God has been so gracious this week. He has allowed me some sweet alone time with Him which has resulted in sweet tears. I must say that the tears and the ache in my soul and heart will always be there for that precious little girl and for my son who continue to be my hero... But, when I am experiencing the taste of that salty bitter water that comes rolling down my face, God definitely meets me and whispers that slowly and surely those salty tears that HE created and gave me will begin to taste sweeter as He allows me to SEE more clearly the picture and story He is painting and writing in all of our lives as it pertains to Maria and Will Franklin. Just like my son, Caleb said.... The painting now is really blurry because we are standing so close to it and we can't make sense of it.....but the further we get away from the painting the more it will come into focus. I wish we could go back to May 21, 2008 and live the day differently, make different decisions about the day and still have little Ria with us. But.... I know God was there and He is in control, just like He is with us when our kids leave the nest, or get married.... He is there. (by the way.... Caleb and Julia's date is May 10, 2009, Mother's Day.... How's that for a Mother's Day present?
Love you,
Mary Beth
Thank you for allowing God to work in your family's life. I am encouraged by your faithfulness to allow God control of your pain. Keep trusting!
Posted by: joy | March 26, 2009 at 06:58 AM
Mary Beth, I'm glad you enjoyed your spring break! :) I'm sorry that Steven won't be able to be there on Sat. night for the Sock Hop! :( Are Willy and Tanner going in his place?
Posted by: Jenny | March 25, 2009 at 12:57 PM
I've aways loved that painting analogy. I heard one about our lives as a tapestry. We stand beneath and see only the tangled threads and a small piece of the tapestry but God is above and sees the tapestry in all of it's glory.
May 10th is a wonderful day for a wedding! I know it's the Mother's Day gift my Mom would LOVE to have but it's not happening yet.
I hope the rest of your vacation goes well but I don't know if you'll be able to top the shark. I'm still laughing over the girls' reactions, esp. Shaoey's.
Posted by: Dana | March 23, 2009 at 11:31 PM
MB
Thank you. Much love.
Posted by: Glenda McMath | March 23, 2009 at 10:06 PM
It's really a blessing to read your posts. Thank you for sharing your heart with us. Know that you are being lifted up today. Sweetest blessings, Amy in OR
Posted by: Amy @ Living a Blessed Life | March 23, 2009 at 08:26 PM
I didn't even notice MB's new Twitter until Lily said something. And, wow! That's true; that's some endurance you got there! My aunt's driven down to FL straight from IN before, but it's just been her; no kids. To drive that distance, what is that 16 hours or so, with kids in the back seat; I'm speechless! :D How many cups of coffee did that take? ;) Thought of you all yesterday on the 21st, and thinking of you particularly, MB, as the United Tour starts up again and demands a ton of SCC's time!
Posted by: Kim | March 22, 2009 at 09:59 PM
Dearest Mary Beth~
So glad you had this time away from home to reflect and also have fun with the family. You are in my thoughts and prayers always and especially the 21st of each month. Precious Ria is watching over you all. Remember that you aren't alone in this sorrow. God and many others are sitting with you still!! Wow, another wedding. How exciting. My hubby and I wed @ 18/19 yrs. old way back in 1978. Now 31 yrs. (5-6)and 4 kiddos later we are still together because of our union with God. Caleb & Julia have so much going for them as well. Such sweet days ahead;) May many blessings and surprising joys fill your days ahead. Can't wait to meet up with SCC & hopefully you at WoF Columbus to give you a personal hug!! Watch your mail...special card on it's way. Take care. Prayer warriors are ready & waiting daily. Peace & hugs, Rosanna
Posted by: Rosanna | March 22, 2009 at 09:25 PM
Are Twitter texts accurate in terms of when they were sent? If so, wow, Mary Beth, you all are Superheroes! I won't even try to figure out the FL, GA, TN, and KY thing in one day. But, if you all are enjoying tomorrow off as well with your parents, have a fun time! :) When I was a kid, I would have done anything to have had my parents let me spend an extra day off spring break! :) If the text was actually sent earlier today and didn't arrive at Twitter until today, then I hope you had a fun day with them today! Ah, technology is confusing! :)
Posted by: Lily | March 22, 2009 at 09:19 PM
My dearest Mary Beth,
I love you so much...Years ago I lost a little sister. The greatest part about it is the wonderful memories God leaves of them which allows us to help others with their grieving process, which is necessary yet temporary. The pain doesn't go away but His grace is new everyday.
Satan has been defeated,tell him and don't live with regret or depression any more. With God and your doctors help, please choose to replace your sorrow with His healing power. The past is gone and today is a new day for Marie wouldn't want her mommy to be sad for her anymore. She's in such a wonderful place & her "BIG" smile and amazing spirit will also bring a smile to your face and replace sorrow to rejoicing. Letting go and trusting God is the safest and "most" peaceful place to be. We've all experienced the pit of anger which only leads to bitterness and despair and defeat not doing any good but wasting precious time. I believe this has opened up a ministry, for you, that you would have never had. Your dear Marie has paved the way not only with a healing ministry for grieving but also for your family's ministry in helping others realize the need to help the ophans. I feel so close to you and give you a big hug from Alaska. I pray none of these words have offended you. We all want the best for our sisters in Christ. Much love, Julie
Posted by: julie | March 22, 2009 at 06:44 PM
Ron, it is my biggest dream one day for me to send some of my lyrics to Steven, not for me to be given any pat on the back; but just because I have been so on fire for God in these last few months (because of people like the Chapmans). It's funny that Mary Beth mentioned Caleb's comment and you just mentioned it too. I have written a song about that line, which also can relate to different things in my life as well. I won't write it all here, but I will give you my chorus.
"Oh, sometimes, the picture's fuzzy
Sometimes, it's in plain view.
And, the picture that He's painting
Has torn all our lives in two.
But I know He'll turn this canvas
into a work of art.
For this picture that He's painting,
He's painting with my heart."
I've written about 10 songs now since last Spring. I used to write a long time ago, but I have really been listening for God to open a door for others to see my lyrics. I'm not a good singer, but I love to write!
Posted by: Kim | March 22, 2009 at 06:44 PM
MB,
We had spring this week too and God still reminded me to pray for you all week. I said an especially long one as we drove past Nashville. :) I pray he continues to hold you close and speak wonderful things to you. I'm excited to read from you that He is answering those prayers. It's wonderful to be part of something big. Love you! ~Laurie
Posted by: Laure H. | March 22, 2009 at 06:30 PM
Hi...
I've never committed on your board before... I have on Jim's, but I have to tell you Caleb has some very keen insight for a young man his age! Tell him that his statement sure could be shared with many who are standing so close to the painting that God is painting for their lives! Maybe a song needs to be written???
I'm glad you are having a good spring break...
Posted by: Ron England | March 22, 2009 at 05:54 PM
I did say a prayer yesterday for 10 months. It's been 23 years here, and the memories are sometimes very real. Praying for your continued safety. We made it up to around Calhoun, GA last night. I thought of you all rolling north on 75. :) Now, it's almost 9, and the troops STILL aren't together! This is my least favorite part of spring break! :) Prayers for all of you!
Posted by: Jenny | March 22, 2009 at 07:50 AM
Mary Beth
I have been wanting to write to you for a long time. I just want you to know that you and your family are in my heart and prayers. I have cried many tears along with you. I also have a little girl from China named Gracie. She is 5 years old and she is my heart. I cannot even imagine your pain. I know it is so deep. Eveytime I read your post of Maria, I cry and I hurt for you. I know how precious these little ones from China are. I don't know the reason but I know that Jesus will be with you everyday until you see Maria again. She is waiting for you in that Big House and she is so happy right now. I know that does not help your pain. I will continue praying for you. I want you to know you are in my heart and prayers.
Posted by: Karen Atkinson | March 21, 2009 at 05:59 PM
Mary Beth,
I am so glad that this has been a positive vacation for all of you! I continue to pray for you, your husband, your hero, and your little ones, as well as the older ones too. So, is Shoey going to be upset you shared the date--she was so anxious to share it on Thanksgiving Day?!? So glad for great things to look forward to, Caleb & Julia's Wedding, China trip (so will you becoming back with twins?), and more. I'm sure these things help in the midst of the ache. You are loved!! Have a safe trip home.--Look forward to the new music God has given you both!
Nancy
Posted by: Nancy from California | March 21, 2009 at 03:32 PM
I read this quote in a devotional yesterday, and could not help but think of you and your family. Thank you all for being such clear examples of what's described here. Your faith, trust, and love for our Savior is provoking:
"See God in everything, and God will calm and color all that thou dost see!" It may be that the circumstances of our sorrows will not be removed, their condition will remain unchanged; but if Christ, as Lord and Master of our life, is brought into our grief and gloom, "HE will compass us about with songs of deliverance." To see HIM, and to be sure that His wisdom cannot err, His power cannot fail, His love can never change; to know that even His direst dealings with us are for our deepest spiritual gain, is to be able to say, in the midst of bereavement, sorrow, pain, and loss, "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath, taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."--H. W. Smith.
Continuing to pray.
Posted by: Nadia Ibrahim | March 21, 2009 at 12:55 PM
Blessings of safety and continued fun as you begin to travel back home. We're leaving around noon today, stopping in Atlanta for the night, then getting back to Nashville tomorrow. It's easier to break up these long drives with kids, no matter how old the kids are! :) I hope your family and you had a relaxing week; it sounds like you did. They need to make Spring Breaks two weeks long! :D
Posted by: Jenny | March 21, 2009 at 07:39 AM
Mary Beth, I have read that every tragedy also presents opportunity. As I read the posts written here, I am seeing the truth in that statement. Through crushing pain, you are sharing with others your journey with Christ, bearing witness to how He is true to His promise to always be there with us. You have a truly wonderful gift and such a down to earth way of writing. Janice
Posted by: Janice | March 21, 2009 at 07:13 AM
Mary Beth,
You are so inspiring! You are such a strong woman of God and you support your husband's music 100%. I can only hope that I will continue to be that supportive of my own husband's passion to write music and sing songs about our Savior.
I just want to let you know that you and your family are in our prayers, always.
Posted by: Ambrea Smith | March 20, 2009 at 09:47 PM
MB,
Trust that you do not shed those tears alone. I know there are so many of us out here that continue to shed tears for you and your precious family. This year has taught me some thingd that were new, or at least not at the forefront of my mind.....that I can grieve a person I never knew, have a heart broken simply because someone else's is, and hold up a family in prayer daily that I might never meet. I don't really understand how or why, but I love you and your family dearly and desperately wish that I could relieve some of your pain.
Blessings!
Tanya
Posted by: Tanya Robinson | March 20, 2009 at 07:41 PM
Oh don't you just love those moments when He whispers tender words over your soul that speak so deeply. T
This is my first comment but not my first visit - you are wearing Him so well Mary Beth. Much love Shelley
Posted by: Shelley | March 20, 2009 at 02:30 PM
Great day for a wedding! My daughter was born in May (almost 16yrs ago!) and sometimes her birthday is on mother's day. My son was born in June (almost 13yrs ago!) as was I, so sometimes our birthday is on father's day. That is always so special to me. My husband and I were married 19yrs ago on St Patrick's Day, which also happens to be my mom's birthday! She said it was the best birthday present ever. :)
Thank you for your willingness to share with people you don't even know. I continue to be amazed at the maturity, compassion, grace, and passion for the Lord that your children display. Will is an incredible young man, and I know God has great plans for him.
In some of that spare time you have ;), you should start speaking at conferences for women (or write a book). :) Your marriage, your children, the relationships all of you have with each other and with the Lord--you are such an inspiration. It's refreshing to SEE someone who truly loves the Lord, and who is so real and genuine.
Posted by: Wendy Lewellen | March 20, 2009 at 01:47 PM
Mary Beth and Other Readers,
Please pray for the Burke family in Wisconsin who are grieving the loss of their precious Lillian (13 months) after a similar tragic accident. I don't know if they are Christians and God has burdened me to pray for them and ask others all across our country to pray for them. Please take a moment to sign the funeral home's guest book and let them know you are praying for them here: http://www.webfh.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=233263&fh_id=11125
Thank you and may God continue to bless you, Mary Beth for how you and your family are allowing Him to use your pain to help others!
Posted by: Amanda from Wisconsin | March 20, 2009 at 12:46 PM
I am thankful for a friend that reminded me lately that my story is His story...
Posted by: rachel | March 20, 2009 at 10:42 AM
I read your blog daily.....You are my hero! I feel like we are friends and I pray for you and your family daily! You are my inspiration! That SCC is one blessed man!
Posted by: Judy | March 20, 2009 at 08:11 AM