that accidentally got a cord wrapped around his neck. It was all over facebook - pleas for prayer, people following the story, prayer chains going around, etc. The story sucked me in immediately and I prayed along with 48,000 others for 10 long days as Ben clung to his precious life. After 10 days, Ben went home to be with Jesus. It was devastating news for his family and the many people that had joined together on facebook to pray for him. It leaves many of us asking "why?". Why did God choose to take the life of a vibrant little boy? We may never know the answer. It amazes me that even after this little boy's life ended, thousands more "joined" the request for prayer - the number is now over 50,000 people that are/were praying for Ben. I hope that you will join Jake and I in praying for Ben's family. Ben has two older brothers and new baby sister. His parents, Dave and Stephanie, are not only grieving the loss of Ben, but are now trying to continue moving on with their other children and will be facing many medical bills in the future.
If you'd like to make a contribution to Ben's family and/or read his story, please go to: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/benjaminricketts
I think of Ben's family when I read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 which says, "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." As you read his Dad's journal, you'll see that he continually prays for God's Will to be done. He knows early on that if Ben dies, he will go to be with Jesus and takes comfort in that. We have so much to learn from Ben's father, Dave. As he mourns the loss of his son, he gives thanks even though he may not understand the "why". That really challenges me. I've never experienced the loss of a child, but even in the daily trials I face, do I give always give thanks? Do I pray continually? Am I joyful always? The answer is no.
Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
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