27 Hours

This past Saturday I was able to participate in the American Heart Association Heart Walk in Richmond in honor of Nate Asher Hill. It was a privilege to celebrate the life of a baby boy who lived for only 27 hours, yet has touched so many people.

Nate's story is one of hope.

Our friends, Jason and Shannon, are a testimony to what God can do even in the midst of unimaginable grief.

We anticipated along with Jason and Shannon the birth of their fourth child in April.

On April 7, 2011, with great joy, Jason and Shannon welcomed a baby boy into their family (the gender had been a surprise), Nate Asher Hill. We were all thrilled to get the news of his birth.

Not long after his arrival, it was learned that Nate's little heart was having some trouble.

The next day he was moved to another hospital so that a procedure could be done on his heart.

Many prayers were said.

Many tears were shed.

The doctors worked hard. Nate fought.

On April 8, 2011 his Heavenly Father lovingly and tenderly welcomed baby Nate into heaven.

Jason and Shannon know that God had a plan and a purpose for Nate's life. They have hope in knowing that one day they will be reunited with him. Standing on the Rock, Jason and Shannon's faith has remained strong.

So we walked in honor of Nate.

Because even when we don't understand, we can trust that God loves us and that He loves Nate.

"Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words."

I Thessalonians 4:13-18

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure."

Hebrews 6:19

The group that walked for Nate.