Once when our family was fostering Jesse, a young boy of six years old, I was putting him to bed when he asked me about his older brother, who had been killed in a bicycle/auto accident.

“ Everyone says that Jason’s happy in heaven, but how can he be? Me and Justin, (his other, also older brother) aren’t there, and Mom’s not there! Jason doesn’t know anyone in heaven. He doesn’t know Jesus. He never met Jesus. He wouldn’t even recognize Jesus! And Mary, why he’s never seen her at all, and she doesn’t look like Mom. He wouldn’t even know her!” Jesse stopped and thought for a fleeting moment, and I saw a smile almost break through. “Do you think? … Do you think that God makes it so that when Jason looks at Mary, he sees Mom?”

“Yes,”I said. “That’s exactly what God can do.” His whole body relaxed and he turned over to go to sleep. I felt that I had witnessed a divine intervention in the spirit of Jesse.

After that conversation Jesse settled into his school work and into our home life with interest. I knew that I had not been able to reach him concerning Jason, but that Someone else had taken that burden off of me. I hadn’t really understood the depth or the nature of Jesse’s anxiety, but I knew that a healing had begun.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27) These are the words and promises of Jesus, and this message resonates throughout the Bible. It’s the gift of our covenant relationship with the living God. That peace, in whatever measure we receive it, makes life on planet Earth blessed.

In my alarm I said “I am cut off from your sight!” Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help. . . .Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. (Psalm 31:22&24)

Don’t be anxious about anything, but in every situation , by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, that passes understanding , will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)

Jesse had heard the Christian message, and tried to apply what he heard to his life and the tragic accident that took his brother’s life. The comfort he received came through his belief that God is both loving and powerful. It was enough .

Love in Him,

Prue