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The Humbling Witness of Unshakable Faith

As God gifts us with a child, He opens a Mother’s heart in an indescribable way. A love once unfathomed, now is birthed. It is a love that serves as the closest thing on earth to the Father’s love for us.

But it leaves a Mother with her heart tender and unprotected. An easy target for wounding. The protective film that once existed, now has been torn away.

Our world may be divided on many things, but I believe almost all of us come together in our conviction that a mother should never have to bury her child. It’s just not the way it should ever go.

And it’s every Mother’s worst fear.

But our worst fears do happen. The “should never happen” happens.

When it does, how will we get through? Will we have unshakable faith? Or will we turn away forever? Will we believe God is still good and God is still love? Or will we be consumed by anger and bitterness.

This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life. Psalm 119:50 - #MomentsofHope - unshakable faith -Lori Schumaker

On Labor Day, my friend lost a part of her heart. She lost her sweet boy in a tragic accident. One that makes no sense at all. At only 14 years old, his life was cut short.

The unthinkable happened to this Mama who loved so big. Who,prior to this had already suffered difficult and deep injustices. Her story echoes of the story of Job. Loyal, faithful, good. And yet she has lost so much.

And as hundreds of people reeled from the news, they wrestled with God and grappled with their faith.

But then, this brokenhearted Mama stood as a warrior refusing to let the enemy use death to divide Jesus from His people. With her words she stopped the enemy in his tracks.

“They say that when you become a parent, it’s like a part of your heart is now outside of your body. Part of my heart is now in heaven in the arms of my Savior. My sweet boy, Joseph, died tragically yesterday and is now in his true home in heaven. The grief is unimaginable … the sorrow constant. I do not know how a a mother survives such a loss.But I do know that God is still good. God is still faithful. God is still loving.

Thank you so much for your prayers, your words of love, your supportive messages of hope. Know that I treasure and read each one of them, even though I cannot respond at this time. If you are able, please include a Bible verse in your comments … the Word of God gives me such strength and hope. “You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” -Psalms 16:11

She chose Jesus. And in that moment, her unshakable faith was a witness to every single one of us. It made the wrestling stop and the soaking in of hope begin.

Only God.

Only God alone could put hope into these kinds of moments. Only God is victorious over death. And only through God are we victorious over death.

Friends, this beautiful woman has continued to share her unshakable faith. Her strength is testimony to a God Who is still good. Who is still faithful. And Who is still loving. Through this she has restored and strengthened hope for many. Where fear tried to rise, hope instead continues to prevail.

The morning of Joseph’s celebration of life, she posted this:

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 … Praying for those who are far away from Jesus to be brought closer through the witness of Joseph’s celebration of life today.

On Saturday we did celebrate his life. A life that had and will continue to have a ripple effect on the lives of many. A life that in only 14 years, filled hearts with joy and love. A life that pressed into buy nolvadex online bodybuilding Jesus for answers. For hope. For love. A life that pointed to the God who redeems.

With words I know are not even adequate here in this space, all I know more to say is that Liane is my hero. She has worked so hard to stay above ground and support her children. As an elementary teacher in a Christian School, you can imagine the tight parameters of her budget. On behalf of her and her young daughter, a GoFundMe page was created. The outpouring of love has been profound. But you know what? I would love more than anything to see even more outpouring. An outpour of love that cannot be denied as any other than the power and love of Christ.

In case God moves your heart to reach out to this family, the link is here. If not, that is certainly okay, but would you still lift this mighty woman of unshakable faith, her daughter, and all of Joe’s family and friends in prayer. There is also a place on the GoFundMe page where you can leave a message of hope.

Joseph Brinkman
Joseph Brinkman

Lord, I pray for hope. I pray that each person reading this feels Your presence. May they be strengthened in their faith. May it be an unshakable faith. In Your holy Name I pray. Amen.

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This week, my friend, Ifeoma Samuel at Purposeful and Meaningful, wrote a post that reflected unshakable faith. God always works in those ways that feel as though He’s tapped us on the shoulder as if to say, “I’m here. I’m in this.” In her post, How to Trust God in Difficulties, she wrote of the story of Job. Yes, the Job I’d mentioned above in reference to my friend. Her post spoke to my heart and I pray it speaks to yours.

How to Trust God in Difficulties - Ifeoma Samuel - Purposeful and Meaningful

Friends, your hearts of love and acts of encouragement are simply a blessing. Thank you for being you. I am thankful for each of you!

And, just so you know …

I’m so glad you’re here. ?

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43 Comments

  1. I’m so sorry to hear about Liane’s story…
    Thank you for the feature today. I’m so happy it blessed your heart ??
    God bless my dear friend

    1. It was an honor to feature your words of hope, Ifeoma! Thank you so much!

  2. Oh, Lori, this is heartbreaking, but you (and Ifeoma) have put words of hope into the void — and reminded my heart that Paul’s words in Romans 8 ring true even when the unthinkable happens: For I am persuaded that neither death nor life nor angels nor principalities nor powers nor things present nor things to come nor height nor depth nor any other created thing shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

    1. Amen, Michele! Nothing can ever separate us from Christ! ♥

  3. Thank you for sharing the story of this young mom. I am definitely going to share this post as it will bring hope to others. Blessings!

  4. Lori- sending prayers to this inspiring woman of faith. I pray for her comfort and peace.
    Thank you for sharing!
    Julie

  5. Such a terrible loss that no mother wants to face, Lori. Thank you for sharing Liane’s story and know that I will commit to faithfully lifting her and her family up in my prayers. A passage that has brought me comfort is “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer . . .” ~1 Peter 3:12

    Praying that she feels God’s embrace–carrying her through this trial.

    1. Thank you, Beth, for your prayers. I know how much Liane treasures every single one.

  6. so incredibly sad to lose your 14 year old. as you know, i’ve been writing on grief these last two weeks and again this coming Wednesday about a friend who lost her 24-year-old daughter. blessings on her and thank you for sharing. loss and welcoming home into our real life is so hard because we are human – thankful God understands. thank you, Lori.

    1. So thankful for a God who understands our questions and even our anger. His grace is abundant.

  7. Oh, friend! It seems everywhere we look there is tragedy. Without Jesus, I’m not sure we could make it through even a few seconds of this life. A friend of ours lost her 2 yr old yesterday. Her 11 yr old sister found her in a pool unresponsive. She was doing great for a few days and then suddenly took a turn for the worst and went to be with Jesus yesterday. i cannot even fathom that kind of pain. Praying for your friends and all of those who are hurting. Jesus be with them!

    1. Amen sister. I so agree. I don’t know where we’d be without Jesus.

    2. Oh, Alisa! My heart grieves for this poor family, too! Drownings happen so often here in Arizona. With pools in almost every back yard, it seems to happen too often. My heart grieves every time I hear it on the nightly news. Yes, the tragedy does seem to be everywhere. I, too, am so thankful for Jesus. I am praying for your friend and her family! Thank you for praying for Liane and Ella, too♥

  8. Oh, I am so sorry to hear this, Lori. What a tragic loss of a life so young. I’m praying for your friend and her daughter as they have to adjust to a new life without their son and brother. Thanks for sharing this need with us.

  9. Hey Lori,
    Thanks for hosting the link up again today. I appreciate you and the way you share hope even in the midst of deep sorrow and sadness.
    I think of the verse in 2 Cor. 6:10, “as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.”
    Praying that God will comfort, encourage, and uplift this family right now.
    I’m blessed by you~
    Melanie

    1. Hi Melanie,
      I truly love hosting this link-up. I am honored to share the great big hope of Jesus with the world!

      Thank you for your heartfelt prayers for the family♥

  10. Lori, my heart breaks, and yet soars at the same time… that this dear mama can cling to the Rock and share her hope—and even her concern for others who have no hope? It’s breathtaking. God is faithful. Even when we don’t understand. Especially when we don’t understand. Praying for Liane and for you as you walk the journey alongside her…

    1. Laura,
      Breathtaking is such a good word for her words and her faith. She has a very close circle of family and friends that are walking alongside her everyday and I am so thankful for that! I pray God keeps them steadfast in their support!

  11. I’m always amazed when I see those who have suffered such tragic loss not only survive but find hope in the saddest of circumstances and loss. Thank you for sharing. I’ve been praying for Liane and that God would comfort her. Love you friend!

    1. It really is amazing, isn’t it? And so inspiring. Her faith has truly deepened mine. Where satan wants to use death to separate us from Jesus, her testimony of steadfast faith has served to bring people closer to Him!

  12. Thank you Lori for sharing this powerful testimony from your friend. So grieved over her loss but hopeful as she has already shared her faith that is unwavering! Comforting to me as our church has had a family grieve the loss of two sons three months apart.

    1. Oh, goodness, Gretchen! 2 sons … how heartbreaking. I will join you in prayer for these families!

  13. Such a testimony from a hurting mother. Thank you for sharing her words, they are powerful. What strength during a terrible tragedy, only God can do that. She admits her frailty but she knows who holds her. Praying for continued comfort for the family and friends.

    1. Thank you, sweet friend, for you loving words and prayers. ♥

  14. Lori. My heart goes out, my prayers are going up. So sad, her courage and faith is a beacon.

    Blessings friend, and thanks for sharing this so we can pray together!

    1. Thank you for your prayers, Meghan! It is such a blessing to be able to unite believers in prayer! ♥

  15. Oh, how I needed this post this morning. That verse from Psalm really touched my heart, too! Love you dear!

    1. Also continuing to pray for you and your friend. I am terribly sorry for your loss. HUGS.

  16. My heart aches for your friend’s loss, Lori. I can’t imagine the pain of losing a child. I have a friend who also lost her son at that age many years ago, but it can still hurt so much. I’m so glad your friend has Jesus. Without Him we couldn’t get through losses like this. Knowing our child is in the arms of Jesus can be so comforting, but there will be days when that missing place will shout out. But, as your friend says, “God is still good. God is still faithful. God is still loving.” Blessings and hugs to you and your friend!

    1. Hi Trudy,
      I smiled tonight as I saw your comment here. You always warm my heart.
      Hugs,
      Lori

  17. Prayers for Liane and her family during this difficult time Lori. Thank you for sharing this testimony of hope and faith. Faith in a God who always has a plan and a purpose. He will continue to bless this family as they continue to serve Him. Blessings to Liane as she continues to glorify Christ through this tragic time in her life. May God bless you and yours.

  18. What a powerful testimony of choosing faith even in the hardest of things. Praying for your friend today- that God would comfort her mightily.

    1. Thank you for the prayers, Ally! I know they are moving mountains on her behalf!

  19. Wow that post. That story. Her faith is an amazing amazing testament to the greatness and goodness of our Heavenly Father. <3 So thankful for all of you being living epistles, known and read of all men. <3 Praying for you.

    1. She truly is such an amazing woman who pursues Jesus unlike anyone I’ve ever known.