To Soar on Wings Like Eagles

     Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is defined as strength in the face of pain and grief. To be courageous does not take into account the age, size, or intelligence of a person. It takes into account only the size of their heart's trust in God's unfailing plan. This week in my community, we're celebrating the life of one of the most courageous people Our Maker has created. Zach Little is the hero of ever single person who had the honor of knowing him and his story. His eleven-year-old body, weakened with cancer, never lost strength from where true strength comes from.

     Many, through these tragic events, find the authority to question and interrogate God. The family, above all others, wouldn't be insane to grievingly say:

"Why have you done this to me?!!" 

"He was ours!! We weren't finished yet! Why didn't you stop this?!" 

Sure, this act would be simple.  Simply questioning God in the midst of disaster is easier than trusting. Fixing it yourself and falling into the arms of the people here on Earth is sometimes easier than falling into the arms of a big, invisible God who just took away someone you love. These are both more wordly, simple reactions to this, but Our Omnipotent Father calls us to Him, while wrapping our worn, tired bodies in His arms and leading us step by step through the pain. To take such a young boy seems wrong, but our little, containable minds cannot comprehend the Greatness of His Plan. His Glorious Plan is beyond what we think is righteous. Whatever He does is for His Glory Alone. 

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.Isaiah 40:31

Dear Zach,

   Although we weren't close--I didn't ever formally meet you, although you did ask me once why I had on a Princess Hat-- you are my hero. You were stronger through your fight than I believe I ever would have been, had I been given your sickness. You were so strong for your family and all of those that believed in you. God is great all the time, and I'm so happy for where you are now, because I know it's so much better than where we all are now. This whole family of supporters you have is so happy for the new body that you have, new and perfect, and the awesome praise you get to give Jesus face-to-face all day. I am excited for the day that we get to see you again soon! I will not tell you to Rest in Peace, because we know that is simply not true! I know that you are running wild, playing and jumping and playing baseball in Heaven. I know that where you are is beautiful, and you finally got to Soar On Wings Like Eagles. Thank you for being a blessing to us all. We're proud of you. 

Until we meet again, 

Jayce

The Little Family,

   When speaking never works, God whispers. You have been so strong through this, and I look up to all of you so much for the Courage you've shown through this battle. We've all supported you guys from the start and our community will continue. But I pray you'll remember this: Trust in the Plan. I couldn't imagine what is going on right now, but I pray that you allow God to embrace you. Allow Him to bury you, envelop you in his Arms, and hold you. It will be a long, uphill trek to level ground again, but trusting in The One that paved it is always the best way to go! Zach was not lost to you, and you will see him again one day soon. Just hope and get lost in The Glorious Maker's Plan through this. Bury yourselves in what His Perfect Will is through this. We'll be here to support you all of the way. 

Sincerely, 

Jayce