The Hope We Have for Layla
Tuesday morning we all heard the news that our hearts had sensed was coming. Our sweet little Layla Grace has died and is now with God in heaven. I know we all join together in praying for Ryan and Shanna, and sisters Jenna and Claire.
As Layla’s pastor, I’d like to share with you the hope that we have as Christians, and what that means for Layla and for you. First, let me express my sorrow to each of you as well – even those of you who never knew Layla personally are certainly experiencing tremendous loss. I weep with you. Layla is a precious girl with an amazing spirit, and she will be deeply missed. But, in the midst of your grief, let me share a word of hope from the Bible which tells us “we don’t grieve like those who have no hope.” We grieve . . . but we grieve with hope – Hope in God’s promise that Layla is now in heaven with Jesus where there is no more sorrow, no more pain, no more cancer. Hope that even though we die in this life, we live again, forever. Hope, that even though we will no longer physically have her in our lives here on earth, she will be forever in our hearts . . . and when we someday face our last breath that we will have the opportunity to see her again.
We’ll have time in the coming days, and especially at Layla’s funeral, to reflect on the many different emotions and questions that will almost certainly be raised through Layla’s life and death. I will do my best as a humble servant of God to bring you the hope and the peace that God wants for you in this time. For now, though, let me simply share with you a few Bible verses for you to cling to and cry over. May God be with the Marsh family and with each of you.
– Pastor Michael
Jesus said “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. – John 11:25-26
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. – I Thessalonians 4:13-14
(Jesus said) “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. – John 14:1-6
(Jesus said) “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29
(Jesus said) “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33
March 9th, 2010 at 7:14 pm
Thank you Pastor Michael. I have been trying to get on Layla's website and have been unable to. I thought to check your blog. My heart is very heavy to have confirmation that Layla has indeed passed. I am happy that she is no longer suffering, happy that she has a perfect new body and now lives in all of God's Glory in eternity…but still I am so sad. So sad for her mom & dad, her sisters, her family & friends…and just sad – she touched my heart like no one else…I can't really understand it, so I will just keep saying it was God-given. (I shared the same birthday as Layla, which I learned from her mom's blog on Thanksgiving Day this past year…also my birthday – though I am 37 years older.) She taught me so much, changed me so profoudly. I will be a better person, a better mother, a better servant because of her and her family's willingness to share her with all of us. All I know is that the world hurts today. I will continue to cling to faith and will now focus my steadfast prayers to her family's peace, comfort, healing, and understanding that only our Heavenly Father can give them.
March 9th, 2010 at 8:01 pm
Pastor Michael & Life Bridge Church:__I, like many, many others have been profoundly affected by Layla's life story. As a Christian I would have like to say that I am in constant connection to what God desires for me & my family, but reality is that I lose that connection with day to day trials. Layla truely reminded me that no day is guaranteed. How to truely cheerish each and every moment that we have been graced to have here on earth with our loved ones. I hold my children a little tighter, I love my husband a little deeper and I raise my hands a little higher now, because I read a story of a two year old little girl with no guarantee of tomorrow. I read the words of a mom & dad that had to live in the moment. My heart grieves for Shanna, Ryan and their two other daughters, but my heart smiles for Layla's complete healing. Rest in peace..what large impact from such a small child. Thank you Jesus for sharing her with us.
http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=a8476cc0089c...
March 9th, 2010 at 8:02 pm
Thank you for your willingness to be an extention of The Marsh Family. My heart too is very heavy with the news of sweet Layla's passing. I have forever been changed as a mother because of this sweet angel baby. I now hold my children closer, hug them longer and love them deeper. I am forever in debted to the Marsh family for this. I will do what I can to help raise awareness for neuroblastoma. It is the least that I can do so that other childern may benefit from sweet Layla's short little life. May the Lord be with The Marsh Family in the next few days, weeks and months to come. I am rejoicing that sweet Layla is now completely healed and is no longer struggling. She's resting in the arm of Jesus and dancing with the angels.
March 9th, 2010 at 8:04 pm
I do not know the March family but I am so saddened to hear of Layla Grace’s passing. As a father I can only imagine the pain that the Marsh family is going through right now. I will continue to pray for the lord to bring them peace and understanding this very difficult time. I would also like to recommend a book that someone gave me recently after my mother passed away. I was reluctant but it gave me a sense of understanding in a time when I could find no understanding. Many of your may have heard of it but I would strongly encourage the Marsh family to read The Shack when they feel that their hearts are ready to start healing. The premise is simple and powerful, like a tale from the Bible itself: Mackenzie Phillips, a former seminary student, is crippled with grief over the brutal abduction and murder of his young daughter four years ago. When he receives a summons to the mountain shack where his daughter was killed, he is suspicious, but eventually discovers that he has been called to a private meeting with God, with each part of the Holy Trinity appearing in different guises. Author William P. Young uses novelistic devices to make Christian values easily understood and, more significantly, deeply felt.
March 9th, 2010 at 8:57 pm
Pastor Michael… Indeed, in knowing Layla God has priviledged you. So was certainly His finest angel here on earth who will now glorify God in the heavens as she so perfectly did here for us. This road, the one walked by the Marsh family, is one that I am sure makes any mother, father, family, shutter to think about but the Marsh family has walked it with grace, hope and faith. I am keenly aware that God chooses us for certain tasks, that he does not call the qualified but rather qualifies the called. Shanna and Ryan were called, qualified and remained steadfast in this calling – who could have asked for this? Who would have asked for this? It was a priviledge only God's true servant could accept. I believe this little angel's life has reshaped the world and will continue to do so for years to come. I know I will tell my 23 month old twins all about her – about her strength, tenacity, beauty and joy-filled spirit! This reshaping is in no small part due to her parents and their steadfast, unwavering faith through it all. Well, done good and faithful servants – Layla, Shanna and Ryan (and family)!__Our Love and Prayers Always – Gena and the 3 C's – Cameron (16), Carly and Carson (23mos)
March 9th, 2010 at 9:42 pm
I first heard of Layla from my younger sister who has a mutual friend w/Shanna although we do not know the Marsh's I am so moved and touched by the Marsh family and their gift to all for sharing this difficult time in their life w/everyone. I am more aware of childhood cancer and will diligently have my children screened through out life and as a mom, Layla has showed me to love more, to not take forgranted what blessings I have, to live for God so that one day heaven is where I will be ,to be more patient,kind, loving,elegant,strong but graceful and the list could go on .As a mommy myself my heart goes out to Shanna aswell as her husband being a parent is such a joy. i pray for Gods loving hands to be over them and thier other two daughters and comfort them always. God Bless them
I love them for sharing their daughter w/me and everyone. my heart will never forget Layla Grace she was such a blessing and inspiration even though i never got to met her. She reminds me of my lil'one and I will cherish every moment. God Bless and take care, much love, the dovey family,Magnolia tx
March 9th, 2010 at 10:14 pm
Pastor Michael – thank you for your blog post. I like many others never met Sweet Layla Grace but have forever been changed by her story and today I mourn the loss of a beautiful little girl that thousands were praying so hard for. I have been on my knees several times a day crying out to God (something I haven't done in a long time) begging and pleading with him to grant Layla Grace a miracle here on earth and have been upset and confused as to why our prayers weren't answered but I will leave it at that is was God's will to take her home. Please send our love to the Marsh family and make sure they know that Layla has brought many of us back where we should be with God, has opened our eyes to be a better mother and wife, and to live in the moment. Tonight I will leave the dishes and laundry alone and just be in the moment with my children. Also please let the Marsh family know we will not stop praying for their family. What makes me smile is knowing that I will meet Layla in heaven some day and I can thank her for her story! Please keep your blog post coming. I find comfort in your words. (Layla Grace is still doing God's work)
Shelly Majoy – Greensboro, NC
March 9th, 2010 at 10:49 pm
I feel as though I have lost one of my own.. even though I have never met this child or her family. I hurt just the same as if I had. I have been following their stories they have shared on the internet and have been MOVED… I will forever follow by their example of FAITH, GRACE, WISDOM….ECT. My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with them and all that love them and their precious Angel that has been sent back home. I too like so many others know that I am a better person, mother, friend, wife… because of this testimony. I can only hope I will one day meet this beautiful Angel when my time is up on this Earth.
God Bless you.
March 10th, 2010 at 1:48 am
Pastor Michael – God is AMAZING! I can't stop crying b/c I can't imagine losing my own 2 year old so soon…but WOW~ I can't get over the fact that Layla is one of the luckiest children in the world! She had wonderful parents and close family friends. She brought thousands of people closer to God and their own families….AND she gets to be with God RIGHT NOW! To say I am jealous seems ridiculous, but everytime I attend a funeral I cry for the loss on earth, but my tears quickly turn to happy tears (still sobbing heavily though) b/c Layla is with her maker! She is where we ALL want to BE!
March 10th, 2010 at 4:05 am
Pastor Michael-I learned of Layla's journey on February 12th, and my life has not been the same. I found myself reading all of Shanna's tweets, all the way back to May of last year. I read all her entries in her blog, all while sobbing uncontrollably. I viewed every picture possible of little Layla, and my heart ached w/ each one. I have two children, and I cannot imagine the physical pain Layla had to endure, nor the emotional pain her parents and sisters had to go through.
March 10th, 2010 at 4:06 am
I struggle to understand why she suffered so much, without God intervening. The last several days I sobbed, and was down on my knees, asking God to please, please let it be His will, that she be healed. If that was not to be, I asked that He gather her up in His arms, and end her suffering once and for all. I knew today, when Shanna hadn't given any updates on Twitter, that all of our worst fears had come true. When she sent out the last tweet, I was running errands and immediately went to my Church. I knelt before God, lit a candle and broke down. I don't understand how this precious 2 year old child could affect me so much…especially considering that I never met her.
March 10th, 2010 at 4:07 am
I have reached out to many social networks, just to feel a sense of unity, that I'm not crazy for feeling this way. My family can't seem to understand why I've been affected so much, to be honest, neither can I. But I am thankful for being introduced to Layla. I thank the Marsh family for sharing her journey with me. I will never be the same mother, the same daughter, the same wife, or the same Christian. I like many others, hold my daughters tighter, longer, and I fall to my knees in prayer so much more now. I will forever be haunted by Layla's beautiful face, and inspired. I hope the Marsh family knows how much their daughter is loved, and how much I/we pray for their peace. May God wrap his arms around the Marsh family, and comfort them in this most terrible time.
March 9th, 2010 at 8:35 pm
From Nebraska: I'm so glad I found your blog, it has helped to comfort me. I had that sense of her passing early this morning and was sad but at peace. But when confirmation came, I was so sad and left work to go home and cry my eyes out. I wondered why does this have to happen…all I wanted was one miracle, just one! I believed in miracles up to the last minute! All I wanted was just 1 miracle. But after reading your blog, it helps me to understand the big picture. Layla will never be forgotten, she has a very special place in my heart. I thank God for sharing her with us on earth. She has taught me so much.
March 10th, 2010 at 1:04 pm
There isn't much I could say that others haven't already put into words above. However, I wanted to thank you. I also have found comfort in this blog.
March 10th, 2010 at 7:20 pm
Yvonnne you are not alone. I too, as many that I have seen on facebook, have also cried uncontrollably because we feel what Shanna and Ryan were writing. In my situation I have a 2 year old little girl and that definitely hit home. We open up ourselves to their situation. So what you are feeling is completely normal and understandable. We turn up to God for answers during this time. We change our lives so as to honor Layla Grace and other children with cancer.
March 11th, 2010 at 4:28 am
Thank you, Elain for your kind words. I am finding much comfort in my prayers and when I'm talking to God. Layla Grace will forever be in my heart.
March 11th, 2010 at 5:54 pm
Pastor Michael – it seems many people are now looking to you for spiritual guidance in the midst of such heart-breaking circumstances. What JOY to know that the scriptures above might be reaching some hearts for the very first time – because of Layla. As I have read others comments I see people who had strayed from God, but returned – because of Layla. I also see others (like myself) whose faith has been strengthened as we've been on our knees in conversation with God about His will for this precious baby. And though He has now made His will known, I still find myself communing with God throughout my day – praying for my children, my spouse and for God to give me wisdom to parent in His image. My heart aches for the Marsh's and I will continue to hold them tightly in prayer, but my heart is also happy to be back in fellowship with Christ, a place I've missed because I allowed the busyness of the world to steal it away. When Layla entered into heaven, I am certain she was greeted with the words "well done, good and faithful servant" and the same can certainly be said for Ryan, Shanna, Jenna and Claire for all they have done (and will continue to do).
March 31st, 2010 at 5:32 pm
bravo pastor michael, what a way to step up and be used by God to show God's goodness through such a hard season of life, if layla had made it would people have seen the need for research would they have truly saw it as a miracle of God and given him the credit…would their faith have been strengthened….would those who have lost children in past and who got angry at him and then turned away from him …would they have had a second chance to see their childs death in a new light…would they have had the opportunity to come back to the Lord…..so much would be in question if layla had survived….i hate saying it and im one of the ones who lately has questioned God…
March 31st, 2010 at 5:32 pm
….i know we need to be in right standing for our prayers to be answered but your telling me there was not one christian in good standing to be able to pray a prayer of perfect healing here on earth for crying out loud…there must have been over 60,000 people praying for layle to beat this…then i cry…and i think of all those who would still be suffering in their own hell if layla had stayed….unfortunately the pain we all have felt with her passing has motivated us to different and new heights with our walk w/ God and our Faith in Him…tears roll when i think….Gods ways arnt our own and His thoughts are again not our own….i just hope all those who God planned to be touched by layla were and that noone missed out on the Blessings that Layla and Her Family have given us by sharing…sorry long winded bout how do you put all this in a few words its impossible.
we love you marsh's and you are always in thought and prayers you too pastor michael…may God bless your Body of Christ in all that it does and will do to Glorify God's Kingdom!!