Sweet baby Tori (from Tori’s Triumph – Team Tori) is healed and whole this morning. 
In light of this news, I have to write. That’s how I process stuff. That’s what I do.
There has always been something special about Tori. Even before her terminal diagnosis, her smile captivated everyone. It was a joy to see her on Instagram every day. And those eyes… they were a glimpse at the joy we all long for deep in our souls.
When she was diagnosed and throughout her illness, her incredible parents demonstrated to the world how to walk through the most difficult of times with faith and enduring joy. In the middle of the hardest times they have never stopped trusting Jesus. They have shown all of us that sometimes the answer to prayer is the presence of Jesus with us and the fellowship we have with other believers. We will never be completely healed and whole in this life, but we can look forward to the day when every tear will be dried and every pain will be a faded memory. While we wait for that day, we run our race with endurance, confident in what lies ahead. Confident in the promises He has made and the love He has for us. Even when this world doesn’t make sense. Especially when this world doesn’t make sense.
I’ve carried a picture of Tori with me for longer than I can remember. She has been with us as we worshiped in Aracaju, Brazil. She was the only guest that tagged along as Joey and I did our father/son trip to the UK. I have taken her picture with famous authors, podcast hosts, and even a wax figure of Sherlock Holmes. Of all the pictures, the one
I took at the Prime Meridian in Greenwich, England is my favorite. The time we have here on earth is precious. Yes, we look forward to the eternity to come, but right here and right now matters, too. This time is significant, and it will not last forever. Treasure every moment. And please, please, please…don’t let another moment pass without accepting the truth about the God who created you and sent His son into our world to demonstrate how much He loves you. None of us know how many days we have. Don’t waste a single one by running from Him.
Update: Lesa recently released a book about their journey (Even So, Joy). Please consider buying it, reading it, and allowing it to transform your life and your faith. You can find it by clicking here.
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Oh, how I have wasted so much precious time by running from Him.
Amen! Great memorial.
David…I am amazed at how He can redeem that time. I know that in your case, the time spent running has been turned into a powerful testimony that speaks to countless people and will continue to for years to come.
Wow.. What a powerful message and tribute to Tori.
It’s all that I have felt in my heart as I have followed Tori and her amazing parents.
My heart is so heavy, and I’m in disbelief. I praise God for the beautiful life that Tori had with her parents.
What a beautiful day to fly high! Tori has risen with our Lord!
Thank you Denise. It’s such a bittersweet thing, isn’t it? We rejoice because she is healed and whole. We rejoice because we will see her again someday. But we miss her so much, so we also grieve. It is all a reminder that this world we live in isn’t is fractured…only a broken foreshadowing of the way things will be some day, when there are no more tears and no more pain.