Dear God? I'm Just Checking Up on Josh ...

It's been a year ago today since he chose to leave here and be with You. It seems so long, so interminably long, ago.

There has scarcely been a week in the past year that I have not thought of him, this young boy whom I never was privileged to meet here on earth. I've prayed for his Mom and Dad, his two sisters and brother. I've thought about his aunts and uncles and cousins. 

The other day I was looking at the program that was handed out at his funeral: A Life Worthy of Being Remembered, it said on the front cover. I believe that, even more now than a year ago. I'm sure there are children in the Horn of Africa who are alive today because of Josh's burden for their suffering.

Thank You for teaching me, through him, more of the value of life. Every time I hug my nephew Oliver - one of Josh's friends and someone who still remembers him - I am more conscious of how precious time spent with him is, of how thankful I am that he chooses life.

Thank You for the comfort of knowing that Josh is with You today. Please let him know in a special way today how much his family loves him.

And thank you for the comfort of knowing that You are with his family today, as you are every day. They are never alone, as that old old hymn by Ludie D. Pickett (1897) says:

I’ve seen the lightning flashing, I’ve heard the thunder roll.
I’ve felt sin’s breakers dashing, which almost conquered my soul.
I’ve heard the voice of my Savior, bidding me still to fight on.
He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone!

No, never alone, no never alone,

He promised never to leave me,
He’ll claim me for His own;
No, never alone, no never alone.
He promised never to leave me,
Never to leave me alone.

The world’s fierce winds are blowing, temptation sharp and keen.
I have a peace in knowing my Savior stands between—
He stands to shield me from danger when my friends are all gone.
He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone!

No, never alone, no never alone,

He promised never to leave me,
He’ll claim me for His own;
No, never alone, no never alone.
He promised never to leave me,
Never to leave me alone.

When in affliction’s valley I tread the road of care,

My Savior helps me carry the cross so heavy to bear;
Though all around me is darkness, earthly joys all flown;
My Savior whispers His promise, never to leave me alone!

No, never alone, no never alone,

He promised never to leave me,
He’ll claim me for His own;
No, never alone, no never alone.
He promised never to leave me,
Never to leave me alone.

He died on Calvary’s mountain, for me they pierced His side.
For me He opened that fountain, the crimson, cleansing tide.
For me He waits in glory, seated upon His throne.
He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone!

No, never alone, no never alone,

He promised never to leave me,
He’ll claim me for His own;
No, never alone, no never alone.
He promised never to leave me,
Never to leave me alone.