an unexpected visitor came into our home last night, slipping in while the rain drops pounced off our windows. not forcefully, but gently, she planted herself in my heart while we laid with eyes shut. when i woke, she filled my thoughts, not darkness that had greeted me each morning for what felt like lifetimes.
she whispered life and heaven and redemption in my ears, as i rolled over to look at the eyebrows and shoulders and tousled brown hair next to me that i'd grown so comfortable with but that had altered my life so.
she, Hope, wasn't expected, yet she was so very welcomed, because she had just hours before seemed to have been a forgotten friend that had no plans of journeying back to me. she had felt very far off and unable to be convinced to come for a visit, despite my tearful requests.
as she laid next to me on our striped gray and white sheets, i wondered how long she would stay, but then decided those thoughts should be forgotten. because she was here as a gift, and although i did not know for how long she would choose to stay in my home, i wanted her to be welcomed.
So lovely to hope in Jesus. Today is our Laurie's 27th Birthday. Hope does fall upon us as the bright pure snow. So beautifully from the hand of God ♥ "For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength."~Job 37:6 I love you Larissa. -Leslie Dawn the mom
ReplyDeleteHe gives us those precious moments even in the midst of deep waters so we remember that we are not forsaken.
ReplyDeletePraise God for this beautiful visit, Larissa. May she stay and stay, pushing the Enemy away always. Praying it is so.
ReplyDeleteYes.
ReplyDeleteI would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Ps. 27
How beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteHope is always there - we have to recognize it, and when we do, life seems so much easier to handle. With much love and lots of prayers, Rene ♥ ♥
ReplyDeleteLarissa, I've watched your Desiring God video a few times via Facebook sharing, and am always impacted by it. But this blog tells the small moment stories--the hard won battles for hope, gratitude, and faith. And for this, I am so deeply touched and blessed. We have never met, but your journey has powerfully impacted my own. As I deal with suffering in my life, I am encouraged to have a sister in Christ like you. Much love from Georgia.
ReplyDeleteLarissa, a friend of mine showed me your and Ian's video for the first time this morning. I was so deeply touched. Your faith, your courage, your commitment to one another--so inspiring. Since watching the video this morning, I have spent much of the day reading posts on your blog, and I am eager to read all of them. However, I first wanted to thank you. You and Ian are absolutely amazing. The light of Christ shines through you. In Him we have joy. Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteI so enjoy your blog. I love this post. she too has visited me..and I pray too that she stays.
ReplyDeleteSo beautifully written. Wow.
ReplyDeleteThank you, merciful God of hope. Thank you, Larissa.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your example of faith, courage, and love! I am much inspired by your example.
ReplyDeleteI haven't posted in a long time, but I just this minute see you are the headline article on Mail Online, the most read website in the world, I believe. Wow! Now you're really famous. :o)
ReplyDeleteLarissa,
ReplyDeleteThe amazing journey of you and Ian is the lead story on
Daily Mail Online today. It touched me in a very special way because 18 years ago, I too was in a terrible car accident. I broke both legs, an arm and many other things, but did not have a life-altering brain injury, thank God. But I do not fail to realize-ever-when I look at Ian and others, that "There but for the grace of God go I." I will pray for you both.
The power of your love made me think about what would have happened if this had been the result of my accident...would my husband have stayed? Or if the circumstances were reversed, would I have endured that? I don't know, but what your story told me is that there IS God-given love, that nothing can change or break. You are an inspiration-both of you-in that truth.
Thank you for sharing your hope. God bless you in every way. And you write beautifully.
Martha
Larrisa, your faith and love is inspirational...Ian is very lucky to have chosen so wisely in his choice of bride...may God Bless you both here now and in the afterlife.
ReplyDeleteAmen
Thank you so much for your blog. I read your story via a British newspaper and cried not because I was sad, frustrated or confused. I cried because of your love for one another - it's beautiful. I live with a chronic health condition diagnosed a few months ago and am still affected daily, I'm still grieving for my old life. Your blog made me realise how lucky I am, still. And Ian, too. And you, for having found him and supporting him against all odds. Thank you for sharing xx
ReplyDeleteWow, I wish you guys all the luck and love in the world. I found your story via a terrible British newspaper and am sat here fighting back tears. Not because I am sad for you, or sorry, or pitying you. I sit here crying because what you have is BEAUTIFUL. Your love for one another beats all odds. I recently was diagnosed with a lifelong chronic illness and am grieving for my old life, although determined. You are strong, beautiful, and lucky to have found each other. Your love isn't about pitying Ian and feeling obliged. It's pure, true and real. All the best for your future together xx
ReplyDeleteI've discovered your website today and ...I never leave messages on other peoples's websites so this is the first time!
ReplyDeleteI will be praying for you. God bless you, Larissa and Ian.
Greetings from Prague!
10 Yrs ago my cousin had a car accident.
ReplyDelete10 yrs ago we were told she would not make the night.
10 yrs later rehabilitation and a hard fight she drives again walks again talks again and yes dates again.
View askance , speech still slurred , arm still at a different angle.
Proof of determination , a different path and love.
The infinite love that surrounded her and still does.
I pray for Ian. But I pray for Larissa as well. You're an angel and I am so glad that people like you exist. Much love from Brazil. -Sabrina
ReplyDeleteSomehow its sad, i mean... u do
ReplyDeleteall this things and u are awesome,
this is so unbelievable. I am an
absolute athetist (i dont even
know if this word exixst in
english but i think u know what i
mean), and so i think this is even
more touching, a person to be this
strong. I hope ur God will help u
and if it will help ill start
praying for u 2, too. Keep it up,
this maybe hard sometimes, but you
got yourselfes. So hopefully everythign will get well.
Greets from a german philosophers student. ;)
HI there. I'm in Cape Town, South Africa and came across your story through the Uk's Daily Mail article. I went through to the first post and read right through to the last post-all in one day. You are a beautiful couple. So beautiful. I pray you have more years of growth and may your marriage be a testimony of true love and redemption-always. Blessings and love to you both. Thandi
ReplyDeleteI hope She visits you often! Enjoy her presence in your life.
ReplyDeleteYou are truly an angel.
ReplyDeletebeautiful! to have that kind of love,and friendship,she your miracle.
ReplyDeleteI am so inspired by your story. Thank you for reminding me that He is truly amazing and there is a lesson in everything. I am humbled by your courage and strength, and undying faith. Thank you so much for sharing and please, please keep posting.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful message! Praying for you, and for Hope to be with you everyday.
ReplyDelete