I am heavy hearted this morning, yet I know what I feel is only a small part of what others are feeling. Tragedy struck our church family yesterday. A small convoy of vehicles loaded with youth from Highland CoC were traveling home from Winterfest in the metroplex. One of the vehicles, a suburban with the driver and seven youths, apparently drifted into the median and over corrected, resulting in the vehicle over-turning. All passengers were wearing seat belts. One youth, Brody Bourland, was pronounced dead at the scene, three others were life flighted to the metroplex where they are stable, the remaining youth were treated at an Abilene Hospital, the driver was transported to Covenant Hospital in Lubbock.

Krl and I had gone to town for a little R & R and to pick up a few supplies. Just as we returned to the jobsite we received a call from our son in Lubbock. At the evening services of Greenlawn CoC they announced that a vehicle from Highland in Abilene had overturned and there was one known fatality. Greenlawn had experienced their own tragedy a few years back when their church bus filled with youths was involved in an accident and there were multiple fatalities. As I understand it, the Greenlawn youth minister at the time of their accident was making his way to Abilene late Sunday to help the church cope, and one of the youth who was on the ill-fated Greenlawn trip was making his way there as well. Krl began trying to contact Trc in Abilene, to check on granddaughters who sometimes participate in Highland activities. When Krl finally made contact with Trc, we were devastated to learn of Brody's death. Here the circle draws in, Lauren, our oldest granddaughter, has been going with Taylor, Brody's older brother, for a couple of years. We had on a few occasions had contact with Taylor's siblings. Our hearts go out to Taylor and his family in their loss.

I had a college professor who when asked a difficult question would pull a tattered and torn notebook from his pocket and write down the question while making the statement "When I meet Jesus I will ask him". I find myself struggling with questions now.

Why do the good die young?

Why does GOD allow, pain, suffering, disease, injury, and yes even death. Why allow it at all, but especially for the young and pure in heart.

FATHER, thank YOU for allowing us to know Brody. We are saddened with this loss. We don't understand so much of what goes on in this YOUR world. FATHER we know YOUR plan is unfolding as YOU intend. We pray for understanding, for peace, for acceptance of YOUR will. FATHER, we pray for Brody's family, we ask for comfort on their behalf. We pray for all of those injured in this accident, especially the three that were taken to the metroplex, we pray for the driver. FATHER we ask YOUR divine intervention for each one of these precious lives. Heal them, make them whole, return them to their loved ones. We pray for the families. FATHER I am thankful that YOU are a powerful and all seeing and all knowing GOD, it must be a hard job. There is so much we can't see and so much that doesn't make sense at this time. FATHER I ask YOUR healing for all those in need of YOUR healing, both spiritually and physically. Fill us with YOU. Surround us with YOUR presence, let us bask in YOUR love, YOUR mercy, YOUR grace.