this little light of mine

I'm sure many of you have been touched by the story of Taylor Scout Smith, especially if you live in my area. I know I have.  This girl, in death, has become the most amazing witness of God's love, reaching people that she may have never met.  The letter that she wrote to herself to be opened in 2023 was not one of a typical 12-year-old. Little did she know that God would call her home in less than a year after writing that letter.

In the letter, she talked about college and making sure she graduated high school, but she also talked about her relationship with God (a part left out by a lot of the media).  She wanted to make sure that she had  been praying, worshipping, reading the Bible, and serving the Lord.  Why?  Well, as Taylor says..."He was mocked, beaten, and crucified for you!  A sinless man who never did you or any other person any wrong!"  Wow!  How much wisdom for such a young person.  I know that at 12, I was nowhere near this in tune with what Jesus really did for us.

Another thing, I have been deeply affected by is how accepting of God's will her parents have been.  Her father said, in an interview with WJHL, "If it's God's time, it's God's time, and he loved her more than we could ever love her. So much so that he said 'come on.'" Smith said. "A lot of people are probably wondering why it's so easy for a father whose just lost his daughter to say something like that, to not curse God, to not hate God, the only thing I can say is that right now it's easy for me to trust God because my baby girl trusted him."

"He loved her more than we could ever love her."  (So often we forget this.)

 

Although, I'd met Taylor, briefly, while teaching for a semester at a school she attended a few years ago, I didn't know her, but just from reading and hearing the words she wrote I'm amazed.  Amazed to know this story.  Amazed to know His story.  Amazed to see such truth poured out from this beautiful, young girl.

I'm so encouraged to live God's will for my life, as I hope you are too.  A few days ago I was driving down the road, with Hosanna playing on the radio, when I received a text.  When I stopped at a red light I looked at my phone to read the message.  The message was about something I had intently been praying on.  I just heard God say, "Here you go."  Then, there in my car, I sobbed grateful tears.  I just knew that I was in the right place for me.  This is where God wants me.  I know it's going to be tough at times, but as Taylor said, He did so much for me.  Why could I not go through a little suffering so that His Light may shine brighter?  Isn't that why we're here?

Here is a link to Taylor's full story, get out the tissues if you watch the video: http://www.wjhl.com/story/24389289/johnson-city-girls-life-remembered

Tell me, how has her story affected you?

Has there been someone in your life who has encouraged you?

Have you every had a moment of clarity like this?