“For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death works in us, but life in you. But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I BELIEVED, THEREFORE I SPOKE,” we also believe, therefore we also speak, knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and will present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:5-18 [NASB]
If you see my family or me today, or any day between now and our eventual reunion with our sweet Sarah, I humbly request that you not discuss any details of the final moments of Sarah’s physical life with us. Scott has worked tirelessly and chivalrously to prevent his girls (me included) from seeing the images of the accident or knowing the details that are indelibly burned into his mind’s eye, those details do not celebrate the life of Sarah or lift high the name of Jesus Christ, and they most definitely are not edifying to us in any way.
We rejoice greatly that 38 lives were spared in those moments. Minutes after we learned of Sarah’s departure we as a family huddled in the floor together to pray for the healing and protection of the other students and adults in the accident. We praise God for His miraculous protection for them, as we know and deeply love so many of them. We celebrate His mighty work in preserving their lives and hope they each recognize His powerful provision for them as well.
If and when you see us, just love us, tell us you love us, share how our precious baby girl has impacted your life, or silently embrace us. Resist the temptation to think you are called to recognize our needs and impart some perceived wisdom for our survival, God alone is able to carry us through in that manner, so I am lifting that burden from you now. I can already testify to His faithfulness to personally take us by the hand and lead us to His Word for us, wrap His wings about us, and sing over us. He will carry us through, and I am convicted it is important for Him to do it in such a way that He alone receives all glory and honor.
Thank you to so many who have already reached out and done exactly what I have just described, your testimonies and authentic shared grief are a blessing. Please continue to walk this painful journey beside us, we desperately need and look forward to the warm embrace of those who love us, both now and in the days ahead.
Listening to Him 
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