Some of the most beautiful stories I’ve ever heard usually involve people whose lives have been radically transformed by the love of Christ. People who were lost, confused, and wandering through life but changed by the love and grace of God. However, the story I’m about to tell you is one of the most tragically beautiful stories I've ever experienced.
On July 20th, 2008 my father passed away in a fatal car accident. I miss him more than I ever knew was possible. When we suddenly lost my dad, my family was left shocked, numb, and horrified. One of the favorite members of the family was gone forever. His death was incredibly tragic and it still hurts to this day.
I wish he could be here for every new stage of life and every small moment, but the reality is that he simply won't be. He missed me going to prom and when I moved away to college. He'll miss my wedding day and when I get my first big girl job. It's something that is always going to be hard and messy, but it doesn't have to be ugly. This story can be beautiful, and it is. Let me just tell you how...
When God called my dad home, he brought my family something new, something joyful and beautiful: my new baby cousin. On July 30th, 2008, exactly 10 days after my dad passed away, my baby cousin Colton Stephen came into the world. While my family was still mourning the loss of my dad, God placed some hope in our lives by giving us sweet Colton Stephen. The birth of a new baby is surrounded hope, excitement, joy, and usually some balloons and flowers thrown in the mix. It's so weird to think about how my family was mourning, but this sweet new gift from Jesus came into our lives so quickly after.
Every time I’m around sweet Colton Stephen, he reminds me of my dad. And yeah, I realize that he didn’t get the opportunity to know my dad, but he doesn’t remind me of my dad simply because they share the name Stephen. He reminds me of my dad because of the joy he brings me and everyone around me. He's silly like my dad was, and he loves the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets like my dad did.
Colton Stephen reminds me that God will never leave us without hope even in the most tragic situations. He reminds me of the hands on, tangible stories of God bringing life from death. He reminds me that when all hope is lost, God will bring glory to whatever situation we are facing. No matter how ugly, messed up, or broken we are - there is hope in Christ!
I don’t think Colton Stephen will ever realize how much he means to me. He is a constant reminder of the joy and hope that the Lord provides us with each day. He is a reminder that even in utter darkness, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
