Friday, January 8, 2010

Snowflakes Falling

(written Thursday, January 7, 2010)

I received a phone call from my children's school yesterday informing me that there would be no school for today due to impending weather. Anticipation for snow was high, and my kids were beside themselves ecstatic that they wouldn't have to go to school. And on top of that great news, there would be snow, too! What a wonderful day for an eight and a ten year old! The snow wasn't to come until around noon, so the boys got up and had some doughnuts for breakfast (the day's going great so far) and still in their pajamas, I started reading their daily bible reading to them. We were all snuggled up on the couch in the family room with the big window when Brody said, "It's snowing!" We watched the flakes fall for a few minutes before we couldn't stand it anymore. We stuck on some shoes and walked out onto the deck. The boys started trying to catch snowflakes on their tongue, and I snapped a few pictures. Then we went back inside to finish our bible reading and watch the snow fall as we read. Brooks said, "Something about reading the bible and watching snow fall just goes together." I agreed. The snow looked almost heavenly gently falling on our Alabama winter.

But then, the snow stopped falling, and none of it was sticking. And I thought, "Nothing happens like we expect it to; does it, God?" So much anticipation, so much to look forward to... The boys had wanted to make a snow angel in the snow. They talked of how they would build a snowman. But then, just as quickly as the snow was given to us, it was taken away. The boys put on their clothes and their coats anyway and went out hoping that the snow would start again, and it did in spurts throughout the day, but there would be no "blanket of snow" that Brooks kept asking about. "When will there be a blanket of snow?" he would say. I didn't know. I thought maybe by nightfall, but it never came. We had expected to spend our day playing in the snow, and it didn't happen. But we did have that wonderful moment with the snow when we were all snuggled up on the couch together reading and watching out the window as the little white flakes fell. The joy was short lived, but it was wonderful while it lasted. We know it will come again, but we don't know when.

Even after the snow was taken away though, the day went pleasantly enough. Yes, the boys were disappointed that the snow didn't "blanket" the ground, but they did get out of school. And they did go outside and play. And I had taken a few great photos of my boys. And I said, "God, thank you for the snow today, and thank you for my babies, each one of them. I still have my first two, Brooks and Brody, but you have my Bronner. He did bring us so much joy even if for just a little while. And we know we'll get him back soon, we just don't know how soon."

I have been surprised at how joyful my boys have been even after such tragedy in their lives. I've been surprised by my own joy and excitement from time to time these past two years without my little one. Life is full of surprises. Some good. Some bad. But our family clings to the good, the hope, and we have faith to believe that all of this is working together for good. We trust God, not only with Bronner in heaven, but with our own lives. We believe that God is good and that He loves us with an everlasting love. Knowing that Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior will come again and set things right some day gives us the courage we need to endure this life, to persevere, and to press on even as the pangs of Sheol encompass us. We know that heaven is waiting for us, and so we wait for it. And in the meantime, we are finding some joy even in this imperfect world and in our imperfect lives. We have learned the hard way that this world isn't heaven. Not yet anyway...

29 comments:

  1. Sherri, your words are beautiful and touched my heart. thank you for sharing them with us. I look forward to reading more from you. I'm a long time listener of Rick and Bubba and admire them and their families for the amazing stand for God all of you make daily. You and your family continue to be in our prayers. I was a pediatric oncology nurse for 7 years and have seen many families torn apart by the loss of a child. Anytime I see a family grow stronger and closer to God during such a tragedy it reminds me of Who is truly in charge. Those kids I took care of touched my heart in ways they or their parents could every know and I know the same is true for Bronner! God Bless you and your family every day!!

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  2. I am so glad you have started a blog. This will be an encouragement to so many. –Emily R

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  3. Thanks Sherri. Lovely, lovely post - the joys in an imperfect world. I am looking forward to reading your blog.

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  4. Sherri,
    Thanx so much for this beautiful effort. We hope to hear from you often, sharing your hopes and insites with us. You and Rick have showed us how to walk in faith thru the most heartbreaking circumstances in life. What a testimony of faith!! Our God in His Heaven, is looking down, with Bronner at His side, smiling at you both, and His heart is full.
    You both have touched my life and walk in so many ways here in Florida. Looking forward to meeting you in eternity as we praise our God as one big family! Love in Christ, Diane

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  5. Sherri,
    You write beautifully and love your analogy of the snow and your son. I will be a blog follower of yours as well as a listener of the show. You have been on my heart for 2 years and will continue to be.

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  6. welcome to blogging...it will be a precious outreach!

    love that you all had that couch moment yesterday to catch the little that we got! a sweet visual for anticipating heaven and the joy that will be there!

    (((hugs)))

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  7. Sherri, you are an inspiration!!! Thank you to you and your family for all you do in spreading the word... Take care Pennie Miller.

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  8. wow...how beautiful. Not once in there did you yell "if you two don't stop it you are going to your rooms!"...Makes me feel a little inadequate since that came out of my mouth severl times yesterday!
    We did manage a couple of 'couch moments' too though. I am finding they are there if you are just open to them.

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  9. Hi Sherri, my name is Bonnie I live in Waycross, GA and I am a big fan of the Rick & Bubba show. I was so glad to see your blog. You and your family stay on my heart. After you had Bronner I e-mailed Rick and asked him to pray for my husband and I, we were trying to have a baby. We were both in our early 40's so time was running out. In March of 2006 we had our Sara, when I saw Rick in Douglas, GA a few years back I thanked him for his prayer. We have since lost 2 babies and know that they will also be in Heaven when we get there. Your strength & witness have helped me get through these sad times. God bless you I hope to see you when you come to Douglas in March.

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  10. It is a blessing to find strength and peace in those small moments in life. So many times people choose to let bitterness steal away the precious life God has given us. Thank you for allowing us a glimpse into your journey and for serving as a reminder that despite the circumstance, you always have a choice of how to look at the snow. -Violet Turlington

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  11. Hi Sherri,
    I loved your first post and look forward to more...what a sweet aroma of Christ your family is to all of us in this "imperfect" world. Psalm 77 tells us that God is the God of miracles; He is also the God of surprises and never ceases to surprise me day in and day out. What a comfort to know that nothing surprises HIM because HE is in control!
    We continue to pray for you...

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  12. i love you. what a beautiful snapshot of our family and God's glory.

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  13. First blog and you rocked it! What a proof of living faith.

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  14. I am so happy you have started a blog! I had the privilege of seeing you in person last year and what a blessing it was. I look forward to hearing more of your thoughts. You & your family stay in my prayers, through this season especially.

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  15. My thoughts & prayers are with your family this week. It has been nearly 36 years since my 2 month old, Matthew, went Home. Monday (Jan. 11th)would have been his 36th birthday. I know the days are filled with sadness & the ache of not having Bronner, but also the joy of memories & peace from knowing that you will see him again. Blessings, Cindy Navarro

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  16. Thank you for encouraging all of us mothers of boys to stop and take the time to enjoy our sons. You have and continue to be an encouragement to me and a true example of a follower of Christ in bringing beauty from ashes- God Bless
    Cindy Wheeler
    Huntsville, Al

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  17. Sherri-
    The Rick and Bubba Show has been a part of my life since 1999. I was in a deer stand the day I got the news about Bronner and it literally will be a day I will never forget as well. We may never meet this side of Heaven, but I'm so thrilled to be inspired by the Holy Spirit through your blog. I know the Lord will continue to bless your family. You all will never know the impact you've had in your listeners lives.
    In His unfailing love, ~Heather (Oak Grove, AL)

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  18. Thanks Sherri for the awesome relection. I invite you to view my blog at:
    www.tapdancinmom.blogspot.com

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  19. http://tapdancinmom.blogspot.com
    sorry!

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  20. Friends, sisters, daughter... you are all such an encouragement to me. Thank you for your support, love, and prayers, especially during this season of pain and loss. In means so much to me to know you're in my camp lifting me up before the Father. Lots of love, Sherri+

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  21. Very heartwarming post, even amidst the falling snow....

    Glad to have found your blog. Encouraged by your words...we don't live in a perfect world, but we certainly have a perfect Father, who has a perfect Love for us. Any of us willing to receive it.

    So blessed to hear you are finding the joy He has in store for you, amidst the pain. Will be thinking of you and your family in the coming days....prayerful for His peace to continue to envelope you all.

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  22. Sherri,

    I'm so glad you started a blog - I know this will be a blessing to many. May God continue to bless your ministry.

    Sarah Cook

    P.S. I've added you to my Blogroll :-)

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  23. I posted a longer message on the 2nd post, but I have only one thing to post on this one.....My Heavens', those boys have grown!!! What are you feeding them?
    Love to all...Cathy

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  24. Rick and sherri burgess, i love you all very much. rick you are like a brother to me.i know you will be off next week on the 19, i will be praying that the lord keeps you strong.bronner is why i came to stadiumfest this pass april.i prayed about it and the lord made a way for me to be there.to help get bronners play ground built.i love the rick and bubba show its my whole life i love it so much. this is david johnson from louisville ms.i have kelly, and lee in my name also.

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  25. I listened to your message on here today and was really uplifted and blessed. It was no accident I found it "today."

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  26. dear sherri thank you so much for sharing your message it lifts my heart and spirit God is wonderful and your family is a blessing my hubby has been down and telling him about your beautiful story of the baptism lifted him up he had kidney removed in april for cancer and now has a area in his lung please lift his name(Gary) up in prayer I believe that by His stripes we are healed and i am believing His word you and rick and the whole rick and bubba family are always in my prayers

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  27. Sherri, I am looking forward to reading more of your blog. I live in Albertville, and I listen to R&B all that I can. My heart went out to you and your family that fateful day in 2008. May this blog help you as you continue to go on with your life, and may this blog help others to see God in everything.

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  28. The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of our God will stand forever. Isaiah 40:8

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  29. I just read all of your blog, and wow can you write! God has so blessed you with the gift of writing and sharing what He puts on your heart!
    " you are His poema" according to Ephesians 2:10
    Thank you for being bold for Christ! I love you and your dear family!
    Peace in prayer...
    veronica

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