"She never met her daddy. On this side of heaven. Yet, we know their paths crossed and will continue to cross for the rest of their days-even when they are reunited beyond that azure blue. His hat. His boots. His guitar. His rope. His picture. His legacy. His blood runs through her. He tips his hat to his sweet, sweet love of his life on this side of existence.
I love giving way to the holy; to the sacred things of life. I don't stand....I kneel in amazement. I knelt as I took this...and I lost my breath. Holy ground. I'm nothing more than an instrument. And I'm so blessed to be....far beyond measure. More on Corey and his sweet, precious, 6-week old Kimber Rae as soon as I can ask his mom to write something for me. She's a precious jewel. Please be in prayer for Kimber's circle of family. I know you can't look at her and not be inspired to go to God for her." ~Facebook post
Corey Pruitt passed away late in September of last year. If you would like to read more about him, here a link to his official obituary. His mom and I are very close friends-she has the biggest heart for children I have ever known. She owns my son's daycare and I couldn't ask for a safer place for my son to be loved on and cared for-all of the children can't wait to get their daily dose of love from her. If you saw her smile, you would know how they feel. I asked her to write something up for Corey and these pictures, but what can you say? How can you summarize a life, really, in the midst of so much pain? Well, for Corey, it's just not that simple. From his mom, sisters, and friends, and despite only coming in contact with him once personally, I know that Corey was incredible. I know I am not worthy to tell this tale, but doing exactly this is what I pray for. I'm just a vessel...
Corey valued people and their circumstances. He was the strength behind countless people's struggles. Many of them wonder "what now"? Who will they turn to now? Corey has left a hole like the Grand Canyon in a lot of people's lives. This canyon now runs through the lives of his family, fiancee, and now daughter.
I don't have answers. As a believer in the Good Lord, I don't believe that He creates these situations. I believe the enemy does and God just cries with us when they happen. As He does, He promises to wipe all our tears one day in a place with no more hurt or pain-where He can protect us forever.
As I reflect on Corey and what he's left behind, I can't help but think, "But that's the way we're supposed to live, isn't it?" The world should miss us. The more they miss us, the larger the evidence is that we loved. If he hadn't loved people as much, he wouldn't be missed as much...so who's to blame? Corey is! How could you be so amazing? How could you be so loving? Why did you do that? Please...it's all sarcasm. He chose to love, and for that, we are ALL grateful. THESE are the stories that people should hear. These normal, everyday, amazing people who are rocks of faith and security for others are the people we should be loving. Because they love. Because they point people towards what is most important. They don't draw attention to themselves if only in the way they laugh, joke, and friend. Bravo, Corey. Well done. You are to be praised and celebrated!! And your legacy lives on in Kimber...
I've prayed about opportunities like this. Knowing full well that I'm not worthy (who is?), I still ache to tell stories of people's lives beautifully. To give God the glory for it all. Look what He made! Look what He's done! Look at the faith birthed from this situation. Look at the new incredible places of the heart we've discoverd through this. Look what has been inspired in people. Look what little Kimber can do. She can make people think about God. She can make people think about how important family is. Her situation reminds us of what is pure and holy. What is there in a fatherless infant that speaks to our souls? Please allow your heart to give. This is why God calls them out. This is why He calls Himself "Father of the fatherless". Kimber is why.
My prayer for Kimber and her family and friends is that you remember that God is faithful...always. What would Corey ask of you? What would he say? "Take care of my baby girl." And you know he would too. You know he's watching every. single. move. You know he's in her room night and day and he loves everything about her. He's watching his mom, his sisters, and his fiancee too. Because he knew and loved Christ. And Christ is the ultimate defender of death and destruction-even conquering it so people like Corey could spend eternity with Him. Well, the bible says we get assigned some duties in heaven. I have a feeling that Christ welcomed Corey and then whispered, "you've got some work to do, son." And gave him his post at Kimber's side. Corey takes the job seriously. And so it is with life. Our guardian angels are watching-I have no doubt. My mom even reassured me this past weekend. She should know...
I hope you enjoyed the priceless images and the story that comes with them. I hope they inspire you.
{Story behind the story} The fact that I have these images, I just want to say, is not from my own doing (none of them are. I usually reserve these posts for my spiritual blog, but for me, spiritual life and work are not separate). God composed this whole thing-start to finish. From the day Kimber's mom decided she would come into town for a visit to setting up the session, to gathering the props, to allowing Kimber to sleep peacefully throughout he session while I placed her, to the composition of props and the final image. It was His vision. I can't make anything like that. Alone, I cannot. I was in need of a session. Not just any session. I needed something right then and I needed spiritual food. I prayed for it longingly one evening. God sent Terri the next morning (God sends Terri to people a lot). I heard the story and Terri and I cried over the phone together. I just couldn't believe what God did. I couldn't believe what I was being asked to do. I just could't believe it. I tell people, "remember that God is faithful". Each time He does something like this, I become still in awe. I praise Him! And that's the way God works. Amen!
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