Jeff and Vickie Rollins at Matt's BLET graduation
This past week has been one of the most challenging and difficult weeks of my life. But God has proven not only His faithfulness, but that His word truly does not return void.
Sunday we traveled with our friends Kim and Casey to speak at a church in Sanford, NC. After we spoke we went to Kim's parents for lunch. As we finished up a delicious meal I received a paralyzing phone call from my mom. My precious Aunt and Uncle were in a terrible car accident in which my Uncle had already died and My Aunt was in critical condition. It has been a long time since I lost someone so close. The way that the accident happened is tough to swallow, but as my Dad has put it "It is what it is" and it came as no surprise to God. We can choose to be bitter and angry or we can choose to believe that we still serve the same God who continues to be merciful and sovereign. We can choose to cling to and remember that my Uncle Jeff led a wonderful and rewarding life and now he is with our Heavenly Father. The same Father that hovers over my Aunt right now at Baptist Medical Center. The same Father that is grieving with my family as we recall this scripture:
"Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope
Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:21-23
We will choose to trust God's plan and believe that, through this tragedy, HE will receive the glory. We have already seen evidence of God's compassion that never fails and His sovereignty over the whole situation. This is evident in through friends of Matt's being at the scene of the accident to friends of mine being part of the critical care transport team and Vickie's primary nurse at Baptist.
Jeff and Vickie both were so passionate about what God is doing through this ministry. They were, no doubt, our biggest fans. They coordinated meetings with Kenyan friends, volunteered during the silent auction/benefit dinner, prayed for us continually, and were actively following the stories of God working in Kenya. We spent several meals together telling "our stories" to them for long periods of time. The whole time, they viewed us as their own children. Such honor bestowed upon such unworthy people as us.
Vickie is one of the toughest people I have ever met in my life. She truly trancends and exemplifies that wife of noble character in Proverbs 31. I have no doubt that she will pull through this only having grown in her faith that much more.
We ask that as you read this, you might pause and offer up a prayer of thanksgiving for their lives and for her complete restoration. To God be the glory ... even in tragedy!
10 comments:
We're praying for your family. Isn't it so comforting to know that we will one day see our loved ones again!
We are praying for you and your family during this hard time. Your aunt and uncle sound like an incredible couple. I know there is nothing one can say to make it all better, but you have to take comfort in the fact that you are back here at home to support your family. Let us know if there is anything we can do for you guys. We love you guys! Thad and Chrissy
Neil and I are praying for your family....and we're here if you guys need anything at all...
Good post. I attempted to put one together in my mind, but it was one of those situations that I have so much I want to say, but so little to say in the end. He will come to mind every day for quite some time, as he was elemental in some of my biggest lessons in life, especially law enforcement.
I'm really sorry to here that. We are praying for you guys. On a totally different subject, what church did you guys speak at in Sanford. Some of my extended family was probably there, cause I am a Kelly via Dad, and Kim is also a Kelly. Sanford is made of Kelly's.
My heart has ached for you and your family as you process all that has unfolded over this last week.
I love you both beyond words.
I am out of the perfect words to say, but please know that I am praying. Thank you for you kind words you left on my blog.
Oh my gosh Lindy. I'm so sorry for your loss. You and your fam are definitely in my prayers. It makes you realize how valuable are lives are especially to our loved ones. Did you hear about the plane crash out here yesterday? It was less than a mile from my apartment and I was home when it happened so I am extra thankful for life this week. i love you and call me if you need me!
We have continued to pray for the whole family at this critical time. The Rollins were in my Sunday School Class and we still recall countless times of warm and encouraging fellowships. We look forward to visiting with Vickie at the appropriate time.
God bless you all.Love from the Omungu Family
I just logged on and saw this. I will be praying for your family. I am so sorry to hear about this. I read the article on the accident and it does sound unimaginable. God can make good of even this. That's our promise.
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