have up until … Continue reading The Cup of Salvation