The picture you are looking at is the last physical vision my Mom had on this earth. A host of people flooding our front yard (and down a side street that you can’t see), holding candles, singing carols, and praying for her. After smiling and waving down to these friends, she walked to her bed, laid down, closed her eyes and slipped into another state of consciousness. The next vision she saw was heaven. Mom was permanently healed yesterday morning around 5:45. I was praying and believing that I would be writing on this blog to report an earthly healing to you all. However, that was not God’s plan. All I know to say is that we misunderstood, because I know that God is not a man that He could lie (Numbers 23:19).
I have been through many stages over the past weeks. Extreme hope, blindingly painful sadness, numbness, joy, and dream walking. However, yesterday morning I was consumed with an all-encompassing peace. I crept up into Mom and Dad’s room around 4:30 yesterday morning (after feeding Mary Aplin). I watched Mom’s strained breathing and held Dad’s hand for about 30 minutes. Then, I kissed her cheek and whispered, “I love you so bad” (a term that Pace has coined) into her ear. I went downstairs and spent another half hour weeping bitterly to Jeremiah about all of the “last times”, and then God wrapped me in peace. We had both been lying there quietly for about 5 minutes when Dad walked in and said, “Your Mom’s gone on to glory.”
The next hour seems like a dream now, but at the time it was the first moment I had felt real in a long time. I believe God brought that peace to me at the same time he was wrapping her into His arms. I held her hand, because I wanted to feel warmth from her one last time, and we sang “Our God is an Awesome God,” because He is. We prayed, and we read from her favorite devotional “Streams in the Desert.” It was a message delivered directly to us (if you have it, then check out Dec. 19th). Dr. Edwin came to pronounce her and he prayed with us as well. He shared several words with us, but one thing that really stuck out was him saying that God did not take her until ALL of us were ready. I had really struggled with that issue. Why, if He was going to take her home, had he tarried and left her in pain? I had thought a lot about the cross–the fact that he had allowed his own son to suffer so why did I expect my Mom to be treated differently. I had thought about Him helping me to realize just what suffering was, and what my sins had cost. I had not, however, thought of her suffering as an act of mercy for me. He slowly brought us all to a place where we wanted her to go. Unless He was going to heal her to wholeness instantly, we didn’t want her to stay here any longer. For me, I don’t think I got there until the moment she left.
So, as we sat there on her bed I looked at my husband, my Dad, my sisters, and I could fill my lungs with cool air and feel real again. The waiting was over. God had finally answered our question, and even though the answer wasn’t what we expected, it is the best. I tentatively admitted my supernatural sense of peace to the group. Afraid it might seem callous. But everyone’s faces lit up and they admitted feeling the same way. I know there are still going to be hard days. There have already been moments that made me painfully catch my breath…but they are just moments. My overall sense is peace, and I know it is from Him. I can’t imagine a better send-off from this life than the one He gave her. And if that’s how she left earth, I can only imagine the glory she was welcomed in to.
Abby, my sweet friend. My heart is heavy for you and this email has given me such hope and joy! What I have just read is exactly what I prayed for you early yesterday morning after Justin called me to tell me that your mom was home and healed. I look forward to hugging you, praising our Father, and celebrating your mom’s life tomorrow and this weekend! I love you and I will continue to pray that the “Spirit of the Living God will fall afresh on you” and I pray that He will give you His comfort and I pray that every breath you take is full of peace that only He can give. Love you and still praying!!
YOU are an amazing testimony to her amazing life- I love you!
Abby, We are praising and thanking God that your Mom is home with Him and is well at last. Joe and I are thinking of you and praying for you. Love you all and will see you Saturday. Joe & Diane Culver
Abby, You and your family are so amazing, precious and Godly. I never had the chance to formally meet your mother but I knew and heard a lot about her from others in the Dothan area. The last time I saw your mother was at a Houston Academy pep rally a couple of months ago. I am telling you this because when I saw her she had the biggest smile on her face that I have ever seen on anyone. Your mother was so beautiful and she has passed that down to you and your sisters and I even see her smile in the pictures of your two girls. I also wanted to let you know that your mother and family was and still is an inspiration to me. Your mother is in Heaven right now looking down on you and your family and I am certain that she has that same big smile on her face like she did that day at the pep rally. I will continue to pray for your family. Please continue to update your blog. I always love to hear what God is doing!!!
Abby- your peace just amazes me and the fact that the Lord has brought you such a wonderful understanding truly blows me away. Know I am constantly thinking about you and praying for your family esp this weekend. Love you tons
Abby, as I write this, I can’t help but cry a little, (ok. a lot), at the reality of what has come to pass. I want you to know that I have enjoyed reading your blogs over the last couple weeks, and hearing how God has and is continually encouraging you guys is amazing. I will miss your mom, and her sweet smile, so much. Even though it was hard to see you guys at Crackle Barrel during Thanksgiving, I’m so glad I did, because I was able to give her a hug. All of this is so hard to understand, and I don’t know the right words to say, except I’m praying for you guys constantly. Thank you for being such a beautiful extension of your Mom’s faith. We love you guys. ~Psalm 116:15 Whitney Gilchrist
Abby, as I write this, I can’t help but cry a little, (ok. a lot), at the reality of what has come to pass. I want you to know that I have enjoyed reading your blogs over the last couple weeks, and hearing how God has and is continually encouraging you guys is amazing. I will miss your mom, and her sweet smile, so much. Even though it was hard to see you guys at Crackle Barrel during Thanksgiving, I’m so glad I did, because I was able to give her a hug. All of this is so hard to understand, and I don’t know the right words to say, except I’m praying for you guys constantly. Thank you for being such a beautiful extension of your Mom’s faith. We love you guys. ~Psalm 116:15 Whitney Gilchrist
Abby,
As I read the news about your mother, my first feeling was a deep sadness, which was immediately followed by fond memories of someone that I have always deeply respected and admired. I felt compelled to share my most vivid memory of your mother with you. I remember those random “senior in high school” days when I would stop by for a visit, only to find that you were out and about. Usually, that led to your mother and I standing around in your kitchen and talking for about an hour or so (sometimes longer). I don’t remember the specifics of our conversation, but instead remember walking away with the strange satisfaction that someone had REALLY listened to what I had to say. Not only listened, but also deeply cared. I am sure you already know this about her, but she seemed to have such ease in creating a connection with those around her. That is such a rare quality to possess. I felt the need to share this with you because, even though I didn’t realize it at the time, every interaction I had with your mother was special, and I will always remember that. Meredith and I will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers. Take care
Abby, Your faith and maturity is such a testimony to the living, active and so much Faithful Father. All I know is that He is Loving and that He is Strong. Psalm 62:11-12 And we can trust Him fully and one day the story of what went on in the heavenlies will be played out for you and your family and only then will we understand. May He continue to reveal Himself to you so clearly and I pray you will always have that peace!
Abby,
You have made your Mom so proud! You are wise beyond your years and I want to thank you for the words that have comforted me and so many others that have read your blog. I will miss your Mom’s friendship, but I have so many memories and laughs to cherish!! She was such an inspiration to so many!! May God continue to give you and your family peace and comfort. Much love, Nancy Shelley
Abby, God is good all the time… and you are a testimony of that! Praise God that you have the hope and peace of knowing that you will see your precious mother again and that she is right now dancing on streets that are golden (even while we are left with this dreadful rain)… I praise God for her life and for all that she touched while she was here. I pray that you will find comfort in the fact that she is healed and whole and in the presence of the Lord. Blessings, prayers, and love to you!
Abby, Your family has been on my heart this past week. Neal, Judson and I have been praying for ya’ll. Monday afternoon Judson wanted to pray for your mom. He prayed that God and Jesus would go be with Mrs Becky so she wouldnt be afraid and would feel better. God answered his prayers. She will never be afraid agand and definately feels better!! I will continue to pray for ya’ll.
Psalm 27:13-14
Abby, your words are life.
We love you in Birmingham and pray for your beautiful family often (noah for pace nightly).
Peace to you all.
Bryan (and Ash)
Abby, thank you so much for sharing that you are experiencing peace. That is exactly what I and so many others having been praying, that you and your family would have the “peace which transcends all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). The peace that only God can give. I understand exactly what you are saying. Peace that carries you above your circumstance. God sent Jesus to be our peace, so it is Jesus who is walking with you, it is HIS PRESENCE you are experiencing. Praise God. Like so many, I love your mama. I will miss her earthly presence so much, but there is great comfort in knowing that without any doubt, she is with God and we will see her again. The grief is overwhelming sometimes, but then I’ll remember a funny “Becky story” and I have to smile. She is a ray of sunshine and I know she wants her girls to continue that “shine” for her!
Much love, Mrs. Lori
Abby,
Thank you for having the courage to be honest and open about your hurts and pains. It is a true testament of how you have allowed the Lord to lead you through this journey. You all will be in our prayers. We love you. Jason and Amy Sharp
Abby, I felt so much sadness when I heard about your mother, but to read your blog, well it is an amazing and honest testimony. I am glad Ms. Becky is no longer feeling any pain. I have to work on Saturday and will not be able to make it home to Dothan, but I will be thinking about you and your family. Love, Lauren Parkman
Abby, you are truley a blessing to the Clark family. I feel confident that your words will have an impact on many people because I know your words are from the heart and it is obvious that God resides there.
I was a fraternity brother of your Dad’s at Auburn and your mother was a little sister in the fraternity. Your mom and dad both exhibited the qualities of Christ that I wanted to acheive. I hold Christ as my example, however, your mom and dad both showed me how great living for Jesus could be.
I talked with your dad on Thursday morning by phone. He is standing strong and I know some of what he is feeling. As I told your dad, I lost my brother Ross to cancer at age 42 on March 16, 2006. He was my closest friend. Ross’s funeral was a celebration and not a sad occasion only because each of us knew that he was with our Saviour. I feel confident that your mother is diligently preparing a house in heaven just as she did in Dothan. You will see her again just as I will see Ross again. Smile today, you know your mom is well. Thank you for your encouraging and strong words.
Abby,
What an amazaing testimony you are the the Christian faith. Your family is an inspiration to us all. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Abby, my heart is aching for you and your family. I know that your mom is in Heaven exploring all of God’s wonders right now though!! I wish that we could be there with you during this time. You are such a vessel for God’s glory. We love you and are praying for you daily! Love, Natalie and Wayne
p.s.-Last night when I read your post, I couldn’t help but cry. Emma Raines was sitting on the sofa with me and she looked at me and started laughing at me. She would lay her head on my back and then peek around to see me crying and just laugh. I just kept telling her that it’s okay, I’m just a little sad right now. I guess she’s never seen us cry before and was a little confused. She made me wonder how Pace was doing?
I just wanted to thank you for this uplifting view of life on earth and how passing can be joyous if you are a believer. I can’t help but tear up but more for happiness that you and your family are so faithful and such an example to all of us. I am praying for your sweet family and happy to have read your blog! Your mom was such a wonderful person to have known!
Abby, just want to let you know that I am praying often for you and the whole family and that we love each and every one of you. “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” 1 Corinthians 12:26
Lucy Sims Henderly
Hey Abby,
You don’t know me but I am a friend of Caroline’s and I live in Charlotte NC. When I was home for Thanksgiving my mother told me about how your mom was doing. My wife Hilary-Rose and I have been praying for you. And I had not heard anything about it until this morning.
When I was told that your mother passed I remembered a dream that I had (it turns out it was the night that Becky passed). So I feel that the Lord wanted me to share it with you as encouragement.
In the dream I saw Caroline and Ken and I asked how your mother was doing, and Caroline said that she was doing much better, and she seemed to be quite happy. In fact I was surprised at how happy she was. Now that instantly seemed like a dream about her being healed, but why would the Lord give it to me on the night that she died? My wife and I felt it was to encourage you and let you know that Becky is happy and free from all that was hurting her, and she wants you to be happy as well (since Caroline and Ken seemed so happy in the dream). Please know that we will continue to pray for you and your family. And know that you are on the Lord’s mind and heart.
Hello Abby, This is Lisa Bailey (formerly Lisa Mauldin). You don’t know me, but I grew up in Dothan, and I knew your dad (he was my vet.) Our parents knew one another, and my mother and yours spoke often before my mother went home to be with Jesus. My mother, Carlene Hoskins, went home on August 23, 2001, after an 8 year battle with ovarian cancer. It was about the time your mother got the word that the cancer was back after her first round of treatment. I remember your dad shaking my hand at her visitation and explaining, “Becky couldn’t come…she just couldn’t come,” and I understood exactly what he meant.
My mother was my best friend,and I loved her dearly, and I still miss her after six years without her. God is, however, most faithful, and through it all, there is – and will be – peace.
Our parting is but for a brief time, and before you know it – much sooner than we would all prefer, no doubt – we will all be joined again in Heaven.
Thank you for sharing your journey. God has been – and will continue to be – glorified. I’ll be praying for you. Tell your dad that Lisa Mauldin – Carlene Hoskins’ daughter – sends her love and prayers.
Abby,
We are thankful that your mom is home now, and that you are experiencing God’s perfect peace. We will continue to pray for you and your family. You have trusted in Him through all of this. Your mom touched the lives of everyone she met with God’ love. We will remember her for her kindness, and sweet spirit.
Love,
Angel Best Dease
Abby, this is Lindsey Robinson. I don’t think I’ve met you, but my family was with your mom and dad on october 27th auburn game. and they felt so blessed talking with them. your family has a way of making others feel joy and just focusing on everyone else that’s amazing. I am really sorry that she’s gone because she was an awesome lady but I know she’s where she wants to be, her new home. I told Mary Grace Downs, one of my good friends, to tell ya’ll to sing “Mountain of God” by Third Day to her & “Cry Out to Jesus”. I was praying for her the night of the prayer walk here at home and those came on my iPod. I will continue to pray for your family. I am so glad that the last thing she saw was the love she deserved from everyone that cared for her.
Dear Abby,
As our family is on the road headed your way I was reading more of your blog and the many comments that have been posted. One word that reoccurs often is “amazing”…and I thought about how the word’s definition will mean 2 different things to those who know or hear about your family’s battle with Becky’s cancer.
One definition refers to being struck with great awe and admiration…those who have a relationship with Christ will be “proud” and be in happy admiration of the manner in which you all have been obedient to God’s path for your lives…painful, painful and heartbreaking as it has been and will be….but the bottom line is that we all will hope that we will prove as worthy as you all have when the hard times come…which we are promised…they WILL come. But you have looked, as a family, to Christ with open hands.
Another definition for amazing is to be “bewildered”…to not really understand what you are seeing…
There will be many who will not understand the faith, the strength and the joy that you can have in the midst of the pain. They may question why would God allow this to happen.
The greatest joy,I have to believe, for all those who know your mom would be her desire for someone to come to know Christ because of her death…I believe that this very sad time will yield great joy in heaven as time goes by….because NOTHING God allows will come back void of meaning or purpose.
Your mom epitomized the words “winsome” and “delightful”…never have I been with her that we did not laugh at something and I was always the happier for being with her or talking to her on the phone.
The last time Bill was with your mother, he thanked her for getting us together. So we can honestly say that we can look at our family and see the part she played that made it come to be.
Abby, so many, many people especially women are proud to claim your mom as their special friend…she made us feel as if we were her favorite…what a gift of loving she had…and I see it in each of you girls.
We love you dearly, dearly.
Kim
Abby,
Your blog is amazing. I am blessed to know your father as our vet and to hear of the amazing courage, strength and love of the Lord your mother had through updates by Abby Downs during our sunday school classes at Calvary. Cancer has touched my family and I know the fear and uncertainty that can come with knowing it can resurface. Your faith is of biblical proprotion! It is such a blessing to know your mom saw the prayer walkers as her last true earthly sight. We were praying here at home, as I have a 10 1/2 month old son who could not get out in the weather due to illness, but our hearts were with you all. I love your motherhood/wifedom thoughts and book reviews as well. It was such a blessing to read it all. Your family will be in my heart and prayers.
Abby, we don’t know each other but I know your Dad (he’s my fantastic Vet ) and your Mom grew up on Fortner Street across that street from where my husband was raised. Over the years it has been a pleasure to observe your fine family and see you girls grow up. I know that your Mom left this world being so proud of her family (and rightly so). It was a pleasure to be apart of the “ocean of people” in the family front yard Sunday evening. I have never experieced anything like this before and I know Dothan had never seen anything so powerful a testimony of how much the community loves you all. Carry on with this great love with your own children and your Mother’s love and great spirit will continue to grow forever.
Abby,
This is Kellie (Thompson) Patton. I haven’t seen you in years, but my sister Katie has been keeping me updated on the latest with your mother. She has been in our prayers for awhile now. Katie and I were reading your latest blog and we were both brought to tears over how much peace and faith and hope you have and it all comes down to knowing that we have a wonderful, all-powerful, all-knowing Savior who knows what is best for us at every moment of our lives. Your faith and strength amazes me.
Katie and I had planned to make the trip to Dothan (my parents live in Birmingham now and I in Tuscaloosa) for the visitation and funeral, but both my children are sick with colds and fever (Emma Claire is 3 and Wilson is 15 months, with Henderson on the way in May!). I’m sorry I can’t be there, but I am praying for you and your family.
I also want to tell you that your blog makes me laugh with many tears – you are such a gifted writer — being a young mother myself with very close children (in age) i relate very well to all your stories about Pace, Mary Aplin and Jeremiah – please tell him I said hello!
May God’s peace continue to overflow in your heart and mind.
Abby, Jeremiah and the Clark Family,
I just wanted you all to let you know that we have been constantly praying for you all and for Becky’s healing. God does amazing things and he has brought us all together to witness such a joyous out puring of love and celebration for Becky. She will be missed but know you will see her every time you hear Pace laugh or look into Mary Aplin’s eyes. God Bless you all and we will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers!
Love,
Meredith Nailen Agan
Abby, we love you all.
Sue and I talked with Ken this morning. Touched by his steady faith, and our thoughts of Becky, we were blessed with a glimse of Glory… Oh how we long for that day when we are all together–forever. May we have strength to accept and embrace our purpose on this earth as we wait for that day when we all rejoice together.
Though we are many miles away, please know that our spirits are one with you and your family today and in the days to come.
We love you all,
Mike, Sue Marie, David, Anna
Abby, thank you so much for sharing your heart and your mom’s sweet love with us. I was blessed beyond description at the gravesite service today when you and your sisters worshipfully sang to our Lord. God is an awsome God !!! Your mom and dad have been friends of mine for a long time, your dad since high school, no, make that junior high. The Clarks and the Sollies are familiar names to us Young Junior and Dothan High graduates. And I am so thankful that you are Jeremiah are such good friends to my children. Isn’t that just like God to carry on friendship from generation to generation?
God Bless you all.
Abby, we are giving God the praise and glory for your mother’s life. The miracle of her healing is complete and we are witnesses to her abiding faith. She touched so many lives while she walked this earth. We continue to lift each of you up in prayer and know that God will be with you and grant you peace. The memorial service was moving and beautiful. We were all touched beyond words. God bless each of you in your faith journey. Pat & Celeste Kelly
What a wonderful testimony for Christ that your family has shared with so many. As I have read your blog, I see such Godly wisdom. My Mom join our Heavenly Father in March after a 2 year battle with ovarian cancer. I remember this time last year, just praying to have one more Christmas with her. I did – but as we sat in the ER Christmas night with her in such pain, God began to prepare my heart to accept her release her from this earth. Realize that you will experience emotional ups and downs for a period of time and that is not a lack of faith and trust in God but your normal earthly feeling. Our Father understands and will provide the comfort for those moments and will strengthen our relationship with Him. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Starla Wiggins Ingram
Hi Abby, I don’t know if you remember me but I met you a long, long time ago with your cousin Adam Sollie when he played baseball for Wallace. I am very good friends w/ him (met him while he went to Wallace and kept in touch and then we lived in Bham at the same time until I moved back to Dothan/Ozark last year) and my mom (Jenny Woodham Weber) knew of you mom and dad. We read of your mom finally going home to heaven in the paper the other day and were saddened but we know she is in such great hands and no pain. Just wanted to let you know you & your entire family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Your family is so beautiful and I have been forever touched by your blog. God Bless each of you and Merry Christmas. With love and prayers, Jenna Weber
Abby, As you well know I am not very good with computers and things that go with them but Kristyn turned me on to your site and I had to say a word. You have been there for me through my many tough times and words cannot express how strong of a person you are and how much I love you. I am very proud to know that you are my cousin and I truly love you from the bottom of my heart. Taylor, Caroline, Kendall, and yourself have truly taught me what having a real relationship with GOD can do for you and our family. Aunt Becky is definetly in a much better place and I love you from the bottom of my heart. Love you, B
Hi Abby, my name is Tonja Owens and I have known your Mom and Dad for many years. I am the music teacher at First Presbyterian and remember the Clark girls fondly. When the article came out in the paper last Sunday about the prayer vigil, the young man Alex they were talking about in the same article, is my son. I understand how horrible illness can be, especially when pain is involved, and I am so happy to think of your Mom as pain free now. I know she is lighting up heaven even more with her beautiful smile, and I can just see her charming all those she is with. How wonderful God is to give us this assurance. Absence from the body is presence with Him.
I am amazed at the maturity and wisdom that you have shown in your writing on your blog. That is another great testimony to your Mom and Dad’s faith. Even through the storm, you have been able to see the blessings. And that is what God promises. He promises to meet our needs and give us strength for the day. I have learned that the strength will come…but only as we need it. You have spoken about the peace you felt, and you will continue to feel that when you need to. There will be times when you need to weep, but that’s fine, too. God made us with tears for a reason. So let them flow when you need to.
I am so thankful that I have had a chance to speak to you on your blog. I would not wish to intrude upon you and your families’ time together. Please know that there are so many who are praying for you all. May God give you peace and strength and rest.
Tonja Owens
Abby,
I have been forever touched by your blog. I started reading it and could not stop. Your family’s faith and strength truly amazes me and is an inspiration to us all. You have all shown how important it is to have a strong true relationship with God. Your whole family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Jennifer Waters
God filled the celebration sevice with love and Peace. I had tears of joy starting with Mike’s song”Thanks for giving to the Lord” which sums up Becky’s life. We all will miss her but, she is spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year and that makes us all happy. Loved seeing you and your sweet family being filled with the Lord last night.
Abby, you don’t know me but I have prayed for you & your family for some time. I lost my mother to cancer in 2000 and like Becky, she also gained her crown in glory at a young age. I have walked in your shoes and have felt the same pain of the physical loss here on earth as we try to wrap our minds around the life we know here versus the life our beautiful mothers now know in Heaven. I was at the candlelight service last Sunday and it was one of the most moving experiences I have ever had. What a testimony you and your family have shared with so many people! You have touched lives beyond the city of Dothan and have such an incredible witness. As we celebrate the birth of Christ we look to Him for all the answers, for His infinite peace and the wisdom in His eternal plan. You remain in my prayers and I know you have found JOY in this Season as you place your faith, hope, trust and love in the Almighty and praise Him for sending His Son and for the eternal healing of your precious Mom. Thank you for sharing all this with us and for being a light and inspiration to all. Your mother will be with you, your sisters, your father and your girls in spirit and memory for the rest of your lives. Her light will shine in your faces and in the numerous lives you have touched. “Be still and know that He is God”…Great is thy Faithfulness! Your beautiful Mother is attending the greatest Christmas celebration of all, right at the throne of our Lord…Amen. -NEW
Abby, you and your family have set such a wonderful example for everyone around you. Your mom was an amazing woman who touched me, my mom and so many others! I love you so dearly and want you to know that I am here for you ALWAYS! I love you! You are one of the strongest people I know!
Abby,
I just want to wish you, Jeremiah, your dad, Taylor, Caroline, Kendall, and those precious little girls of yours a merry, merry Christmas. I know this is a hard one but I hope you will be able to celebrate with peace in your heart. I will never forget this past week as long as I live. What an amazing person your mom was and what an impact she made on so many lives. I personally have learned so much this past week and my goal for the new year is to try to be more like your mom was. More spiritual, less selfish, and more giving. I pray every day for all of you. I know the New Year will bring amazing gifts for all of you.
All my love my sweet Abby,
Kendall
Dear Abby,
I have thought about you often the past couple of weeks. This morning I had a dream about you that I felt I needed to share. I was walking along a busy street in a large town alongside Amy Sharp. We stopped at a crosswalk and you were on the opposite side of the street looking very sad. There was no way to get to you. Amy and I looked at eachother and immediately started blowing you kisses. You smiled and even blew some back to us. Then we crossed the street and you were gone.
The busy street symbolizes to me the business of life and right now you may feel like you are on the opposite side/pace of life than alot of others. Many of us (me included) can’t even begin to “crossover” to that side and know how you are feeling or what you are experiencing. BUT I want to do something-hug you, send you a card, a meal, pray- blow you a kiss. You are dearly loved by so many even if we don’t always know what to say or do. I forgot to mention that you were not standing alone on that side of the street. And you are not alone. God is not only “with” you- He dwells in you-He is as close as your skin. He can identify with any feeling that you have. Hope this encourages you. Love, Mikelyn and Amy
Abby, I’m so thankful that the Lord has given you peace. I can’t imagine going through what all of you have, and I know that the Lord has taught you so much through it. What an amazing testimony
Abby, Olivia and I feel so blessed that we were able to share in the celebration of your mom’s life. And I consider myself extremely lucky to have known you and your family for so long. You have no idea of the impact that the faith of your family has had and will continue to have on my life. The love that Becky exhibited for others on a daily basis provides an enormous amount of inspiration for a lot of people. Thank you!
Through a friend in Dothan, I learned of and was very touched by your families’ loss. It was quite a remarkable picture of the prayer gathering.
I’ve been through similar family losses; my dad died in an accident when I was child and my mother died from cancer when I was a young adult. I had the same sort of moments you did taking care of Mom in her final months. Those moments (some good, some not) stayed with me for the almost 20 years she’s been gone and they’ve have provided me a source of insight and strength. Maturity, I suppose. With the help of all the family and friends I see here, the pain will ease and I hope you can draw the same positives that I have.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
We love you Abby and are praying for you continually throughout this season. Thank you so much for your witness and testimony. I pray you will remain in the incomprehensible peace you beautifully described in your message.
We Love you,
><>Murphy and family
Dear Ken,Abby,Caroline,Taylor, and Kendall, What a testiment of your mom’s life and the lives of each of you! From the many years of praying, believing, and hoping for more miracles, to the prayer vigil, to the precious comments on the blog, and to the celebration service, one can only imagine what it feels like to walk in your shoes. I loved the fact that we were able to celebrate Becky’s life in such an honorable way, yet my heart was heavy with saddness as I watched your pain. The songs, the video, the words spoken about your mom and your family, were a true tribute to how you have blessed everone and even though the price was a hard one to accept, the legacy that has been left will be a reminder to how each one of us should live our lives. If only each person on this earth could be even half a blessing as each one of you have been, think how much better this place would be and how big God would be smiling. I know the days ahead of you will be very tough ones, but know that on your darkest, lonliest day, that people are still praying for you, I can promise you that!One day, you will wake up and realize that it is going to be a better day and that the tears will flow ever so slowly. And then there will be the better day when we as christians will meet in heaven with our loved ones and rejoice with our heavenly Father.Until then, thank you for the legacy each one of you have left to all people. May God hold you, comfort you, and give you peace. I drove by your house late on Christmas eve, and sat quitetly in my car and prayed for each of you. I will continue to lift you up daily. from th giver of the “Christmas shoes”
Clark family,
I just want to say, as many others have, my life will never be the same after knowing Becky and going to her beautiful service on Saturday. She makes me want to be a better person and to live my life giving “joy” as she did. She made everyone she met feel special and important. I too have had some moments in which I could not understand. Dr. Fain’s message was such a blessing and helped me come to grips with Becky’s illness and the fact that she couldn’t stay here on this earth. She truly showed us all what having “faith” is all about. I will never forget her and was blessed to have known her. Our paths crossing was a gift from God to me! Abby, thank you for giving to all of us through your blog.
Hey Abby. It’s Andi. I have been praying for you all, as so many have. Isn’t it amazing to feel the prayers of the saints! Truly we serve a Living God! I have been reading in Habakkuk. I wanted to share a verse that has really been my prayer over the last week. I love you and will continue to pray for you all!
“Though the fig tree should not blossom And there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail And the fields produce no food, Though the flock should be cut off from the fold And there be no cattle in the stalls, Yet will I exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord GOD is my strength, And He has made my feet like hinds’ feet, And makes me walk on high places.” Habakkuk 3:17-19
Love you!