:::Levi.2:::

Hello hello hello!!
3 blogs in one week??? Yes please!
So I went to the Thorn again last night.... for the 12th time.... and despite the fact that I can literally quote every line of every song and every joke, that play still manages to hit me hard. I always end up falling in love with Jesus again, seeing His sacrifice so vividly and allowing His love to sink deeper into my heart.

12 Thorns later and I'm still a sobbing baby, but thankfully I had an amazing man to sit next to and hold me close, both of us realizing one again, the incredible price that was paid 2000 years ago, and both of our hearts being renewed by His love. :) I'm grateful for that blessing.


This Thorn, however, was slightly more emotional than the years before. As I walked into the church, some of the first people I saw were the Patrick family. I had never met Levi's parents, I only knew his older sister, so as soon as I saw Sasha I gave her a hug. It's been exactly a week from today that Levi passed away.... not even close to enough time to mend up broken hearts. :(


I had to try really hard to keep from crying as I met their parents, Sharon and Mark Patrick. Like I said, I hadn't met them before, but when I told them that I was Mario's sister, they were like "Awww Mario!! Come here." and they embraced me. Mr. Patrick smiled and said "You're Mario's sister? Mario was Levi's twin..." and my eyes teared up as I nodded.

I thought about them during the whole performance... during the song about Miracles, during the part about demons, during the crucifixion scene and of course the resurrection. What were they thinking? I know what I would be thinking. I would be thinking, "I believe in miracles... so why didn't you save my son, God?" - "I believe you love children Lord, so why couldn't you keep my son and my family from this pain God?" -

How could something like this happen? He was a great kid, loved the Lord, stud athlete, captain of the football team and 3 year starter, track star, homecoming King, the only son and sibling to Sasha, Mark, and Sharon. He loved people, he really did.

Ahhhh, heartbreak is unbelievable. I don't know how they do it, I don't know how I would do it, but I know their faith is an inspiration to people. Their strength and testimony will be something that impacts lives. I'm sure of it.

Levi's memorial is next Tuesday.... I'm excited to celebrate his life. God is good.