I heard a story about Taylor the other day that I had heard before; she had taken a stand about how her friend was being treated, and she was not going to let it continue. However, I learned new details about the interaction, details I had never heard before. I can't say I was really surprised; our girl stood fiercely loyal to friends and family. It is a loyalty that began early in her childhood when an older boy picked on her little brother at daycare and scratched his chubby little cheek. She walked right up to the older, bigger boy, put her finger in his face and informed him he wouldn't be treating Wade like that ever again. It wasn't a threat; it was a declaration.
I feel the same way about our girl, except I don't get to walk up to anyone and put my finger in his/her face. I can, however, stand fiercely loyal, or in this case kneel. As I search for control, prayer remains the only constant we have.
The trial for the driver who caused the wreck begins in sixteen days. On August 17, we will once again sit in the same room with the person who killed our child. I wish I could tell you that I felt something - but I don't. Maybe all that will come later.
I am not good at asking for help -especially from people who have already done so much. I am much more comfortable taking care of myself, but I need your prayer. I need you to pray for Mr. Jordan, the Assistant District Attorney handling Taylor's case. He is the only person who gets to speak for Taylor, to tell her story. He will have to protect Josie and Price when the defense attorney tries to place shadows on their testimonies. I need you to pray for Josie and Price; they have worked all year to move forward and put the worst night of their entire lives behind them only to have to relive and defend their answers as they describe their injuries and the loss of their friend. I need you to pray for the jury and the defense attorney. I need for the jury to hear how these lives were dismantled and how Taylor's life was destroyed not by an accident , but by reckless, negligent behavior that caused a horrendous wreck. I would ask you to pray that the defense attorney's heart would be protected. Finally, would you pray for us. The defendant will have many more rights than Taylor will in that courtroom, and we will have to sit quietly and listen to the facts of the case and the defense attorney's efforts to vigorously defend the driver. While I am dumb-founded by the not-guilty plea, I am still thankful we have a judicial system that allows a person to have a defense. Help me be thankful for justice, for the process by which it will be delivered, and pray that we will endure with dignity and grace.
Our actions have consequences.
Thank you for letting me ask this of you.
Isaiah 41:10, 13
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand...For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."
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