11/14/2025
2 Corinthians 12:9 - “...My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Today marks 7 years since Emily died. We miss our precious little “spark plug” so very much. Memories of her smile, her squeaky voice, her hugs, and her joyful and courageous spirit are marked indelibly on our hearts.
If Emily’s life were a storybook, many would say her story had a tragically sad ending or that it was left unfinished. But that, my friends, is not true! Emily’s story hasn’t ended – she is with the Lord in Heaven. For her, as C.S. Lewis put it, “...it was only the beginning of the real story. All (her) life in this world and all (her) adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and the title page: now at last (she was) beginning Chapter One of the Great Story which no one on earth has read: which goes on for ever: in which every chapter is better than the one before.” (The Last Battle).
And back here on Earth, we (Josh, Krissy, Ben & Lily) are where Emily’s story continues as well!
Seven years ago, as we stood by Emily’s grave and laid roses on her small pink casket, our faces stained with tears and the weight of grief so heavy on our hearts, could we ever begin to imagine our lives taking on any sort of normalcy again?
Sometimes, the grief still feels raw and sharp, but most other times, it just feels like a dull residue on our hearts that we’ve learned to live with for so long now. We can relate to , who recently reflected on his son Nick’s death 5 years ago, asking, “When does an event change in such a way that it no longer feels like it happened recently, but instead happened long ago? When do we stop marveling at how little time has passed and begin to marvel instead at how much? When does the recent past become the distant past, and when does a wound become a scar?”
While we are battle-scarred and our hearts still ache for Emily, we have learned so much on this journey. By God’s grace alone, our family stands! He has grown our faith, trust, and love for Him, and we purpose to continue Emily’s story by testifying of God’s goodness, sustaining grace, and mercy in the midst of the trials of this life.
Christ alone is our only hope in life and death! Because of this hope, we look forward to the joys of Heaven – seeing our Savior face to face and hugging our sweet Emily again. Until then, we would count it a joy and privilege to share that hope with you! If you are reading this and struggling with the trials of this life, or want to know more about the hope of Heaven, please reach out to us. We would love to pray with you and talk with you. Below is a video of the song “Christ Our Hope in Life and Death,” which is precious to our family. Please take a moment to listen and be encouraged. (Video can be found in the comments)
Much love,
Josh, Krissy, Ben & Lily
1 Peter 5:10-11 - ”And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you. To Him be the power forever and ever. Amen.”
