God is good.
Lucas passed away from this life last night, on day 21 after an auto accident.
Today is Day 1 of a new life for our son... an abundant life available only through Jesus Christ.
I do not know why God did not take him during the accident, but I do cherish the 21 days we had to be with him and pray for him and hold his hand. I do not know for what purposes God gave us these 21 days of trial, but I know that He causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. I believe that Lucas did love Him, and was called according to His purpose, and that just like he had been reconciled to me after a period of rebellion, God has reconciled Lucas to Himself through Jesus Christ, perhaps even during these 21 days.
This is not the end of our trial. Our grief is only beginning. But our trust remains in Him, for He is good. We have wounds right now that are bleeding and that are more painful than I could ever imagine. But I also know that those wounds will heal. We will have scars, but they will no longer bleed. By His stripes we are healed.
We are so grateful for your prayers, scriptures, and messages of encouragement. You have shared in our burden. Will you please continue in prayer for us, that God will give us great healing and great peace--a peace that surpasses all earthly understanding. I believe God has answered our prayers for healing for Lucas in a very remarkable way. He has given him life; life more abundantly than he has ever known.
We will update when we have more information on arrangements. We do plan to have his funeral in Chapel Hill.
The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. (Job 1:21b)
God is good indeed.
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Burnie and family, our hearts are heavy with grief for you all. We also are rejoicing in your faith and know that God's love encircles you through the love and prayers of others. May God's peace surround you as never before.
ReplyDeleteWe love you all, Burnie. We continue to share your grief, but also in the joy that surpasses all understanding. What a gift your faith is. I believe it led your son straight to Jesus.
ReplyDeleteBut, the depths of your pain here are real. I so wish we could take your pain away.
with love
becca and zach
there are no words, Burnie and Tina. All our love and prayers to you still. We love you, friends. Susan L.
ReplyDeleteIt's impossible to even begin to express my sorrow for the Little family right now. Please know that your reliance on the Lord has been utterly inspiring, and has touched hearts in ways you couldn't imagine. We will be praying for peace in your hearts, just as we prayed for the Lord's healing hands on your son. God bless you and God bless Lucas.
ReplyDeleteBurnie, Tina and Spencer,
ReplyDeleteI have watched this site for the past 2 days in anticipation of an update. As a lot of people, I have prayed for a miracle healing for Lucas and peace and mercy for all of you. In my prayer time today, my prayer was the same. Now I will continue to pray that you all will continue to feel the love and prayers of others, some strangers. Thank you so much for taking the time to update us and share your faith in our Lord and Savior. God Bless you all!! Barbara at Call A Nurse
Burnie,Tina,Spencer and Sydney,
ReplyDeletePlease know that you have our deepest sympathy and prayers at this most difficult time....
John 14
"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me." "In My Father's house are many mansions, if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself: that where I am, there you may be also."
Know that Lucas is up with our Lord at this time and there is much rejoicing in his new home.
I want to thank you for sharing your story!
ReplyDeleteOne of my fellow sisters with the C-A-N family brought your families unfortunate circumstance to our attention. I read it at first expecting doom and gloom, but boy was I in for a surprise! God gave you those 21 days because you and your son reached and touched people just like me. My family (Call A Nurse) will continue to lift your family up in prayer. God bless each of you.
Burnie, Tina and Spencer,
ReplyDeleteI have watched the blog for 2 days for an update while praying for a miracle healing for Lucas and peace and comfort for all of you. Many have held you up in prayer, some strangers and we will continue to do so in the days and weeks to come. Thank you for taking the time to update us as you have. Your faith has been such an inspiration to me and I'm sure many others as well. May God Bless you all!! Barbara at Call A Nurse
Words fail to express the sorrow that I have for your loss as well as the gratitude that I have for our God who has, and does, sustain you during this time, and my admiration at your strong faith. During this time, you have been an encouragement to me even during your sorrow. I do believe that God has called Lucas into His presence after keeping him here on earth for a special yet-undisclosed mission for those 21 days. I am sure that God used those 21 days to touch and minister not only to Lucas, but those of us who know and love you all, as well.
ReplyDelete-Ralph
So very sorry to hear this news. Lucas had been in my constant prayers; now he is in a better place. Prayers will continue for all of you as you go through the difficult days ahead. Know that God is there with you; He will never leave you. I pray that His peace will surround you and keep you always. God bless you all!
ReplyDeleteOh Burnie, Tina and Spencer...
ReplyDeleteI am weeping - both in shared grief (altho I can't really know what you are feeling) and in celebraion of Lucas' new life in Christ - how wonderful it must have been for him to see Jesus face to face last nite.
I wish I lived closer, but I pray that you feel thru my prayers the hugs I would love to give you in person.
Yes... that peace that passes understanding - I believe the Spirit will grant you that, even during your tearful times. Do be gentle on yourselves... loss hurts even when we have the hope of heaven.
Much love,
Betsy
May He continue to hold you and sustain you, Tina and Spencer as you begin this new journey.
ReplyDeletePeace to you.
Hi, Burnie, Tina and Spencer: So sorry for your loss. It is very tough, I know; we lost our (my nephew) Joey to a single car accident several years ago (also a neurological trauma). Additionally, my husband had a TBI 5 years ago and he is thankfully recovering. Know that I understand your pain and confusion. Love heals wounds in time. Be sure to avail yourselves of that love in the time to come. I am sending what I have to you now. Linda Carroll, former employee of MFP (first x-ray tech, the red-headed one).
ReplyDeleteMay God wrap his loving arms around your family and comfort you during this difficult time. Burnie, your shining faith shown in this blog has been an inspiration to me.
ReplyDeleteBrothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 1 Thess. 4:13-14
ReplyDeleteWe want to bear your burden of grief with you--but with hope. God bless you for honoring God with each post of your days in this dark tunnel. May you hear His whispers of love in the days ahead.
Praying,
Jean
My heart breaks for you. My soul sings when I read of your faith in our Saviour. I will continue to offer tearful prayers for you, Tina and Spencer.
ReplyDeleteScott
Dear Little Family,
ReplyDeleteI'm never good with words, but please know that my heart is breaking for you. I'm truly sorry for your loss; you'll continue to be in our prayers. I admire your faith, your wisdom, your honesty as you experience one of life's greatest sorrows. I pray that your family is lifted up in prayer so high, you can almost touch the heavens. I pray that you feel His Presence, His love and His comfort surround you like a shield of armour.
We will continue to pray for all of you. Thank you for continuing to honor God for all of His blessings.
ReplyDeleteDear Burnie, Tina, Spencer and Sydney,
ReplyDeleteAs I write this, tears fill my eyes and my heart is breaking for you all. Ever since Lucas' accident and this blog was brought to my attention by a fellow nurse at Call a Nurse, you all have been constantly on my mind and in my prayers. I have never felt such leading by the Holy Spirit to pray for anyone or anything as I have felt to pray for you all during this time. I do not feel that our prayers have been in vain. God is so good as you alway say Burnie. He had better plans for Lucas. We don't know or understand all the reasons now and probably won't until we get to heaven. I know that God has already accomplished a great deal in this 21 days because you all have been willing to allow him to work through your circumstance. I have personally grown so much closer to God during this time because of you. That makes me know that so many others have also grown in their spiritual relationships and perhaps even discovered their need of a Savior through this. I am so thankful to hear that you are assured of Lucas'relationship with Jesus Christ. That will be such a testament to his friends. I am sure that this does not lessen your pain but in the days and months and years to come, take comfort that Lucas's life and death were not in vain and God used him and you all in a mighty, mighty way. There are a couple of verses in Job that I would like to share with you.
For I know that my Redeemer lives
And He shall stand at last on the earth
And after my skin is destroyed
This I KNOW
That in my flesh
I SHALL SEE GOD
Whom I shall see for myself
And my eyes shall behold
And not another
How my heart yearns within me! Job 19:25-27
Lucas has seen God! One day you will also see God with your son! Blessed be the name of the Lord!
My feet have closely followed His steps
I have kept to His way
Without turning aside.
Job 23:11
You have most definitely done this; just as Job did. You did not turn from the Lord when a lot of people would have just cursed the Lord and died. Instead, you blessed Him, praised Him and lifted Him up. Someday you will surely hear, "Well done my good and faithful servant."
God bless you and keep you and give you grace and peace.
You will continue to be in my prayers.
Tina K/RN with Call a Nurse
Our praying will not stop but will continue now for increased strength, courage, understanding and peace for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteMichelle and Chris Clifton
Dear Burnie, Tina and Spencer. Our hearts grieve with you. May God surround you with an enduring peace and much healing and comfort.
ReplyDeleteWith deepest sympathy,
Ronnie and Jannell Rowe
Burnie, Tina, and Spencer,
ReplyDeleteI am not good with words and I truly don't have the words to express how I feel. You will never know how much your family means to me and my family. I don't think I have ever been more burdened for another family as I have for your family over the past 3 weeks.
We all know that God's ways are much higher and better than our ways, but I also know that it does not take the hurt away. Only heaven will reveal the lives that have been touched by Lucas.
Please know how much your family is loved and prayed for. Our family will continue to pray for you in the days to come.
Love,
Sarah Boles and family
Burnie and Tina we weep. Not as though we offer anything -- but we weep. We are reminded that we have nothing.
ReplyDeleteAnd yet, Lucas has it all now. He sees the face of the Father who smiles on him. A son of the King.
My heart goes out to you. I have been touched by your love you have expressed throughout your blog. God has and will continue to use this for His glory. My thoughts and continued prayers are with your family.
ReplyDeleteKaren Richart
(Amy Root's mom)
Burnie,Tina and Spencer, I had you guys on my mind so much yesterday(Thurs). I didn't know Lucas had gone but I prayed for you guys several times. My heart hurts for you as I can't imagine how you must feel but I will still continue to pray for you. God is good and He is good all the time as I know you all know. I pray He will give you and amazing peace and comfort during this time as you heal from your wounds. Love Debbie Moxley
ReplyDeleteI offer my deep and sincere condolences to Lucas' family. I cannot begin to understand the struggle that the past four weeks has been. Your strength and dedication to Lucas and to his battle is truly amazing, and a tribute to the man he was.
ReplyDeleteI hesitated to comment because I know this is a religious blog and that faith is a big part of the family's life and a source of strength during a very difficult time. I do not believe in gods or religion, so I cannot speak in terms of verses of scripture nor can I use biblical passages to find sense or assign purpose to the horrible event. I can only say that this is an unimaginable tragedy. Despite this, it does give me some peace to think of him and Sawsun having an amazing jam session in heaven...
I feel shock and emptiness when I think that I will never get to run into Lucas again on Franklin or South Road...that I won't get to see how long his dreads have gotten or to hear him play his guitar. When I reflect on how cool of a guy he was-I realize just how lucky I was to know him at all.
Dear last anonymous poster,
ReplyDeleteI want to thank you so very much for moving beyond your hesitation to console our family. We are blessed by you and we are thankful that you consider Lucas to be so special.
Our faith IS a big part of our life, but it is the object of our faith-Jesus Christ-who is the source of our strength.
May I say that I agree with you in part-I don't believe in gods or religion either! I believe in the one true God and in having a relationship with him, not a religious experience.
Religion is spelled D-O. It is a system established by men and women in order to self-fulfill a spiritual void that is felt in the absence of God caused by our sin.
Christianity is spelled D-O-N-E. It is not based on the works that men and women do, but on what Christ has done for us. He has died for us and paid for our sin. This is a gift freely available to us. We enter into that relationship with Him through faith, confessing that Jesus is Lord and believing that God the Father has raised him from the dead. He is the only one who can fill the emptiness you feel. He is the only one who can console you in the loss of your dear friend, our son.
I hope you will be present to celebrate our son's life during the funeral. We have been so blessed to meet his friends these last 3 weeks. You are very special to us, because you were special to him. We love you.
Lucas'Dad, Burnie
"...regarding his Son...who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord." Rom 1
ReplyDeleteBurnie, Tina, and Spencer--- It's wild to consider that Lucas now knows a reality first hand that we can only ponder and anticipate... I never met Lucas, but the love I have for my own children brings this home, and I ache with you and for you now.
The prayers will continue--
Love, Jim and Beth Lineberger