Monday, February 18, 2008

Joy Of The Lord Through Sorrow

In Loving Memory of
Patrick Delon Carrell
Sept. 6, 1986- February 15, 2008


A 21 year old young man in our church family went home to be with the Lord this past weekend. He had a tragic car accident. I called one of my best friends in the church, which happens to be Patricks cousin and let her know that we were praying for them. She was hurting, but gave all honor to the Lord for Patricks life. I started getting sick yesterday, but I was determined to go to the funeral home. Patricks family is very dear to us. I went there to show my love to them and they showed me much more. I truly saw the Joy of the Lord in their sorrow. They showed me a family that is so close to the Lord. Patricks mother told us that she is so blessed. She said just to have him for 21 years was such a blessing. His daddy was precious. He was doing exactly what Godly dads do. He was standing right with Patrick. I can't even imagine the hurt that they feel, but when we talked to both of them, you could just feel the Lords presence. They both had a strength that I cannot describe with words. They were such an example to me. Today, I am very sick and have been in the bed since yesterday but my heart is so full. I wanted to try to write something in honor of Patricks life. My husband called a while ago, and was headed to the funeral. It broke my heart that I could not go but I didn't know if I was contagious or not. After I got off the phone, I prayed for the family and our Pastors. Then I started remembering. Patrick was a humble, meek & quite young man. When he was younger, my husband was the director of the Youth Group at our church. A lot of times, Patrick would sit with me during the service. I have a very distinct memory of him. I can remember almost every service that he would cry. One time, in particular he had brought a girlfriend with him to church and it just amazed me that he could care less what anyone thought of him. It did not stop him from worshiping the Lord through his tears. Patrick is a very special person and will always be in our hearts. One thing we know for sure is that we will see him again. Thank you Lord for that hope. Please keep this family & our Pastors in your prayers.


But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength: they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31


* My husband just called and said that the funeral was so special. He said that there were at least 75-100 kids from the college Patrick went to, that marched in before the family. They were all dressed in western attire. You see Patrick loved horses and anything western. What a sweet tribute these kids gave him.

13 comments:

Alice Grace said...

Oh, how sad to lose such a wonderful person! But he is in the presence of our Lord right now. I am so sorry for the loss to your dear friends and church family. At times like this it is difficult to find the words that express the pain I feel, and I did not know Patrick. Thanks for giving him this tribute. I pray that the comfort only God gives will continue to be with his family and loved ones.
Love, MOM

Martha said...

What a loving tribute you have here. Praise God that we have hope in Him. The tears will flow, but we have the victory in Christ.

Thank you for visiting and the kind words on my blog.

Heather said...

What a beautiful tribute to a young man who loved the Lord. It sounds like he made the most of his 21 years. I will be remembering his family and all of you as you grieve.

Thank you for visiting my blog. Our themes for this weekend are very similar.

SweetAnnee said...

What a sweet tribute to Patrick..and loving memories you have.
I Pray his family will have
the peace of Christ.

fondly, Deena

take care of you and get well soon!

CONNIE W said...

What a gentle post about your dear friend and I am sad about your loss and your sorrow. I love that scripture verse, it's one of my favorites. We used to sing that verse at my church a lot. Sorry you're sick and I hope it doesn't last long and you get well very quickly. We are all so blessed to have a loving God to shower his mercy and grace when & where it's needed to help us all through our needs. Blessings to you and your friend's family.

Looney Mom™ said...

He was so young. Of course we would consider this a tragedy (I can't even begin to imagine the pain that his parents are experiencing) but I KNOW the God we love used his life to bring others to himself. What a testimony to the visitors who showed up at his funeral and heard about his life and love for his LORD!

Thank you for visiting me and praying for me. I'm so tired of the pain. I pray that God would heal me but if he chooses to not heal me then I pray His will for my life and the purpose He has for my pain. I know that God has a purpose in everything He allows in this life. I just have to stay strong and keep the faith...

Unknown said...

It is always so tragic to lose someone so young, and I will pray for you all during this sad time...
Thanks for stopping by my blog..

maryt/theteach said...

I'm so sorry Valerie, to hear about the passing of this young man. I remember when I was young I classmate lost her 20 year old brother in an explosion in the Brooklyn Navy Yard and we all went to the wake and funeral. A life snuffed out much too soon...

rena said...

The joy of the Lord is their strength. this was a lovely tribute. May God continue to hold that family in His hands and pour His peace into them.

Sorry to hear you are not well. You said you're sick but your heart is full...very cool...the full heart part that is. Hope your body is feeling much better soon.

maryt/theteach said...

Valerie, I've tagged you for the "Dream Gadgets" meme at my blog Answers to the Questions I think you'll like it! Of course you don't have to do it! :)

hug said...

Wow, you wrote such a wonderful tribute to that young man's whole family. I am so sorry that he is gone but knowing he is with the Lord makes me want to sing with joy.

Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving such a nice comment.

Your blog is great and so full of interesting stuff. I will have to come back when I have more time.
God bless you abundantly, Mary-LOU

maryt/theteach said...

Valerie, don't worry about doing the "Dream Gadgets" meme now. Get well and feel better. :)

Tonya said...

I can't even image how hard losing a child would be. I'll keep them in my prayers. Thanks for visiting my blog. You have a very nice blog yourself!
I hope you are feeling better.