Monday, May 25, 2009

The Brave Little Soul.

The Brave Little Soul
By: John Alessi

Not too long ago in Heaven there was a little soul who took wonder in observing the world. He especially enjoyed the love he saw there and often expressed this joy with God. One day however, the little soul was sad, for on this day he saw suffering in the world. He approached God and sadly asked, "Why do bad things happen, why is there suffering in the world?".
God paused for a moment and replied, "Little soul, do not be sad, for the suffering you see, unlocks the love in peoples hearts". The little soul was confused. "What do you mean", he asked. God replied, "Have you not noticed the goodness and love that is the offspring of that suffering? Look at how people come together, drop their differences, and show their love and compassion for those who suffer. All their other motivations disappear and they become motivated by love alone.

The little soul began to understand and listened attentively as God continued, "The suffering soul unlocks the love in people's hearts much like the sun and rain unlock the flower within the seed. I created everyone with endless love in their heart, but unfortunately most people keep it locked up and hardly share it with anyone. They are afraid to let their love shine freely, because they are afraid of being hurt. But a suffering soul unlocks that love. I tell you this-it is the greatest miracle of all. Many souls have bravely chosen to go into the world and suffer-to unlock this love-to create this miracle-for the good of all humanity.

Just then the little soul got a wonderful idea and could hardly contain himself. With his wings fluttering, bouncing up and down, the little soul excitedly replied, "I am brave; let me go! I would like to go into this world and suffer so that I can unlock the goodness and love in people's hearts! I want to create that miracle!

God smiled and said, "You are a brave soul I know, and thus I will grant your request. But even though you are very brave you will not be able to do this alone. I have known since the beginning of time that you would ask for this and so I have carefully selected many souls to care for you on your journey. Those souls will help you create your miracle; however they will also share in your suffering. Two of these souls are most special and will care for you, help you and suffer along with you, far beyond the others. They have already chosen a name for you.

God and the brave little soul shared a smile, and then embraced. In parting, God said, "Do not forget little soul that I will be with you always. Although you have agreed to bear the pain, you will do so through my strength. And if the time should come when you feel that you have suffered enough, just say the word, think the thought, and you will be healed.

Thus at that moment the brave little soul was born into the world, and through his suffering and God's strength he unlocked the goodness and love in people's hearts. For so many people dropped their differences and came together to show their love. Priorities became properly aligned. People gave from their hearts. Those that were always too busy found time. Many began new spiritual journeys-some regained lost faith-many came back to God. Parents hugged their children tighter. Friends and family grew closer. Old friends got together and new friendships were made. Distant family reunited, and every family spent more time together. Everyone prayed. Peace and love reigned. Lives were changed forever. It was good. The world was a better place. The miracle had happened. God was pleased."

Thank you sweet Olivia!

32 comments:

Anonymous said...

What an amazing "story". It was beautiful as was Olivia!

Nic said...

AMEN!

Anonymous said...

That was precious.

Anonymous said...

That was precious.

Anonymous said...

Your in my prayers!

Anonymous said...

Wow...amazing!! Thank you for sharing that and your little Olivia. I am praying that God will wrap you in His comfort and peace.
Love,
Becky RN, PICU

Anonymous said...

Once again you have shared your faith and helped those who read your blog better understand "why" bad things happen to wonderful people. God is with you and Olivia.
Cathy Gibbs

MHB said...

Though suffering came into the world through our inherited sin, God bore all our suffering on the back of His crucified and risen Son. We thank God that Olivia was baptized into Christ, and her suffering, and yours, did not have the final word. Christ is risen. Alleluia! -- the Burdicks

Laurie in Ca. said...

Beautiful story. My prayers continue for your comfort and healing as you miss your little Olivia so dearly. Her story will go on and bless many. May the Lord carry you gently in His heart.

Love and Hugs, Laurie

~Katie said...

I can't imagine your pain and suffering right now, however, you are STILL faithfully trusting and reaching out to others to follow in your steps. You are an amazingly beautiful family, both inside and out. Olivia is a brave little soul. My prayer is that God grants all of you the same brave heart through these times of sorrow. Thank you for sharing your story and precious Olivia with us. She did touch many hearts, even those that never met her in person.

Anonymous said...

Those of us who know you and your family have always known why God chose you to be Olivia's parents. It takes unwavering love and faith to make the journey you made with your little angel. Olivia may be gone from our earthly world, but remains in the hearts and minds of so many --- what an impact she had in a short time!
Linda

Claire said...

Just wonderful.

Cxx

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful story...thank you for sharing! Your faith in God has amazed and inspired our family, and you are in our thoughts and prayers. May God continue to make his peace and comfort rest on you and your family.
Love and prayers,
Ben, Rebecca, & Tyler Schappaugh

The Malcolm Family said...

What a remarkable story. I am so happy that I got to Be able to share in the wonderful life of Olivia, She was a beautiful remarkable little girl. My family continues to pray for all of you.

Keri said...

Wow, what a beautiful story and what strength you have!!! I am a friend of Nicole's and have followed your blog off and on for a long time. Olivia was a beautiful little girl who touched so many lives. Please know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers. May God comfort all of you during these tough times.

Judy said...

That was beautiful Julie! Thank you for sharing. We're thinking of you constantly!

Anonymous said...

This beautiful story is a wonderful way to help us all understand God's plan. Olivia was an angel sent to us and we All learned so much from her. May you all find peace knowing she is in God's arms.

Anonymous said...

How powerful!! Helps me understand why bad things happen to good people.
Who would have known such a sweet little girl would impact so many people. All the posts are a definite
witness to that. God is powerful and loves us all. Blessings to the Zac Chatterton Family.

In God WE Trust!
Aunt Karen C.

Sarah Joy said...

so amazing!

Brennan Blog said...

What a beautiful and true story!

Anonymous said...

Your family's faith has always been an inspiration to those of us who took care of Olivia. Your strength in times of crisis is I think what made Olivia so strong and I pray that strength will carry you through the next few days as you begin to heal. We all know she will never be forgotten. Many nights she was the bright light for me in an ordinary night of work and I thank you for that

Jami PICU

Anonymous said...

Beautiful, beautiful story...yes, thank you sweet Olivia! Our computer failed last week, today was the first day I was able to check your blog in over a week...I was absolutely saddened when I read the blogs but I know she is at peace. My sincerest thoughts and prayers are with you, Zac, Jack, Brooklyn and your entire family. I'm not very good with words, but you are all so amazing and thank you for blessing my life with your blog about Olivia...she is an angel!!!
Lots of hugs to all of you!
Kara

Julie Dickson said...

I am praying for you and your family during these difficult days. I know that it doesn't make sense. I am crying with you and your family.

Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Julie Dickson (a friend of Carol's in Mundelein.)

Wendi Spahn said...

What a wonderful story! So incredibly true in describing sweet Olivia's life here on earth. You are such an incredible family. It has been a privilege to care for Olivia. May God wrap his healing arms around all of you.

Anonymous said...

I have followed your blog for several weeks and I am so sorry to read that you have lost Olivia. You are such a loving and strong mother and your family is in my prayers. Over time I hope your memories will edge out the loneliness and grief.

Chris
Burlington, NC

Anonymous said...

We are so sad to hear of Olivia's passing. She sounds like she was an amazing little girl who touched countless lives. We cannot imagine what you and your family are going through in dealing with the loss of your wonderful daughter. You have shown incredible strength and have been truly inspirational! You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Nadine and Tim Farquer

Anonymous said...

thanks again for yet another amazing post.. lots of prayers go to you and your family and ever so grateful to you for sharing your story in this blog. lives have truly changed not only because of Olivia, but because you took the time to share and show your faith to all. ..

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you guys in my thoughts and prayers.

Matt Castle

Cindy said...

Thank you so much for sharing your family with us all. I have laughed, cried, been delighted amazed and now am grieving. I, too, have been blessed with my own brave little soul. Because of Olivia, I will hug her a bit tighter today. Our sincere prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.

Cindy Shafer (Carol in Mundelein is a dear friend of mine)

Anonymous said...

This was the exact story I was thinking of last night when I was thinking of you and your family! Olivia touched the lives of many people and even though I never met her, I felt like I knew her very well from the stories Rod and Suzanne would tell! Olivia blessed many lives but her life was also blessed by the family that surrounded her! What an amazing gift of not jus knowing you are loved every day but also being showed how much you are loved. Just by knowing you and Zac, I know Olivia felt that from your family! My thoughts and prayers are with you always!

Leisa (Cortelyou) Breitfelder

Jaunae said...

My heart is with you, you are all so strong.

Amy said...

What a beautiful story! So sorry to hear of Olivia's passing. I used to be in a playgroup with Nicole and remember hearing stories of little Olivia. We lost our daughter Eden 7 yrs ago in Feb. at the age of 20 mo. from a metabolic disease and I can completly relate to your story. Our miracle was not in our daughter's healing either but in all the lives that she touched in her short little life too and the perspective she gave to our own life as to what is really important. Thank you for sharing your story and pictures, it touched my heart....