Amanda Kern

Cecilia - Sending you all the love and strength the world has to offer. Most of us can not even imagine what you are going through, but I know you are a fighter, even though you feel very weak right now, I know you will come out of this stronger than ever. So rest my friend, and soon that fighter will be right back up on her feet. Much love to you and your family.

Joleen - Oh I should not have read this at work I’m in tears wishing I could be there at this moment to help in someway. I know the feeling of helplessness from when justice was in the NICU and Although our experience doesn’t even touch the surface as how hard your experience is. I have prayed for you guys everyday several times aday that all will be ok. You are blessed beyond measure to have the family you do, and yes I believe God won’t give you more than you will handle but sometimes it feels as if your plate is overflowing with trials and saddness. He sees how strong you are just as we all do you and Jason are nothing short of awe inspiring to me. I love you guys more than any words I have or will be able to express. I admire how you guys have held eachother through it all I admire how strong all three of kids are and it’s because of you two they are that strong! So it’s ok I will keep praying u just rest. Love you

Aunt Becky - Rest is good…”He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide in the shadow of the Almighty…He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust.” Psalm 91:1,4.

I can’t say that I know what you’re going through, Amanda, because I don’t. I know it must be excruciatingly difficult, and I imagine you are bone weary from striving to hold onto your faith. Just know this-God knows your heart. He heard your cry the first time it was uttered, and it’s OK to just rest now. I can just see Him, like the beautiful picture from Psalm 91, taking you under this pure white wing, and drawing you close to His heart of love, and saying, “It’s OK, sweetheart, I’ve got everything covered…”

We may never know, here on earth, all the reasons why God allows such painful things to come upon us. God knows, I have asked Him thousands of times why He allowed Mama and Daddy to die so young. I have an answer or two, but even knowing a small portion of God’s plan isn’t enough to take away all the pain and doubts.

Rest, dear Amanda. Cease the striving and just rest… Your spirit will be refreshed. Perhaps to fight another battle, perhaps to celebrate a new victory-who knows? Only God. But I see you when I read Habbakuk 3:17-19:

Although the fig tree shall not blossom,
Neither shall fruit be on the vine;
The labor of the olive shall fail,
And the fields shall yield no meat;
The flock shall be cut off from the fold,
And there shall be no herd in the stalls:
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will joy in the God of my salvation.
The Lord God is my strength,
And He will make my feet like hinds’ feet,
And He will make me to walk upon mine high places.

And about the praying…you have the most powerful Intercessor of all, never ceasing to make intercession on your behalf! So rest, rest and know that God is.

He is:
Jehovah El Shaddai-God almighty, God all sufficient
Jehovah Jireh-God our provider
Jehovah Rapha-God who heals
Jehovah Shalom-God our peace
Jehovah Shammah-God is there
Jehovah Abir-God is strong
Jehovah El Roi-God who sees
Jehovah Palet-God our deliverer
Jehovah Yeshua-God our savior
Jehovah Eyaluth-God our strength
Jehovah El Berith-God of the covenant
Jehovah T’Sur-God is our rock of defense and shelter

Just to name a few!
Father God, I ask You to take sweet Amanda under Your wing and give her sweet rest. I ask that you bring her comfort in her spirit, and healing to her body. I ask, Lord, that you give her peace in the middle of this storm, and faith to take that next step. I pray, Lord, that You will do as Your word says and encamp around this family who loves you. I ask that you send holy, ministering angels to each person in this family to bring to them the healing and strength that they need to continue. I pray most of all, Lord, for Your peace to settle upon their hearts-the peace that passes all understanding. I thank you, Lord, for the light that shines from Amanda as she shares her life and her heart with all of us. May her testimony of Your love and grace touch hearts that are filled with fear, and give them hope. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I love you, Amanda. I may stay in the background, quiet, and unobserved, but I follow your story and pray for you often. Maybe someday we’ll have the opportunity to connect and get to know one another. Until then, please know that I am praying, praying, praying….

Aunt Becky