About an hour ago I got a frantic phone call from my sister-in-law, Janie. Janie is always so laid-back and calm that I knew immediately something horrible had happened. Sadly, I was right.
She called to request prayer. Lauren and Norris, two of Janie and Stacy’s closest friends, have a weekend place on a river in Arkansas. Their precious little boy, Norris, drowned there today. He was their oldest child – six years old. Just typing that brings tears to my eyes.
Please lift them up in prayer as you feel led. And if you think about it, pray for them in your Sunday School classes and churches tomorrow. They are an adorable, fun-loving family – and I can’t even begin to wrap my head around the loss and the grief and the heartache that they’re facing right now.
Pray for Janie and Stacy, too – especially that they would have incredible discernment about how to comfort and minister to Lauren and Norris during this horrific time.
I know that there are some fierce prayer warriors who read this blog, and it means so much to be able to put this request before you. Thanks, y’all.
I will pray for this family. I can’t even imagine. Can not.
I can’t think of a worse thing that could happen to a family. I’m so sorry to hear this, and I will certainly pray for them.
That is completely heartbreaking. I can’t even comprehend it. I will be praying for this family as well as Janie and Stacy.
I just lifted up a prayer for them, and as they come to mind I will continue to do so. Sad, so sad.
Praying.
Absolutely praying, and asking everyone else I know will be faithful to do so, to pray also. Heartbreaking.
BooMama, I’ve been out for the evening and just came in to check some blogs when I saw this. I missed the news today or I would probably have seen this, since it happened here in Arkansas. I can’t imagine anything worse for a parent to go through, and I’m sure there are feelings of guilt involved no matter the circumstances. I will be praying and I will put both families on our prayer list in Sunday School tomorrow. I just hugged Jessica just a little tighter and a little longer just now.
Holy Spirit, comfort their hearts, I pray.
I can’t even imagine–I’ll be praying, too, for all of them.
Heartbreaking. I will keep them in my prayers.
Dear Lord,
We lift Lauren and Norris of Arkansas to you. We just pray that you would wrap them up tight in your arms, and help them feel your love through this very difficult time in their life. Lord, be with their family as they deal with this loss. Help Janie to have the wisdom and strength to be a support to her friends, Lord. Thank You always for being our Savior.
Amen.
praying!
I just prayed for them and their families. Please Lord be with them.
Y’all – what sweet, tender hearts you have. Their last name is McGehee – I didn’t put that in the original post because of search engines and stuff – but y’all may want to know as you share this request with your friends. They will be back in Memphis today or tomorrow is my guess…
And thanks, Merritt and T-riels, for emailing and calling.
Y’all have a wonderful Sunday with your families!
I just got back from church with the boys and Janie is over at their house. I could not imagine what they are going through and was a very sweet child and a great swimmer. He had on a life preserver and somehow got in some rocks. I don’t know if it was the current or what but they found him an hour and a half later. They thought he had gone back to the cabin with his cousins. It is really sad and last year about this time another kid drowned but the paramedics brought her back at our country club. The mother was talking and her child two feet away was drowning. You cannot take your eyes off your kids if you are near water. Don’t mean to rant. Stacy
This is really an eye opener for me. We go to the pool almost everyday and I have always felt like my older 2 were good enough swimmers to not watch every moment, but now I will definitely be more watchful! I am so sorry for this family. I will be praying!
Father I am interceding on this family’s behalf, oh to lose a child I cannot fathom, please father show them your presense,wrap them in your safe arms father.
Boo mama I read your site alot. This breaks my heart. I will uplift this family to the Lord daily. Please update on how they are doing if you would. We prayed for them in my choir and Sunday school class today.
Do you suppose we could send cards,or donations? If not thats ok.
Oh my, how terribly sad. I’m so sorry and I’ll continue praying for this family.
Hey y’all – I actually talked to some people at church tonight about starting an “encouragement chain” for them…where we make sure that they get a note or a card every single day for however many weeks. I’ll have more info tomorrow – but do keep them in your prayers. Thanks, everybody.
So sad. So very sad.My heart hurts for them.
I cannot imagine what would be worse. This is so terrible. So sad. I’m so sorry. Definitely praying.
OH my word. Many prayers for strength for this family.
Lord,
Please be with this family and comfort them as only you can. Give them the peace that passes all understanding. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
So saddened by their loss.
I am so sorry to hear this tragic news. I will pray too.
Praying from Ireland…
I’d love to send an encouragement post card, email me privately and give me your church or their address, whichever makes you comfortable. I’ve lost a child, so I know the devestation and what lies ahead. They’ll need you so much during this time, prayers, hugs, but mostly a listening ear and someone to remind them that it’s okay to grieve, no matter how long it takes!
It isn’t even necessary to know them to feel their pain. Absolutely broke my heart to read this. Nothing could be worse.
I’ve been away from the blogging world a few days and just read this post tonight. My heart literally aches in my chest reading about this. The horror is unimaginable. I will definitely pray for this family. My best friend, who lost her father when she was young, said the worst part for her was the time after everyone else returned to their normal lives and she was still caught in a nightmare. They’ll need tender words and discerning hearts for a long time to come.
I can’t even begin to imagine…
my heart aches at the thought of such a loss…
prayers are going up at this moment…