The Lord has been good to us. We are thankful for so many blessings. I have hesitated to blog about our family crisis because it's not really something to post for all to see, but I feel the need to express just how thankful and constant God has been for the Goodnight family.
A few months ago, Cody's older brother, Travis, was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. This was a terrible shock to everyone seeing as how Travis has never smoked in his life. We just couldn't believe it. The family immediately came to together for Travis and his wife, Missy. We all drove to Arkansas to lay hands of healing on him. Travis will have his second round of chemo Monday. Though Travis' fight has just begun, we are confident the Lord will bring a miracle and in that, teach all of us about strength in faith and just exactly what God is capable of.
Then a day before Thanksgiving, we received more devastating news. Cody's Uncle Stan and his wife, Angi, were in a car accident in Birmingham, Alabama in route to Cody's parents' for the holiday. Stan was killed instantly. Angi survived, but has broken bones and a few internal injuries.
You'd think with all the tragedy and sorrow our family is facing right now that we'd all be beside ourselves...Well we are, but God is constant. Linda, Cody's mom, is our rock. She was determined to press on with Thanksgiving plans. It ended up being the best thing for our family. Most of Cody's siblings, their spouses, and children came for lunch with a few other extended family members. It was wonderful to just be together - to laugh, to hug, to poke fun at each other. We ate til we burst. I painted numbers on the Advent Calendar my mom made for Noah (Thanks, Pinterest!). Sundy helped all the kids make Turkey Cookies. Cody lead the family in a prayer before we ate. What he said was beautiful. He read a text he received from a fire buddy of his before he blessed the food.
"Just because God is sovereign and knows everything that will happen, and has a plan for it; doesn't mean He's happy about how it has to happen. He obviously allowed His son to die on a cross as a part of His greater plan, but it's not how He wanted to do it. Man's sin has forced God to allow certain bad things to happen, but He still has a purpose behind them. God has a greater purpose behind these tragedies in your families, they are just impossible to see right now through the sadness and grief." -Craig Whitney
We have been so overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and prayer from our friends and family members. Even people we don't know are telling us they are praying for us. It is so touching to know Travis and our family is wrapped in prayer as we walk through this valley.
"I am the Light of the world. So if you follow me, you won't be stumbling through the darkness, for living light will flood your path." -John 8:12
"His life is the light that shines through the darkness-and darkness can never distinguish it." -John 1:5
"Your strength must come for the Lords' mighty power within you." -Ephesians 6:10
"The Lord hears his people when they call to him. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed." -Psalm 34:17-18
Mr. and Mrs.
The Three of Us
