The Impact of Layla Grace
March 3rd, 2010I can’t help but smile to think that sweet little Layla Grace may have already done more good in her 2 short years of life than I have done in the 40 years God has given me. As a pastor, I spent 4 years in college, another 4 years at seminary, and the past 15 years working 50-60 hours a week in full time church work . . . all this for the sake of Jesus Christ and all that He means for me. Layla has never worked a day in her life, never earned a dollar, never won a game, never done any of those things that we normally use as markers of “success”. But, the impact of her life leaves me speechless. Because of Layla, how many of us parents have held our children closer at night? How many people have cried out in prayer to their God . . . maybe for the first time in a very long time? How many people have paused to ask those deeper questions of life and faith that often get lost in our busy and noisy world? Because of Layla, how many people will haltingly reach out to God and ask for forgiveness through His Son Jesus Christ?
That’s how God most often does His greatest things – He chooses the weak, the simple, the seemingly insignificant things of this world to make the greatest impact. He’s done that through Layla, this precious two year old who has captured the hearts of so many of us with her strength, her courage, and her dependence on God in her battle against this nasty disease of neuroblastoma. She has taught us so much. Without doing anything, she has made a “Texas size” splash in the hearts and lives of so many people.
Thank you Layla Grace, for letting God’s strength shine through your weakness.
What a beautiful post. Layla Grace has touched so many hearts, it's amazing!
March 3rd, 2010 at 6:13 pmPastor – I enjoyed reading your posts about Layla Grace and her impact. I too am in awe of the work that the Lord is doing through her and her family – at their absolute weakest, neediest point. As a sister in Christ I thank you for loving on this family and helping them sustain their faith on this road.
March 3rd, 2010 at 6:38 pmPastor Mike —
I am one of those people you mention. I have cried more times in the past week since I learned about Layla — than I have in the past 5 years. I look at my children with a renewed and enhanced love (and I did not think it possible to love them any more than I did already!).
I have struggled to understand God's plan in this…just last night my husband and I had an in-depth discussion about how and why things like this happen. Of course it is not for us to understand, but rather to trust through faith that He is in control.
Like so many others, I feel I know this family…I check Twitter numerous times a day for updates; I stop to pray for them, and think of sweet Layla's face almost constantly. I still pray for a miracle of healing — but ultimately I pray for peace and God's will. The amazing thing is — as you note — so many others are doing the same things! She is indeed one of God's precious angels.
Thank you so much for being there for this family.
Kim
March 3rd, 2010 at 7:37 pmCharlotte, NC
You are so right, all of you. Kim, I feel like I wrote that. I have three children and sometimes get frustrated with them underfoot…but not since reading about Layla. Now I am thankful that my daughter wants to help load the dishwasher, and sometimes, by crawling inside of it. I wake up praying for Layla, and pray for she and her family all day long. I pray for a miracle, but I also pray for His will to be done here. I pray that she not hurt, that her parents get to treasure every second they have left with her. I pray that her sisters will take this with them through their lives and know that He has prepared their hearts with this…..I pray that the family will carry on after she goes Home to live with our Lord….that they will spread the word about neuroblastoma like never before. I pray that all of us will love and appreciate our children with a newfound rage like never before…..all in prayer for you, precious Layla Grace…..
March 3rd, 2010 at 8:09 pmHaving a most precious child myself, I know what it is like to hold your child so so tightly, to love them beyond your heart's ability, to cry out to God to save them, and to be thrilled they are there to help you unload the dishwasher, and the dryer, and unfold the folded clothes! I have been blessed to meet Layla and her family. Precious they are. I too, wake up in the middle of the night with my son who has seizures, and as I pray for him, I pray for them, and throughout the day too. She has brought so many closer together. I think she has made so many parents better parents.. I actually wondered the other day as I knew she was suffering, Lord, who is it you still need her to reach? I still have hope He will heal her! Wow to believe she could do all of this for Him, and then He will heal her! God bless you precious child, and your family. God bless you my son, too. I love you with all that I am. Layla, I have come to love you too.
March 3rd, 2010 at 8:48 pmJack's Momma, Jenn
Layla has inspired me to be a better Mother and to find my Faith in the Lord again.
March 3rd, 2010 at 1:24 pmI pray for her and her family daily, and I will never forget the love that has been restored in my heart because of little Layla Grace.
Pastor Mike:
What a well-versed post. You are absolutely correct in your thoughts on Layla's life. My co-worker introduced me to Layla's story. I almost thought it was sickening that I was so addicted to her story, until I realized that it wasn't her story at all that I was addicted to, but I was drawn closer to God. He said in His Word that He would draw men unto Him, and He is doing just that. God's work, and His love is truly amazing, and while it is extremely sad that this beautiful child is fighting such a terrible monster, the good in it all is that God's light is shining all over it. Layla's story has given my family and I a greater sense of appreciation. It's been through Layla that I have learned to be more patient with my children, and I have stopped sweating the small stuff. I made a vow that Layla's suffering is NOT going to be in vain where I'm concerned. I have grabbed the good from it, and have applied it to me and my household. Thank you Layla Grace for being that beacon for me….forever in my prayers.
March 3rd, 2010 at 10:03 pmThank you for you post! I have been captivated by Layla's story, clinging to my phone waiting for tweets, reading and rereading blogs! I kept saying I don't know what it is but I feel so connected to this little girl. You SPELLED it out for me " I almost thought it was sickening that I was so addicted to her story, until I realized that it wasn't her story at all that I was addicted to, but I was drawn closer to God. He said in His Word that He would draw men unto Him, and He is doing just that. God's work, and His love is truly amazing, and while it is extremely sad that this beautiful child is fighting such a terrible monster, the good in it all is that God's light is shining all over it. I have been blessed by Layla's story, by the thousands of posts, and by God's Grace!
March 3rd, 2010 at 11:35 pmI agree with you 100 percent!! Layla Grace has brought me closer to my 2 year old daughter, and I prayed for the first time in a long time, I prayed for Layla and her family.
March 3rd, 2010 at 11:49 pmSo true..Thank you Layla!! She sure has touched many hearts!!
March 3rd, 2010 at 6:44 pmI am so glad to see that many are having the same thoughts and feelings. This little angel has changed so many of us. I pray that she and her family can find peace through this suffering
March 3rd, 2010 at 10:16 pmI think it's so sad, everything that Layla is going through, but I do believe that God has it all figured out and he knows what he's doing. This story has really touched my heart and I am so deeply saddened and I wish Layla and her family the best. It's crazy how much I go on the website and have been reading the blogs and following twitted, checking for any updates. I smile when i read something positive, and my heart sinks when I read something sad. I am very young..only 15 but I feel like this has made me realize so much about life. I will pray for Layla, & her family. I truly believe and hope her condition will improve. I'll keep checking & thank you for posting this beautiful post!
March 4th, 2010 at 2:30 am-nathalie
My husband and I talk about how Layla has made us hold a little tighter, love a little softer, kiss a little longer. Not only with our children but each other. When my 2 year old falls asleep now I hold him for a long while before taking him to his bad. My husband is not a "God" person and Layla has made him count his blessings every day. He asked about her dailey and wants me to give him her update.
March 4th, 2010 at 2:41 pmThank you! She's in my heart forever!
March 5th, 2010 at 10:27 amAmazing post, she has touched everyone without even know how. She is in my heart, thoughts, prayers everyday.
March 5th, 2010 at 6:39 pmThank you, Pastor. You nailed it: Layla Grace's impact on my family is exactly as you describe. I'm sorry for the reasons why the Marsh family is famous, but I am grateful for their generosity of spirit and conviction. We pray every night for peace for this family: Ryan, Shanna, Jenna, Claire, and of course, Layla.
March 6th, 2010 at 12:16 amThere is a part of me in every post on here! I have cried all week, check Twitter, Facebook, and LaylaGrace.org almost to obsession. I too couldn't explain how or why I was so drawn to this story… and I too though briefly "Is it weird that I am so engrossed in this story?" I also would stare at the picture of Dad holding Layla where he is looking off to the right while she sleeps on his shoulder. There is so much emotion attached to that picture! I was just directed to this blog today and I am so glad this family has you, Pastor… to guide them through this time of sorrow in their lives. I do agree that Layla is hanging on for a reason only God knows. I am so glad she is because I am blessed to have known her and my life is changed forever.
March 6th, 2010 at 1:02 amLisa,
Scranton, PA
Thank you Pastor. As difficult as it is for us to let go of Layla, we are strengthening our own families, and are reminded as to why we are here in this temporary life and what our purpose is to Him.
March 10th, 2010 at 3:14 amgreat story.
robe blanche
March 30th, 2010 at 6:39 am