Returning to Brazil
June 20, 2012
It was a difficult thing for me to return to Brazil this summer. For two reasons. One, it is a place that my husband and I used to go together. It was 10 years ago that I first went to Brazil. J. L. had come the year before and fallen in love with the people. The next year, he asked me to come along. And I did.
I came for two years, and then the third year, I felt that I was not to come. Not knowing why, I was obedient, and stayed home. My children and I went on a trip to see their grandparents while my husband was gone.
The following November, we prepared to take another trip to see grandparents. All four of us climbed into our van and headed the 400 miles home. You know the story. That night, J. L., Janessa and Jayden all went home to be with the Lord. I alone survived.
I’m grateful for God’s gift of that last summer trip with my children.
I went to Brazil once after the accident. I felt that it was a way to complete J.’s work, to tell them how much he loved them. I never thought that I would go back.
But this year, God impressed upon my heart to go back. So, I signed up for the trip. It was just a few days after signing up that it happened. A young couple from Brazil that I knew were involved in a car accident that took the lives of both of their children.
My heart plummeted into mourning.
So it was with a heavy heart that I journeyed to Brazil this year.
I spent many hours before going on this trip, trying to determine what to say to this young couple, remembering the incomprehensible pain of those first years of grief. I could think of nothing to say. So I simply asked God to help me be real.
And He did. I cried, no, I sobbed. I watched God at work in their lives. I felt the love of the people, including the young couple. I saw God at work in my own life. And I laughed.
When I allow the pain to come and be expressed, it always releases my heart to feel joy again. It’s healing. And when I live out healing, then others can dare to believe they can be healed too. It wasn’t about anything I could say, it was about just living…..with both tears and joy.
I did not return with a heavy heart.
Beautiful. Thank you, Father, for your faithfulness and new mercies every morning.
You are such a blessing to so many that have felt broken from loss. I miss you so much. You are my inspiration.
Lora,
i can never really find the words to say I understand your pain because I don’t. I have lost both my parents and no a sister in the last few years. I know it can’t compare to the pain you must face everyday. but in pain we can do one of two things. Turn to GOD or turn to the things of the world that only cover up our pain. thank you for sharing how GOD can carry someone through such pain as yours. I does give me as well as many others hope. and we all need hope. GOD contiune to bless you. With love Ruth
It’s amazing to me how God uses the devastating places in our lives to inspire others and bring His name glory. And while He does all that, He’s healing our hearts, maturing us, strengthening us, planting us. Isaiah 61:3b They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
You, my friend, are a display of his splendor! Keep following His lead, you are leading all of us to do the same. I love you!
Lora, you’re one of the most incredible people I met in my entire life. I was thrilled with your life story and how God has made you stronger every day. I want to tell you what God has in store for you is something much bigger and grander, alias, for all of us. I thank God because I could listen to these your words, your story, thrill me, and tell you thank you. I’m sure you not only built my life over as a whole and all Assu and Linda Flor! You respandece God’s light, its presence in involves getting close to you, because you send a great peace. May Jesus bless you and know that here in Assu / Linda Flor / Brazil!! I miss u to Much. hope see u next year again!! Sorry for the wrong words! ;D We love u’
It is a blessing to know you, Lora. You have helped me in the healing process. You are an example to me. I missed you too.
Marinna and I were just talking about you and your precious family last night. She is serving as a counselor for our church’s girls at church camp for children. During the evening devotional with “her kids”, she mentioned Jayden, and we cried, again, missing your family. You are in our hearts constantly and I am continually amazed watching God work through you. Your “being” and “doing” as God asks is the most profound testimony of God’s love and care of anyone I’ve ever known. I love you!
I thank God for you.
Wow Lora, I am so looking forward to hearing all about your trip and finding out the wonders of God in Brazil. And I am excited to see your pictures as well. God bless you. Thanks for sharing your heart with us. Love ya.
I am so honored by your words on my website Ayslan. I am so honored. I don’t know what to say. I don’t know why God chose me. I’m so weak, and so unable to live without Him. My experience in Brazil made that lesson even more clear to me. It was God you saw Ayslan. Look to Him, not to me.
I miss you too! I miss all of you. Thank you for letting God speak to my heart through you.
Amazing how God placed you in Brazil on his own terms to be there to cry with this couple that have suffered grief like you have. This is just breath-taking. God is so good.
Lora, I cry every every time I read your story. To be given the peace you have. I truly do long for that in my own life. Love and miss you.
Amelia, peace is available to all of us. Can I help you find it?