Saige Jochebed May

Passed from this Life
December 6, 2009

Memorial Service was held
December 11, 2009 at Southwest church of Christ

Why “Jochebed”?

Early on in the pregnancy, while trying to come up with and decide on a name, we decided to see what Branna thought her little sister's name should be. When asked the question, "Branna, what would be a good name for your sister." She took a second to think, and then excitedly said, "Jochebed." This name, of course, comes from one of Branna's favorite Bible stories—baby Moses. Of course at that point we laughed about it, and it became an inside joke for our family, Baby Jochebed. But when the unexpected happened, we were faced with the pressing question, "What is your daughter's name?" Jochebed had been the nickname we had called her the most. So, although she would not have worn this name in life, in her passing she will forever have a bond with the big sister she never saw.

We Were Supposed to Be…

We were supposed to be your teachers,
to teach you sage wisdom of the Creator's magnificence
and the awe of His creation,
But what has He created that is more "wonderfully made" than you.
No, you have taught us--of the Creator's masterpiece.

We were supposed to be your teachers,
to teach you that despite any current struggles,
there exists an eternal Hope.
But you are now part of our eternal Hope, which lies beyond this current pain.
No, you have taught us--of God's rewarding promises.

We were supposed to be your teachers,
to teach you about the deepest meanings of life,
and the experiences of love,
But in your short life, you have taken us on a journey
through love.
No, you have taught us--about new depths to life.

We were supposed to be your teachers...
Or maybe,
Everything that was supposed to be, has been.
Yes, in reality,
You were meant to be our teacher.
You were meant to be our Saige.

Thank you all so much for thinking about us in our time of grief. We have been blessed beyond measure to have so many people offer up petitions before the Lord on our behalf.

God's Compliments

Branyon has a sermon based on I Corinthians: "... God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." (10:13) I always love to hear this message because it is such thought provoking one.

Think about the best compliment that you've been given: Who did it come from? What was it about? What were the circumstances? Of course, getting any compliment is encouraging and gratifying, but each one these questions can make the compliment mean that much more.

Who did it come from? Did it come from someone you highly esteem? Compliments from those we love and respect usually mean so much more than those from strangers. I think back to high school or college and the times that my parents saw the fruits of my labor. They knew how much time and effort I spent practicing for a solo in a concert or spent studying for a major exam. When they said they were proud, it meant alot.

What was it about? Did you receive it based on something that you poured your heart and soul into? Circumstances where we have put our blood, sweat, and tears have a greater weight of importance to us than those that might just come "naturally".

What were the circumstances? Did it come after trials? Was it a situation that you were unsure of and needed reassurance?

Now, think about a time in your life where you were really tested. How hard was it to deal with? According to the above Corinthians passage, God will not allow His children to have more in

their lives than what they are able to handle. If God has allowed a trying situation to come into

your life, think of it as a compliment. He is saying that He knows you will be able to overcome the ordeal. What greater compliment is that than the one we get from our Creator?

Branyon and I have been faced with one of the biggest trials of our lives: losing our baby girl. I don't know why God has allowed my baby to not be with us anymore, but I know she's safe

with Him. I know that God is watching over us and comforting us. I know he will lead us through this time. I know He trusts that we can make it with His guiding hand.

Tonight before bed, my dad quoted me the chorus of a song that I think is so profound:

"And the arms that hold the universe

Are holding you tonight

You can rest inside

It's gonna be alright

And the voice that calmed the raging sea

Is calling you His child

So be still and know He's in control

He will never let you go"