I Can Only Imagine

I stumbled across this story online today, and just wanted to "think out loud" about it. I don't know why, really, except that maybe God is reminding me that if people in a situation like this can be steadfast in their faith, so can I.

A 9-year old boy from the Nashville area, Tyler Doughtie, died Monday after a 2 year battle with cancer. Here's the story from Nashville's Tennessean newspaper. Tyler seemed to be like any other kid his age--enjoyed basketball, soccer, Cub Scouts, and AWANA at his church. He was diagnosed in Jan '03 and at one point, was considered to be "loosely in remission." But it wasn't to be. What I find incredible is that this kid, in his dad's words, "NOT ONCE . . . ever shed a tear or [complained] about what he had to experience to be able to receive his reward in heaven." (his emphasis)

Today his parents are planning his funeral. 9 or 10 years ago, they were experiencing what I hope to experience in the next few months--a pregnancy and all the excitement, planning, and anticipation that it brings. The first birthday. Dropping him off for his first day of school. Riding a bike for the first time. All those are memories that are literally all they have left. But it seems that their faith in God assures them that Tyler simply made it to heaven before they did.

You always here those classic words when someone is pregnant: "I just want a healthy baby." Yes, that would be nice, but the reality of it is, however scary, that not 100% of babies are. From autism to Down's syndrome to a child who dies at age 9 from cancer, my faith tells me that God has a reason. Hard for our earthly minds to comprehend, but there's a reason. Who am I to question the wisdom of an all-knowing Lord?

I'm sure that I'll will desire a healthy child that will outlive Leah and me by many years--who doesn't? But in reality, that wish is selfish. I can't imagine the pain of losing a 9-year old, like the Doughties are at this very moment, but if I ever have to endure something that's even remotely as painful, it will be faith alone that gets us through.

Take a minute to read the sweet, sweet account of a grieving dad. And pray for the Doughties and the dozens of families like them. Tyler Doughtie website

I can only imagine what it will be like
When I walk by Your side
I can only imagine what my eyes will see
When Your face is before me.
- Mercyme