Mercy.

My amazing friend and former housemate Emily and her family are in my prayers this weekend, as they hold and love on her beautiful niece, Mercy, who was born on Tuesday with encephalocele, and is expected to be in Heaven early next week.

I've never met Emily's sister (Mercy's mommy), but Emily and I did HNGR together and lived together senior year. She is one of my dearest and most encouraging friends, and her family are well-loved among our group of friends for their joyfulness, authenticity, and hospitality. I vividly remember her mom pulling me aside at church and praying over me and my family a few weeks after we got the news about Mom.

Please be praying for all of them, especially Mercy's parents Luke and Liesl.

You can read more of this awesome family and their strength and Hope here.

From Mercy's website:

"Father of Love: You come near to us in your love. Your love finds us needy and it does not flee, but satisfies our soul. Your love comes near to us on our terms in your Son. Your love comes near to us and transforms our existence in your Spirit. Your love comes near to us and allows us to abide in you freely and without fear. Cause us now, in the midst of trial, to be reminded of your love—to live and abide in your love, to live and abide in You. Cause us to trust in a wild and mysterious Father who is not defined by sadistic control of the universe, harsh displeasure with creation, nor indecision regarding human need—but a Father of Love who is for us and not against us.

Be for us this day and for your daughter Mercy..."

Megan, me, and Mercy's beautiful aunt, who is so precious to me.