A little girl with a big faith

Emily Stauffer.
A name I had never heard of until two weeks ago. If any of you keep up with the news, you would have heard about this 14-year old girl, who's life was tragically cut short two weeks ago as she was killed while out for a walk in the middle of the afternoon.

Since I first read the story, I felt so upset for the family. But for some reason, I just wanted to know more about this girl. I came across a blog her father, who is a pastor as well, has written. I also came across a facebook group full of messages, from friends and strangers alike. But it was the messages from people who knew her that told the story of who this girl was, and why she has inspired me.

Although Emily had hobbies just like any other 14 year old girl, enjoying photography, horses, and nature, there is something that I think really set her apart. She seemed to know that earth was not her permanent home, and she was anticipating the day she would be with Jesus. I know personally for me, as a Christian, I believe in life after death, but I can't say I want to pack up my bags today and leave my life behind. When my best friend and I were in highschool we used to say, "I can't wait till Jesus comes back...but I hope he waits until after I get married and have kids!" And now that I am married and have kids I think, "Lord, please, just let me see my kids grow up." I live as if I have life to finish living on Earth before I get to Heaven. I am excited for Heaven, but in due time. Yet, this little girl, Emily, who was just 14, was ready to leave her life behind and be with Jesus because she knew that her earthly home was just temporary, and what was next is so much better. She knew that as great as her life was on this earth, this was nothing compared to the joys and riches she would experience in Heaven.

Her family has had tremendous strength through this whole ordeal. Actually, no, I shouldn't say strength, because on their blog they have been very clear that they are the weakest they have ever been. What I should say is that they have tremendous trust. Trust that Emily is with God. Trust that He will make good come out of this horrible situation. Trust that He will see them through this.

I have learned so much about this girl through facebook, and the family's blog, and I can't help being reminded that the only reason I know this girl exists is under the tragic circumstances. I most likely would have never heard of her otherwise. But she has touched my heart and changed me, and looking at the thousands of people in her facebook group I can only imagine that she has touched other lives. With a child-like faith, and a heart of gold that comes through the stories from her friends I know she will be very missed. But I too, believe that she is in a better place, and for her, she's where she's been longing to be...home.