Thursday, January 8, 2009

Grieving Mark Lamberth

Today, January 8, Mark Lamberth has gone home to be with the Lord. He leaves behind his young wife Angie, and their son, Nolan.

It seems foreign to feel tears slip from my eyes as I write to you. So often it's quite the opposite. But I'm grieving with a family I love even though I may never meet them until eternity.

Even stranger would be the contradiction that I am smiling as I cry. Heaven is our hope in Christ. Today Mark's hope is fulfilled and that's why I can do this crazy cry and smile thing. Our faith is a paradox, isn't it?

As a wife and mother I cannot fathom Angie and Nolan's pain. Angie has said she already feels so lonely. Some might say, "All we can do is pray." But, friends, that strips the Lord of His power. We get to pray, and in that we get to experience Him and commune with Him as we lift up this precious family.

Have you ever wondered why we don't receive our heavenly reward upon our death? Why we have to wait until Christ returns? It's because of the ripple effect. Every time we move and speak and act as Jesus did that blessing goes on and on and on. The full measure of it can't be weighed until earthly time ends and we reign with him. In essence, the goodness of Christ outlives our earthly bodies, a domino effect of heaped blessing on others.

From all I've read Mark really loved the Lord. So it is only fitting that this post has nothing to do with me; it's all about the legacy of faith that out lives Mark. Visit their blog to see how people all over the world are being moved by this story. And if you offer up a prayer on behalf of this family that ripple has washed over you, too.

For Angie...

9 comments:

~teachmom~ said...

This comes near to the heart for me, Stacy. My brother died in such a similiar way, in so close an area in CA. as Mark. But his family...his wife and son...I can't imagine.

So many prayers go out to this family.

BeckeyZ said...

That was beautiful.

Will continue to lift up Angie and Nolan that they would find His comfort, and His peace.

Emmy said...

It must have been you, then, who introduced me to their blog back before Christmas. I've been following them ever since, shedding tears and praying hard. Strangely enough, right now I'm just numb..........

Candy said...

I found the Lamberth's at Ragamuffin Soul and have been grieving and praying since I heard of the accident. The number of people, particularly strangers, who joined us in prayer had me so amazed. How people clung to hope so faithfully and desperately, and how now, yes, are tearfully rejoicing in Mark's eternal healing. It's so beautiful how God can so powerfully bring us all together. Thank you for this post and the awesome song. My prayers continue for a family of Christ who someday I will meet.

Anonymous said...

You have opened my eyes today.

Thank you for your sharing the gift God gave you to minister to people like me who stumbled upon your blog.

Stacy from Louisville said...

Anon,

Thank you so much for your kind words. God bless you, my friend.

Stacy

Anonymous said...

There are so many things about the internet that are seemingly quite evil -- how wonderful that it brings together a community of believers that are willing to pray for others that we do not physically know - but are spiritually family. Today we lift up this family for a comfort that only God can provide. Stacy - that was a very powerful post. Thank You

Raw Faith Real World said...

The Lamberth's story is such a reminder to me that we really are connected together and family in a way I don't think we can totally understand. My heart has been so touched by their story. I'm glad that in the midst of it all, there has been a growing support system for the ones who are left behind. Thank you for sharing their story with us.

Marni said...

I thought he was getting better, so this came as such a shock.

My prayers (and the honor of getting to pray) is with Angie and Nolan. Thank you for the update.