March 21, 2004	Read Matthew 5: 7
Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
WE ARE THE HANDS AND VOICE OF CHRIST I want to tell you about the merciful care a young mother gave to her child.  I am calling her Kate.  She is a young woman who met adversity with dignity, courage, grace and mercy. Life was good for Kate in the year 2000.  She and her husband had a nice home, good jobs, and two adorable little girls.  They were anticipating the birth of their third child.  Kate gave birth to her son, Cody, in August. Within hours of the baby’s birth it was evident there was a problem.  Tests revealed he had numerous birth defects, some of which were life- threatening. The baby’s care fell totally on Kate.  Her husband, who had longed for a son, withdrew from the child.  The baby required round the clock care.  Kate never got more than two or three hours of uninterrupted sleep.  The demands of the baby’s care were so great she had little time left for her two young daughters.  She felt guilty about the fact she could not fully meet their needs. Kate was exhausted by the summer of 2003.  Cody had been having frequent seizures.  He was hospitalized for a week and Kate was with him continuously.  He had only been home from the hospital a few days when he became seriously ill.  He suffered cardiac arrest in the ambulance on the way to the hospital.  Kate was devastated when doctors told her Cody was brain dead.  She did not know how she was going to let him go.  She had never known such pain.  God, in His mercy, sent a message to Kate.  The friend who delivered the message did not realize it was a message from God.  The message was simple,  “Kate, I am taking Cody home now.  I want you to have time for your daughters while they are still young.”  The message helped Kate find the strength to let Cody go.  She had been given the assurance Cody was going home.  Kate was at peace when Cody died in her arms a few days later. Thank you God for surrounding us with your mercy . Thank you for sending merciful caregivers.  Thank  you for letting us grow in your grace. JUDY MCDIFFETT

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