Abba, Father (In Memory of Benjamin John)

Since learning of the birth of precious little Benjamin John on Thursday, June 25th, with all the ensuing complications he expereienced, until his death Tuesday night, June 29th, I have not ceased thinking about and praying for him and his family. I know many DW gals have also been led to pray. It is such a blessing and comfort to know that neither mountains nor oceans can separate DW gals when we join together in prayer to our Heavenly Father.

Although I went through the unbelievable experience of the death of my dear husband when he was 38 years old, I cannot begin to imagine the tragedy a parent endures with the loss of a baby. From the first days of learning a precious new life is on the way, through the months of anticipation, until the actual day when that little bundle of joy arrives - we can almost take for granted we will have many wonderful and wondrous years ahead parenting our infant to adulthood. Sadly, that is not always what happens. For too many parents have returned home from the hospital with empty arms and broken hearts.

The Scriptures tell us even the great King David was not exempt from experiencing the death of a child. In 2 Samuel 12:16-23, we read of the intense sorrow David endured. But the story concludes with a message of hope for parents who have lost a baby. David says, "I will go to him, but he will not return to me." With those words, David informs us that he too would one day die and looked forward to being reunited with his son. What comfort and assurance to the grieving heart of a Christian parent. To think one day all sorrow and suffering will end and we can fellowship with our loved ones in heaven as we worship the Lord together.

Isaiah 49:15-16 says, "God can no more forget His children than a mother can forget her baby." Because He constantly remembers and is concerned for His children, God has engraved us on the palms of His hands.

New parents look forward to the day when their child utters the words, "Mommy" and "Daddy." Because we have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ, we are God's children. As such, our heavenly Father longs for us to feel close to Him and call Him our "Abba, Father," our "Daddy."

Psalm 116:15 says, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." God doesn't take the death of His children lightly and feels the pain and grief of parents who have lost a child.

Psalm 56:8 says every tear that is shed is so precious to God that He collects them in His bottle and keeps record of them.

In the Garden of Gethsemane with His soul "exceedingly sorrowful unto death" (Mark 14:32, 36), Jesus reverted to the tender word He first learned as a child and prayed to His "Abba, Father." Likewise, whatever we are experiencing, even the death of a baby, we can call upon our "Abba, Father"

Matthew 5:4 says, "Blessed are they who mourn for they shall be comforted." Our heavenly Father, our "Daddy" promises to "give comfort and joy instead of sorrow." (Jeremiah 31:13b)

We thank you, dear heavenly Father, for the blessing of little Benjamin John. We thank you for the impact he has made on his family and upon all who have heard about him, including The Devoted Woman network. Bless Benjamin's parents and family. Surround them with your love and comfort them. We look forward to the day when we shall meet Benjamin with you in heaven. We give you all the Glory and Praise in Jesus Name! Amen.

Written by Beverly (Momba) Drong
(Victoria's Mother)