It’s not supposed to happen this way. This isn’t anything that we had planned. But God, you give and take away. Lord, blessed be Your Name.
I can only imagine the weight of these words as they raced through Nate Johnson’s head as he held his newborn daughter, Eilee Kate, in the hospital room yesterday afternoon. Yes, the Lord had certainly given the gift of this precious baby girl. But just hours before, the love of his life, his “beauty,” Meg, was taken away. For a few short hours, the family of three was complete. But now, just two stood in the hospital room.
The Lord gives and the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord.
This wasn’t the only time these words have been spoken by this family in a hospital room. Just seven years ago, Meg and her family found themselves fighting for Meg’s life as she desperately waited for a new heart. But on April 17th of 2010, in Meg’s own words, she had the most forever unforgettable day. Thier weeping turned to joy, their despair turned into hope, and she received a new heart. But of course, for her to get her second chance, someone else had to lose theirs. So on that day in the hospital room, Meg and her family first prayed these words:
The Lord gives and the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord.
But now it’s Nate, their family, and friends themselves praying these words again. And this time they need our help. A GoFundMe account has been set up to help Nate take time off work and transition into his new role as a single dad to Eilee Kate. If you are unable to give financially, would you please consider partnering with this sweet family in prayer? We serve a mighty God Who promises to never leave or forsake us, even in the unimaginable. Thank you for partnering with the Johnsons as they grieve this loss, and at the same time celebrate a beautiful new life.
“And he said, ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.'” Job 1:21