Today was tough. A friend of mine was sentenced to, and began serving a one year sentence in prison. It's a long story. And, really I don't feel it's my place to share all the details. She made a mistake. She knows she did. And she regrets it.
The really hard part is that she has 2 small children. Now they will be shuttled between their daddy and both sets of grandparents. I had the children today as my friend went in for her final court date. We all knew that when she said good-bye to them at my house she might be saying good-bye for quite awhile.
We were all hoping that the judge would show her mercy and have her serve her sentence under house arrest. But, he didn't. She will serve her sentence in the county prison with no parole, no early release for good behavior. The blessing here is that at least he didn't send her to the state penitentiary.
I've been praying over this whole situation for months and months. And, I have to admit, I felt a sense of defeat and despair when I got the call from her mom letting me know what the judge ruled. But, these are the verses that have been going through my mind today, speaking peace.
"Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him." Psalms 37: 5-7
and
"Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep. O Lord, you preserve both man and beast. How priceless is your unfailing love!"
Psalms 36: 5-7
I know that God continues to work out his plan and purpose in my friend's life and in the lives of her children. I know that He is the Author of Life. I know that He is with her.
I don't know why today worked out the way it did. But I do know that God heard all of our prayers and that He is in control.
And so, I continue to pray.
Oh, Karen. I am praying of course. But I can't imagine what you feel or think right now.
ReplyDeleteThe only thought that comes to mind is one. The kids will only miss one Christmas, one Thanksgiving, one birthday.... And I know that is a lot, but at least they know that the following year their mom will be with them.
If there is anything we can do as fellow bloggers- let us know- but for now I and I am sure others will pray.
And for every time I think I need a break from the kids, I will think of your friend and be thankful. And pray that Lord keeps her with Him during this whole thing.
Whenever something like this happens, it takes me a while to receive that God-like perspective. I'm impressed that you can already acknowledge His hand.
ReplyDeleteMy prayers are with those kids. Tough.
We had a family member go through this...a wonderful Christian Dad, and he had to serve his sentence right after his first born died of cancer, leaving behind a grieving wife and two daughters. God saw them all through, He was faithful and God has used all of it to His glory.
ReplyDeleteSo, so sorry...blessings to you as you walk through this and support your friend and her children
I found you by way of the Denton Sanatorium. I am so sorry for your rotten day. I do appreciate your acknowledging Him and His plan in His time. It's true that we don't know these things. Best of luck supporting your friend and her family.
ReplyDeleteI am inspired by your faith in God at this difficult time. I will be praying for your friend and her family. What a blessing it is for them to have a friend like you willing to pray and stand steadfast in faith during this struggle.
ReplyDeleteThank you for writing this post. Your faith and persistence in looking to God is inspiring. So often it is too easy to move into anger and lose faith.
ReplyDeleteI will be praying for your friend. I am sorry.
Blessings,
Rachel
So sorry to hear this Karen. YOur friend is so lucky to have you on her side. I too am inspired by your faith in knowing that this is God's plan and He is in control. I will keep your friend and her family in my prayers.
ReplyDeletePraying for your friend and her family.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kerri, she is lucky to have you.
Continuing to pray for you.
ReplyDelete