TOTAL LOSS
“Deemed a total loss.” Those were the words we knew were a fact, but dreaded just the same. My daughter, her Navy husband, my four grandkids and my two grand-dogs, have been on a cross-country journey to their new home in (Whidbey Island), Oak Harbor, Washington. They have been stationed in Norfolk, Virginia for about 15 years. This is their first move. Unusual, but has been a true blessing for them. He just got back from an eleven-month deployment on the USS Gerald Ford. They have been just getting acclimated to having husband-dad home once again. Then, they must head out in two cars, four kids and two dogs. They have been going to places and family all along their route. They were so blessed by God to be with family here in Missouri when they got the devastating news.
The semi-moving truck with all their possessions, left before they did. While they were at my sons and daughter-in-law’s house, they got the terrible news. The truck with everything they had, except what was in their two cars they were driving and what was on their backs, had caught fire and everything was disintegrated into ashes!
Yes, we know that all that was just stuff and, and more importantly, they are all safe! But even so, it is hard to digest. When they sent the picture of the truck, to them, it became real. While they were here for a couple of days, my daughter started thinking of some of the things that were incinerated, in the fire and water: the quilt my grandmother had hand stitched, the silverware that his grandma had just given them, the buffet that had been my great-aunts and then my mother’s and then hers. She had spent a long-time refinishing that and she loved it so much. Now, all gone. Plus, so many other things that she will think about, once they get to their destination and try to “set up” their new home. She was feeling guilty that she had told their 7-year-old that there was just not enough room in the car for all her stuffies that meant so much to her little heart. Now, all gone!
They have turned to God for comfort and trust! They have God in the middle of their lives. Earthly items do not last, but God’s presence and heavenly treasures stay with us forever. God is the only way to true peace! In John 16:33, Jesus is talking and reads “…in Me you will have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
I have started thinking of some verses in the Bible the good Lord has given us to bring our hearts and minds back into focus. I remember Job in the Old Testament and all he lost. Job 1:21 reads, “…Naked I came from my mother’s womb and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord.” Philippians 4: 11 reads, “…for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.” The Apostle Paul wrote that worldly status and material gains pale in comparison to knowing Christ. Philippians 4:6-7 reads, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God and the peace that surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Instead of panicking or worrying over what is missing or broken or burned up, believers are encouraged to bring every concern to God through prayer and thanksgiving. He will provide all of their needs. (Philippians 4:19) God is the only way to reframe a person’s reality of loss through complete peace, trust and faith. There are not many Bible verses about losing actual material things, but it does focus on letting go of earthly wealth, finding contentment without possessions, and trusting in God as an eternal provider rather than relying on temporary riches.
I know all these verses exist. I have memorized some of them. The shock is raw right now. The reality has bitten hard! The fact of having nothing to start a new life in a new state, new school district, new life totally across the United States, is fearful. Below is what my daughter wrote. It is so good! I am sharing with her permission.
“Just about every single thought feels overwhelming at the moment. Trying to breathe in the goodness, while figuring out the logistics of the rubble. Continuing on our planned route seems overwhelming, but it’s holding space for joy bursts. Please pray for our courage, patience and strength as we take these next shaky steps forward.” -Ashley-
Keep this precious family, (who mean so much to this momma and nana), in your continuous prayers for their safety, as they continue on their long journey. And continued prayers, when they arrive at their new home, that they will be taken care of there. Also, for my four grandkids, as they start a new school and all that entails.
God is holding, engraving them in the palm of His hand. (Isaiah 49:16) He is walking right beside them. (Psalm 16:8) God cares so much for them, even keeping track of their sorrows, even holding their tears. (Psalm 56:8)
In heartaches of my heart, events that seem so hard and unbelievable, a verse I personally turn to in God’s Word is, Isaiah 41:10.
“Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Please pray for their mental, physical and spiritual health. This is so raw and fresh right now. Please pray for them as they start their new life, new school, new job, new chapter in their lives. Yes, all their earthly possessions in the moving truck, were lost to the fire-a total loss, but God is still good and still on His throne. He will continue to hold them up and give their hearts peace to keep on, keeping on! Thank you for your much needed prayers!
Till next time!
Keela