Be Brave

I have cried more this week than I have since Mom's passing last November. Yesterday was the day that precious Jude Sullivan Peters' celebration of life took place. We wanted to be in attendance so desperately, but distance prevented us from celebrating his life in person. In times like this, I am thankful for technology and was able to join in through livestream.

Jude's service was so touching. It was such a fitting honour for such an amazing boy. I count it a privilege to call the Collins' family our friends... they actually feel more like family to us. We have known Keith and Darla Collins (Jude's grandparents) for almost 20 years now. They have been there for us through many storms in our lives over the years, and we are truly thankful to the Lord for them.

Since the funeral service yesterday, the words from Tammy Shay's song, "Brave" (written for Jude), has been going over and over in my mind. "Be brave, little one." And brave he was.

Jude was a rare, special child. When he was born, he was diagnosed with RCDP; a rare form of dwarfism that only affects less than 100 children worldwide. His story is one of miracle after miracle throughout his short 11 years. He overcame so many obstacles in his life and fought each day so bravely. He truly was a warrior!

Jude left such an impact upon our family. After Jude was born, I printed a photo of him and placed it in my Bible to pray over daily. We had prayer meetings in our church on several occasions specifically for Jude. His life impacted us and so many thousands around the world in ways that will only be fully known in eternity. He never spoke verbally, but his life spoke volumes. The Lord set Jude apart for a purpose and a destiny to touch the nations of this world with the knowledge and the unconditional love of Jesus Christ.

I want to honor his parents, Hannah and Sully. The Lord chose them specifically to love and care for Jude. Their love, sacrifice, commitment, determination, and advocacy for Jude was so evident whenever you were in their presence. Jude was blessed with a beautiful family, and they were blessed with him.

We only had a few short visits with Jude over the years, but he was always the highlight of those visits. He had the most beautiful eyes and smile. He has left a lasting impression upon our hearts.

My heart felt a little more empty this week. I know that so many have been impacted by Jude's passing. Heaven is a brighter place with him there. He is now walking and dancing on the streets of gold! I am increasingly getting more and more homesick for heaven. And with each passing day, I am getting closer and closer to that reality.

Please keep the Collins and Peters families in your prayers. The pain of losing a loved one is a pain like no other. I am praying for the Lord to minister to their hearts in a way that only He can.

I'm sure that if we could hear Jude speaking to us right now from the beautiful portals of heaven, he would show us his big smile and encourage us all with the motto of his precious life to "be brave!"

*To learn more about the life Jude lived and the impact he made, you can follow his story at Praying for Jude Sullivan Peters