Family

My Dad's family had their reunion in July.  It was a wonderful event as always.  There were over 90 people present.  Most families would consider that to be enormous but it is about average for the Willingham clan.  It is a weekend affair and family members literally come from all over the world to get together.  We begin on Friday evening with a cookout and end on Sunday with our own church service followed by a luncheon.

I was honored to be able to share briefly with the family on that Sunday about the hearing and some of the details of Mom and Dad's case.  Since the hearing this has been on my heart to share with all of you.  I have just struggled to actually put into words what I was feeling.

Time and again I have stated and even shared through this blog that I offer forgiveness to the young man, Jose, who confessed to participating in the murders and has been charged with stabbing them to death.  I sincerely meant that but I had never been in the same room as Jose.  I prayed earnestly before the hearing that I would still be able to offer forgiveness after seeing him in person.  God answered my prayer!

As I was sitting the small courtroom it struck me that there was not one person there in support of Jose.  Keep in mind that this young man is from Springfield, MO.  He has many family members living right there.  No one came to court on his behalf.  No one.

There were some people there who had dealings with him before and were there to make sure he was not getting out this time either.  Of course, several of our family members were there.  It truly broke my heart to think of this young man having to face this all alone.  I was able to feel forgiveness for him in my heart and even offered up a prayer as I sat there looking at the side of his face.  Even as he sat emotionless through the horrific testimony.  Even when he shook his head disagreeing with something the detective on the witness stand said.  My heart broke for him.

Yes, I still want to see justice done.  Yes, I am still praying he will have a change of heart and plead guilty so our family does not have to suffer through the trial process but I will still pray for him.  I pray for his salvation.  I pray for his family and the heartbreak I am sure they are feeling.  I am praying that God will be glorified through it all.

I am so grateful for my family.  I am grateful that they support my brothers and me.  I am grateful that they love the Lord and serve Him with all their hearts.  I am grateful for their prayers on my behalf.  I am so blessed!

2 Samuel 7:28-29 (The Message)

 “And now, Master God, being the God you are, speaking sure words as you do, and having just said this wonderful thing to me, please, just one more thing: Bless my family; keep your eye on them always. You’ve already as much as said that you would, Master God! Oh, may your blessing be on my family permanently!”

And, Lord, please bless Jose and his family.  Give them peace.  Return their honor.  In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.

Preliminary Hearing

The preliminary hearing was held today in Mom and Dad's case.  Basically it was a mini-trial to determine if there was enough evidence to hold Jose Huckleberry over for trial.

I believe this was the hardest day I have had endure in this whole ordeal to date.  They played the 911 tape from the call Mom made.  It was very short but I was amazed at how calm Mom seemed giving the exact address before the line went dead.

Some of the officers in the case were called to testify.  The details were very hard to hear.  Thankfully the judge did rule that there was enough evidence to go to trial.  The arraignment will be Friday morning.  It will be very short and Jose Huckleberry will have to enter a plea.  The prosecuting attorney believes he will plead not guilty.  Most likely the trial will not start for another 9-12 months.

Although there is still a long way to go I know God will see us through this.  I have been reading in the Old Testament lately and I have been struck with the number of times that God defeated Israel's enemies without Israel having to do anything.

Over and over again, one impossible thing after another happens to give Israel victory.  Weird things.  Things that could never happen in the natural.  It really is amazing!  I am confident that God will bring victory for our family in this case.  I don't know how He will do it but He will do it.

I do appreciate the prayers of my church family and friends.  It is only through those prayers that I made it through this day!  I am blessed!  I cannot imagine not having that incredible support!  Thank you all so much for lifting my family and me up before our Lord.

2 Chronicles 20:16-19 (The Message)

This is God’s war, not yours. Tomorrow you’ll go after them; see, they’re already on their way up the slopes of Ziz; you’ll meet them at the end of the ravine near the wilderness of Jeruel. You won’t have to lift a hand in this battle; just stand firm, Judah and Jerusalem, and watch God’s saving work for you take shape. Don’t be afraid, don’t waver. March out boldly tomorrow—God is with you.”  Then Jehoshaphat knelt down, bowing with his face to the ground. All Judah and Jerusalem did the same, worshiping God. The Levites (both Kohathites and Korahites) stood to their feet to praise God, the God of Israel; they praised at the top of their lungs!

Thank you, Lord, that You go to battle for us!  Father, bless the detectives and prosecutors in this case.  Bring justice for this most unjust act!  In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.

First Appearance

The young man who has been charged with murdering Mom and Dad will make his first appearance before the judge tomorrow.  It will be short.  The charges will be read and he will be assigned a public defender to represent him.  Then a preliminary hearing date will be set.

It is a formality really but it is the first step toward prosecution.  I feel that I should be there but it is silly to think of driving 5 hours each way for a 15 minute process.  Still, a part of me wants to meet this young man face to face.  I know that day will come but it will not be tomorrow.

I am praying that he will be ministered to while he is in jail there in Springfield.  If he could come to know Jesus as his personal Savior angels will rejoice!  I still pray that God will allow me the opportunity to offer forgiveness to him in person.  I know this is easier said than done but I keep claiming it.  If I say it enough perhaps I will actually be able to do it.

I was thinking about when Jesus chose the 12 disciples.  Did He know at the time He chose Judas that he would be the one to betray Him?  He spent 3 years in ministry with Judas.  He sent him out on missionary trips with the other disciples.  Did He know?  Scriptures tell us that He did know and I believe He loved Judas anyway.  I am sure He prayed for Judas' soul that whole time.

In much the same way (but of course, in a much shorter time frame) I feel that Mom and Dad prayed for Jose.  Even as he was attacking them I am sure they offered forgiveness and asked God to intervene in his life so he could come to Jesus.

John 6:61-65 (New Living Translation)

Jesus was aware that his disciples were complaining, so he said to them, “Does this offend you?  Then what will you think if you see the Son of Man ascend to heaven again?  The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.  But some of you do not believe me.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning which ones didn’t believe, and he knew who would betray him.)  Then he said, “That is why I said that people can’t come to me unless the Father gives them to me.”

Lord, I pray that You would call Jose to You.  Send someone to minister to him in the power of Your Spirit so that he can experience Your love.  Lord, You knew from the beginning of his life that Jose would choose to follow the Evil One down this violent path.  Father, I pray You would give him over to Jesus.  Speak Your truth into him that he might be set free.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

Two Years

What a beautiful day it was today in Springfield, Missouri!  So different than this day two years ago.  Across Missouri and Illinois, it rained harder than I have ever seen it rain all day long that day.  It seemed to me that heaven was crying out over the evil act that was committed against Mon and Dad so early that morning.

I knew I wanted to be here today.  I called my brother, Dave a few weeks ago and made arrangements to stay with him.  He made an appointment for us to talk to the lead detective on Mom and Dad's case this morning.  After a reassuring talk with the detective we took some flowers to the cemetery.  This evening we went to the annual service that is conducted every year at this time for crime victims.  There is a lovely garden that is set aside to honor victims.  Last year at the ceremony there was a paver placed in honor of Mom and Dad.  This year there were more that were memorialized.  As I spoke with the sheriff afterward,
he expressed that he would like to see the day that there would be no more victims to honor.  Unfortunately, we live in a broken and fallen world.  Evil will continue.

Although not a good picture, it was taken April 24, 2011, less than 24 hours before Mom & Dad were murdered

In many ways it seems like just yesterday that I was visiting with Mom and Dad but in other ways it feels like it was a lifetime ago.  So much has happened since their murders.  It is a stark reminder that life does go on despite the tragedies that occur in our lives.  I know that Mom and Dad would want us all to continue to live our lives to the best of our abilities but more importantly, they would want us to live our lives for the Lord.  Our obedient lives bring glory to God and nothing would thrill Mom and Dad more.

Hebrews 10:22-25 (The Message)

 So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.

I miss you, Mom & Dad!  

Bones

A few weeks ago I wrote about my granddaughter, Zemirah's, birth and how her little arm was broken between her elbow and shoulder during delivery.  They did not cast it.  The doctors just said not to put her arm through her sleeves and try to keep it immobilized against her chest.  Every once in a while she would move it and it would make a popping noise.  It was quite nerve wracking!

A few days before Easter I was talking to my brother, Stephen, about it.  I was stressed about work, the baby, bills - about life in general.  He prayed with me and gave me some good advice about allowing God's peace to prevail within me.  He said he would have his healing team at church (which he is a member of) pray about Zemirahs arm the following Saturday morning which also was the day before Easter.

That Saturday morning Stacie was getting the kids ready to go to Sarah's home for our annual Easter egg hunt and family get together.  While she was tending to Zemirah, she stretched the broken arm out and up over her head!  Without a broken arm that is pretty unusual for a baby to pull her arm above her head and especially a broken arm!  I would like to remind you that her name means joyful songs of praise to the Lord. 

A little bit later Stephen texted me and said that while the prophetic and healing team was praying God revealed that the enemy was coming to make our joy weaker.  He encouraged us to stand firm and do not receive this from the enemy.  If we did so we would see the impossible happen before our eyes.  I knew without a doubt that Zemirah had been completely healed that morning. 

The following Monday she had another appointment with the orthopedic doctor.  He took new x-rays of her arm.  He told Stacie that he could not explain it but the x-rays showed a completely normal bone with no break at all!  Praise God!

Ezekiel 37:1-7 (The Message)

God grabbed me. God’s Spirit took me up and set me down in the middle of an open plain strewn with bones. He led me around and among them—a lot of bones! There were bones all over the plain—dry bones, bleached by the sun.
He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”
I said, “Master God, only you know that.”
 He said to me, “Prophesy over these bones: ‘Dry bones, listen to the Message of God!’”
God, the Master, told the dry bones, “Watch this: I’m bringing the breath of life to you and you’ll come to life. I’ll attach sinews to you, put meat on your bones, cover you with skin, and breathe life into you. You’ll come alive and you’ll realize that I am God!”
I prophesied just as I’d been commanded. As I prophesied, there was a sound and, oh, rustling! The bones moved and came together, bone to bone.

With God, all things are possible!

Easter

Although it was not two years ago today, it was two years ago on Easter that I last saw Mom and Dad.  I will never forget that weekend.  My kids, parents, aunt, uncle, cousins, one brother and my only grandson had gathered at my daughter's home on Saturday before Easter for lunch and an Easter egg hunt.  We had a great day together.

Yesterday we gathered again at Sarah and Troy's home.  Now I have four grandchildren instead of one.  Aunt Sis, Uncle Virgil, my kids, and my brother were again present.  We had a wonderful visit and, of course, an Easter egg hunt.

Two years ago this Easter my Dad and I attended sunrise service together.  I have not been able to bring myself to go to sunrise service since then.  Mom and Dad attended Easter services with us and we then went home where I grilled lamb chops.  Mom commented that she had never had lamb before.  She loved the size of the lamb chop and asked how I seasoned them.  Later I found a little notebook she carried and she had written a shopping list with lamb chops and the seasonings I had mentioned.  I knew she had to have written that in the car on their way home later that Easter Sunday.  I have fixed lamb chops on Easter since then.

We had an awesome worship service that day so it was fitting that we had equally awesome worship services today but when we sang "How Great Thou Art" I lost it.  The tears flowed!  Even though we did a more rocking version of the song it was the same melody and words that I heard my Dad sing so many times through the years - often with tears running down his face as he sang and Mom dabbing her eyes as she listened to him.

Two years ago Easter, I went to the jail and ministered to the ladies of cell block C.  When I got to my car afterward I had a text message from Mom.  They had made it home safe and sound.  I texted her back that 2 ladies had given their lives to the Lord that night at the jail.  She texted me back one word, "Hallelujah!".  That was the last communication I had with Mom.  How fitting!

Isaiah 53:10 (The Message)

Still, it’s what God had in mind all along,
    to crush him with pain.
The plan was that he give himself as an offering for sin
    so that he’d see life come from it—life, life, and more life.
    And God’s plan will deeply prosper through him. 

Mark 16:5-6 (New Living Translation)
 
When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a white robe sitting on the right side. The women were shocked,  but the angel said, “Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body.

Christ is risen!
He is risen indeed! 

Hallelujah!

Zemirah Ann

I have a new granddaughter!  Zemirah (pronounced zeh-mee-RAH) was born Thursday, March 14th.  Her name is Hebrew for joyous song.  Her middle name, Ann, means favored grace.  I love her name!

When Stacie first found out she was pregnant she felt she was going to have a boy but God showed me she was having a girl and her name would be Joy.  Even though I shared that with Stacie right away, she was trying out many different names and wondered what I thought about this name or that name.  Finally I said, "You can name her whatever you want but she will always be Joy to me."  After that Stacie began looking for other names that meant Joy and settled on Zemirah.

Even though Zemirah was born very quickly (only about 3 hours of actual labor), she broke her arm during delivery.  Her right arm is broken between her elbow and shoulder.  Doctors say it will heal very quickly - between 4 and 6 weeks.  With so many people praying for her I am sure it will be healed much sooner than that!

I am saddened  by the fact that this is Mom & Dad's third great-grandchild that they will not be able to meet.  All four of their great-grandchildren will have to grow up without ever knowing their great-grandparents personally.  I will do everything I can to make sure that my grandchildren know about my parents.

However I take great joy in knowing that Mom & Dad have been praying for these precious children for years.  They were in the habit of praying through the generations.  Now that is my habit.  I not only pray for my grandchildren that are here but also for those who will not be born for years to come.  This includes those that will not be born until long after my physical death.  It is amazing to me that we can do this.  Our prayers can have impact for centuries to come!  As a matter of fact the Bible tells us that our prayers are as incense to God!

Revelation 5:8b (New International Version)

Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.

Yesterday my brother, Stephen called and said as he focused on Zemirah's name and it's meaning he felt she would become a worship leader.  Nothing would make me happier!  Stephen's wife, Kate died last February after a long battle with ALS.  I think it's only fitting that I choose Kate's favorite verse as Zemirah's life verse.

Zephaniah 3:17 (New Living Translation)

 For the Lord your God is living among you.
    He is a mighty savior.
He will take delight in you with gladness.
    With his love, he will calm all your fears.
He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”