In late November 1984, the phone rang at our house, and on the other end of the line my mother-in-law’s voice cheerfully announced, “Chuck, we have a little girl!” Lib’s sister Carol had just given birth to the first grandchild, and the news was spreading.
Then Anne’s voice cracked as she added, “Oh, but Chuck, she’s not right.” Clare was born with an extra chromosome that would bring about significant challenges: rocker feet and numerous malformations—not a good prognosis at all.
When she was born, they said she “wouldn’t make it.” When she made it, they said she’d never go home. When she did go home, they said she would never see her first birthday. That sweet little girl died shortly before her fourth birthday, having survived abdominal surgery but suffering a heart attack in recovery.
I’ll never forget what the pastor said at her funeral: “Can you imagine a life in which you have never known anything but love?” That was Clare’s life, from the moment she drew her first breath until she entered the presence of God.
Psalm 139 is a powerful reminder of the pure, unadulterated, never-ending love of God. I remember sitting with Lib the night we learned of Clare’s birth, reading this Psalm and using it as a prayer for her life. What I learned—and what I remember to this day—is that while not everything in life is perfect or even close to perfect, for those who trust and believe, NOTHING can separate us from the love of God.
Did you get that? NOTHING. God knows everything about you. Regardless of what you think that means, He loves you with a never-ending devotion. There may come a time when you get mad at God and walk away from Him. But the Lord knows you better than you know yourself, and He will always love you. He will never leave you.
That was our comfort when Clare was born. It was our joy throughout her all-too-brief-life, and it remains our comfort today. May it be your comfort as well!