David Covington (1959-2009)With his first grandson, Carter Ryan
What changes just one week can bring. Last week at this time, I was helping my RD, Emily, with RA Exposure weekend...completely unaware that, by the end of the night, I would get a message to call home. My uncle's house was on fire & he was, at that time, unaccounted for. The fire department was unable to give any definite news, but had prompted my mom & her sister to go and prepare my grandparents for the worst. My stomach dropped, and I rushed back to my room to wait for the final phone call that I knew was coming. My roommate, Jillian, sat with me while I cried, prayed, and waited. When the phone call did come, I immediately went home. By the time I arrived in Appomattox, it was around 1:30 am, and most of my family was already at my grandparent's home. I firmly believe that there is one emotion that is stronger and more painful than one's own grief, and that is the helplessness of watching those you love most in the world endure it.
What a tremendously difficult week it has been...but, over the course of it, I have gained a deep love & appreciation for the body of Christ like never before. Our church family has been ministering to my cousins, my grandparents, my mom & her sister in countless ways. The love, support, and compassion poured out on them has been overwhelming--I cannot even begin to describe it except to say that the church has been the church. David's funeral was on Wednesday...and it was beautiful. He had no idea how many people loved him and cared for him. The praise team sang "Go Rest High" which was one of his favorite songs. It was so meaningful...and I know that is exactly what David is doing...resting in the arms of the Most High.
There is so much else I could say or share, but the bottom line is: much intercession is needed. My heart is so heavy for all my family, but especially for my cousin, John. The situation regarding my uncle & his death is one that I cannot comprehend. This was not the answer my family wanted or was expecting to the prayers we have been praying for him. And, yet, I have to remind myself that, every day, God works in ways that confound us. And so, we must trust. We must hold on to hope.
I have a picture of hope that I have been clinging to this entire week. My mom is the executor of my uncle's estate, and so, last Sunday, she & I got permission from the police to search the house for any possible undestroyed papers, documents, anything that could help begin the process of taking care of the final details. This was, emotionally, one of the hardest things I have ever done. The house was basically a shell--and most of the interior was completely destroyed. In my uncle's bedroom, even things hidden in drawers had been melted and charred, yet, as we searched, we came across a Bible sitting on his bedside table. And outside of the layer of ash covering it, was remarkably intact. Sitting there on the floor, holding that Bible, all I could think was...in the most tragic moments of our lives...our Hope is always preserved. No flame can touch it. It is the reality of our Living Hope that is my family's deepest comfort...and we know & believe His promise that all things work for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His good purpose. And, while I know that we will continue to grieve, we have to trust our God whose ways are perfect, and who, I absolutely believe is, even now, creating beauty from the ashes.
David is, right now, delighting in the beauty of God's presence...and we could have no greater prayer for him than that.
"I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow."
--Jeremiah 31:13
"...and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes...there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain."
--Revelation 21:4
David & I the day of my high school graduation. He was a car salesman & I had been joking with him about bringing me home a convertible as a graduation gift. He actually brought me this one from the lot & the two of us drove it all around town...I was at least able to pretend it was mine for a little while! This is one of my sweetest memories.
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