In Honor of Jacob

There is a very special family that inspires me and I want you to meet them.

http://faithfulfroggers.blogspot.com/

Their slogan is Fully Rely On God- FROG

They don't take this slogan lightly and they have lived it through thick and thin. I encourage you to go and meet them over at their blog. I know you will fall in love with their faith and family as I have. Meet a little guy who will capture your heart the moment you "meet" him in blog world..

Meet Jacob...
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Jacob was diagnosed with adrenocortical carcinoma - a very rare and aggressive cancer - at the age of 3. After a very difficult 28 month battle, Jacob passed away and was completely healed in Heaven on June 12, 2006 - changing our lives forever. He was only 6 years old - but his courage, grace and strength made a lasting impact on those who knew him and he continues to inspire us all. He touched many lives with his contagious smile and silliness and he will live in our hearts forever. Jacob taught us all to FROG (Fully-Rely-On-God) and he showed us that each day is a gift and we must celebrate LIFE, walk in FAITH, hang onto HOPE, LOVE deeply and BELIEVE ! He taught us all to live, love, laugh and always take time to DANCE! He was a most precious gift from God, a miracle, a hero - the most Amazing Jacob. You can read the story of our son on his website . . . Amazing Jacob
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I found this blog during the time that God was teaching me about compassion. Compassion- to step into someone's pain. See blogs like this are something the old Angel might have avoided. The truth is that Heather has lived through my worst nightmare. She watched her sweet baby die and she couldn't stop it. I still cry regularly while reading this blog. It hurts so deeply for me- I find myself weeping. The old Angel would have wanted to avoid this at all costs- pretend this can't happen. After all- if it happened to Heather it could happen to me. Fear is all about me. Compassion is all about others.

...Still I read and watched Heather walk through the pain of trusting God as He brought her son home to be healed in Heaven. Then watched the joy God brought them as Allie came home from Guatemala. The deep knowledge of pain had not made Heather weaker or broken her. Somehow she had this strength and trust and depth that most of us never get to during this life. I knew it was something I needed to learn.

Reading this blog has been a tiny piece of me learning to not run from deep fear and pain. I am starting to understand that embracing everything God sends brings deep joy despite the circumstances. Surrender can be painful and joyful all at once.
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Heather thank you so much for your heart and passion. I think your family is precious and amazing. You make a difference.
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I wanted to do something to honor Jacob for the change he is making in the world through his precious and courageous momma. So when my Kaitlyn told me she had decided she wanted to cut her hair short I talked to her about Jacob and what he went through and we looked at the Locks Of Love website together. We decided we would both cut our hair together to donate to Locks Of Love in honor of Jacob and all the little heroes out there like him.
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Soon we decided everyone except Kaiya needed a hair cut and we should just make it a family party. So everyone decided how much to cut and we had a blast.
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I encourage you to let your kids learn giving and compassion in every way you can. Help them give and grow whenever you can. It isn't about what we do as much as it is about the condition of our hearts. Changing the world and lives isn't something we do one day. It's something that happens a step and a time.
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Thank you Jacob! You helped me learn what compassion means. Now you are teaching my children about giving. You have given this world far more than it gave you. We will never forget you. When I walk through heaven I will be so thrilled to hug your sweet healthy body. Thank you for everything. Love, Angel and the Crew