We have had friends, two couples, who have been pregnant together for the last 9 months. Today their two babies were born. The first one was a healthy baby girl, Lauren. And although I don't know the specifics, the second baby, Joshua, didn't survive the delivery.

There will be a service on Sunday, and although we have known about this for months, it doesn't make the reality any easier. All day long my thoughts and prayers have been on our friends, and for the moments they had with their baby.

In times like this I cling to the promise of heaven. One day Joshua's parents will be able to hold their little boy again, and he will be whole, perfect, made new. Without that promise, there is no glimmer of hope in the midst of this deep, deep, sorrow.

^{I Thessalonians 4:13-14}

¹³Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. ¹⁴We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.