March 7, 2012

What lengths we go to

My heart is heavy this morning after hearing a news story of a mother's sacrifice. Amidst the horrible storms and tornadoes throughout the Midwest last week, Stephenie Decker did what any Mom would do. She survived for her kids! And she saved their lives. We are hearing so many stories of heros in the aftermath of the storms, but Stephenie's story stands out for me as one of the lengths we go to for our children.
As the tornado approached, she covered her children with a blanket and used her body to shield them from the wind and flying debris. She felt the house falling on top of her, piece by piece, and reassured her babies that they would be okay. As her children screamed things such as, "I can't live without you." and "Please don't let me die." She kept telling them they were not going to die. She kept them safe and in return she lost her legs.
But this Mom is so much more blessed than her current circumstances appear. She acted like I would hope many Moms would act by protecting her babies. And yes, her sacrifice comes at a price, but her children came out without as much as a scratch when so many others lost their lives. God granted this mother safety for her children and spared her life for a reason.

Proverbs 31:26-31 "She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many woman do noble things, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceptive , and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

This verse comes to mind with this mother's noble act. She took care of her children and was courageous to the end. As she sits in the hospital healing from her wounds, but physical and emotional, I pray for her peace to know that when she finally meets our Maker, He will look to her and say, "well done, good and faithful one."


No comments:

Post a Comment