“This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.” We all have heard or know this song quite well. I have heard my children sing…really, scream those words over and over. When I was reflecting on the impact Kayli’s life has made on me, I began repeating those words to the classic children’s Bible song.
Kayli had such a bright light for Christ, it was impossible not to see it. Her disease may have taken her dreams and physical abilities, but it couldn’t dim her light. She definitely didn’t hide it under a bushel. No! She let it shine. Through her VERY long and courageous battle, she and her family graciously shared her journey with all of us. Not for attention or pity, but to show how the Lord was holding them every step of the way. I can’t even begin to tell you all the ways that Kayli has inspired me. A friend and I went and visited Kayli a few months back. Being women, we love to talk and before we knew it we had been there five hours. We laughed, cried…well I cried, Kayli painted her nails and we all just enjoyed our sweet time together. She never once complained about her circumstances and gave all the glory to God. She helped me realize life is precious. The little moments pass by quickly but make the best memories. Kayli taught me what choosing joy in your pain looks like. That the Lord can use you no matter where or who you are. We just have to open our hearts and allow him to work in us. Kayli shined her light for Christ to more people in her hospital bed than I, able bodied, have done. Talk about putting things into perspective.
Through her death, I think it’s so important to draw close with our Sovereign God. The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves the crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). God is truly never more near than when His children are suffering. In Isaiah 41:10, the Lord says do not fear, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. Our hearts ache at the loss of a truly amazing and beautiful daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece and friend. Let’s keep her light shining. Allow yours to shine. Imagine those who could be led from the darkness and open their hearts to Christ. Kayli loved my daughter Addison and I have taken Kaylie’s beautiful testimony as a model for her of what a woman of Christ looks like.
In the meantime, I encourage you to walk whatever path you may be on, not in the dark but with the light of Christ!
Kayli had such a bright light for Christ, it was impossible not to see it. Her disease may have taken her dreams and physical abilities, but it couldn’t dim her light. She definitely didn’t hide it under a bushel. No! She let it shine. Through her VERY long and courageous battle, she and her family graciously shared her journey with all of us. Not for attention or pity, but to show how the Lord was holding them every step of the way. I can’t even begin to tell you all the ways that Kayli has inspired me. A friend and I went and visited Kayli a few months back. Being women, we love to talk and before we knew it we had been there five hours. We laughed, cried…well I cried, Kayli painted her nails and we all just enjoyed our sweet time together. She never once complained about her circumstances and gave all the glory to God. She helped me realize life is precious. The little moments pass by quickly but make the best memories. Kayli taught me what choosing joy in your pain looks like. That the Lord can use you no matter where or who you are. We just have to open our hearts and allow him to work in us. Kayli shined her light for Christ to more people in her hospital bed than I, able bodied, have done. Talk about putting things into perspective.
Through her death, I think it’s so important to draw close with our Sovereign God. The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves the crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). God is truly never more near than when His children are suffering. In Isaiah 41:10, the Lord says do not fear, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. Our hearts ache at the loss of a truly amazing and beautiful daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece and friend. Let’s keep her light shining. Allow yours to shine. Imagine those who could be led from the darkness and open their hearts to Christ. Kayli loved my daughter Addison and I have taken Kaylie’s beautiful testimony as a model for her of what a woman of Christ looks like.
In the meantime, I encourage you to walk whatever path you may be on, not in the dark but with the light of Christ!