It's been two days since we got the email. Two days since the weeping began. Two days since we got on our knees and asked God, "Why?" Two days since God decided to take Virginia Kate home to Him.
Our friends Kevin & Shay Steedley were expecting their third daughter on September 15th. On Monday, five days overdue & 10 months pregnant, Shay went in for an appointment and there was no heartbeat to be found. Just days before, she was experiencing contractions and anxiously waiting to go into labor. But God had different plans for this little girl. He decided to take her home even before she entered this world. She would never meet her earthly mom and dad or two big sisters. She would never experience any human fellowship or heartache. This was God's perfect plan for Virginia "Ginna" Kate's life. From the womb, she met her maker and she is in glory with Him for eternity. One day Kevin, Shay, Becca & Ruby will meet their beloved daughter/sister. D.R. & I are so grieved for our friends in Mobile and have wept repeatedly since Monday morning. It doesn't seem fair. Doesn't seem right that Shay carried this child 10 months and then never got to hear her cry or laugh. But we serve and trust in a God whose ways we can't understand but know are good. We trust that this will be used for our good and His glory. Virginia was always meant to be with her Savior from day one. What a blessing! I've been so challenged by Kevin's email that he sent to our church family (in Mobile) on Monday. I thought I would share it with you. Soli Deo Gloria.
It's with a mixture of great grief and awestruck wonder in the greatness of our God that I'm writing this morning to let you know that Shay delivered our 3rd girl during the night, but [she] was stillborn. We need your prayers, love, and support. I believe we're grieving well right now, but will obviously be faced with various challenges and opportunities in the days ahead. Feel free to check in with us as you have opportunity…
Holding my dead infant daughter was a stark reminder that we are fallen people living in a fallen world. But in experiencing that grief I am still able to praise God. He has seen fit to take "our" girl to be with Him - and spare her the pain and sorrow this sin-filled world and our sin-filled hearts create. Jesus, the resurrection and the life, says whoever believes in Him, yet though he dies, will live again. Our hope is built on nothing less...
