Getting wet together.

It's been a long week to say the least. Each day brings with it more sad reality. One thing has been so apparent to me, even amid the pain - real, in the trenches, no matter what - friendship. From the ones of us supporting Andy and her dear family, to the ones who are supporting me as I stand in the gap with a multitude of others, the gift of friendship and the Body of Christ have never been so evident and obvious. I love my people and remain forever grateful for you all!!

Today was the funeral for Sweet Baby Benjamin. Chad had to work this Saturday and wasn't able to go (sniff, sniff). Nevertheless, I felt safely anchored in my seat between Gina and Delynn - - I love them.

It was indeed, the hardest, most precious thing I have ever witnessed. Each tender part of the service was clearly chosen with special care and there wasn't a dry eye in the packed sanctuary.

Caroline Ingle, Samantha's dear friend (and one of mine, too) did an excellent and beautiful job reading from the 139th Psalm. She read it with feeling, slow and methodical as she looked into Sam's eyes while she delivered the Word of the Lord. Amazing. Somehow, she held it together throughout the especially symbolic words of that text: Vs. 13-16

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body."

There were many poignant moments of this memorial but two of them were particularly memorable for me. It's kind of neat that they are both from Samantha's lips, quotes of hers that were shared during the service.

First, the pastor said that after they learned what happened on Tuesday, he went in to see Samantha - - he asked, "how do you feel, Sam?" She responded, "this sucks" and then the pastor said, "she's right, it does suck" and then said to the congregation, say it with me, "this sucks" - wow, it really does. It was so good to hear a church full of people saying that together, (complete with stained-glass windows and chandeliers) calling it what it is and feeling it. He went on to offer a lot of hope and grace in the resurrection and promises from our Sweet Savior, but I'm glad he paused to be real, I appreciated that touch.

Toward the end of the service, folks could stand up to say something to Samantha and Don. So many did, the outpouring of love on this couple is reciprocal, no doubt. They have touched so many lives. Andy stood up to say something and I had to grab extra tissue. She stood there and ministered words of encouragement and love in the way that only she can. It was beautiful to hear that, even as she is hurting, she is (of course) still giving.

Then, a friend of Sam's from Agnes Scott stood up. She said that she walked through a difficult time a while back and Samantha was there to love and encourage her through it. At one point during that time, she apologized to Sam for needing her the way she did and Samantha had the most poetic answer you've ever heard - She said,

"You're just going through a storm in your life right now and I don't mind getting wet with you."

Oh, to be that kind of friend. I pray that all of our shoulders begin to carry this unbearable weight for Samantha and Don. May many shoulders make a lighter burden, in spite of the storm. They truly are so loved by so many.

I count it an honor to be getting wet in this valley. . .

Much love to a family who has loved so much!!