Daisy Love

Monday, February 25, 2013






On February 16, 2013, after a three year battle with cancer, eight-year old Daisy Love joined Jesus in heaven. 

We never had the opportunity to meet Daisy Love but I remember seeing her blond head bobbing around at various Reality Church functions. Her dad, Britt, has been our pastor since little Daisy was a baby. Based on the nature of our church (one church in three locations) we haven't had much personal interaction with Daisy or her family the past few years. But we still consider them incredibly important people in our lives; they are very close to many of our friends, and - more importantly - Britt and Kate have shepherded us in our faith tremendously. Since that dreadful day Daisy was diagnosed we have been praying for her (along with thousands and thousands of people around the world). And through her blog we fell in love with the vivacious little girl who loved imagination and dressing up.

Saturday RJ and I had the privilege to attend Daisy Love's Memorial Service. I knew the memorial would be big - so many people loved Daisy - but  I wasn't expecting my emotional response to seeing hundred of people flooding the venue. What a remarkable sight it was to drive up and have a visual picture of the many, many people touched by one young lady and her love for Jesus. My heart was overwhelmed with the Bigness of God. And completely humbled by His ability to use just one. 

Nearly 1,200 people crammed into a sports pavilion to thank the Lord for Daisy's life. RJ and I found a seat on the floor and from our vantage point we were able to watch the stage, the family and the crowd. What FAITH I witnessed in Britt and Kate. Obviously brokenhearted but completely certain in the reality that their girl is with Jesus and they will see her again.

There were many tears (RJ and I were wrecked), but also many laughs as stories were shared. It was a beautiful service. Yet, it was so much more than that. I honestly don't think words can describe it. All I can say is: God showed up. Yes, Jesus is always with us, but this was different - The Spirit moved in that gymnasium. Saturday afternoon records as one of the most incredible moments of my life - it was life-changing. The presence of God manifest in her parents' faith, Daisy's testimony and loveliness, and the coming together of believers to continue to glorify God in the midst of tragedy marked, moved, and burst my heart open. I fell even more in love with Jesus. There is so much to mourn when a child dies but, amazingly, through Christ there is also much to celebrate. All glory to God.

I leave you with words from Daisy's Mama written just a few days after she died:

My final request to all who read this blog: love. Love your babies, your husbands, mothers, sisters. Love each day like it’s your last. All you mamas out there, you have been entrusted with the precious gift of a human life who depends on you. Enjoy your gift. Breathe in the scent of your child’s hair, breath. Let them cook with you and make a mess of the kitchen. Play hide and seek with them, build sand castles with them, take them on picnics, read to them!  Listen to them, value and respect them, never shame them.  Your words they will carry with them their whole life and you have the power to give them wings or stunt their growth. Motherhood can be tough but it’s worth it. It can be exhausting, boring, tedious, but never for long. You blink and they’re grown. It has been my honor and privilege to love Daisy these last 8 years. I’m thankful for every minute; the joyful and the terrible alike.
I know The Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” (Psalm 16:8-11 NLT)



1 comment:

Jessica G. said...

Though I never even know her, I followed along with Daisy's story from the beginning and prayed for her often. I was heartbroken when I heard about her prognosis. I watched her memorial online and was blown away by it. I loved how God-centered it was and was moved by her and her parents love and devotion to God. I want to be like that.

Two Cent Sparrow.
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