The Journey of Parenthood…

Helping the Rainey Family

As a mother we all share certain fears. We fear losing our children. We fear losing our husbands. A little over a week ago I got word that Danielle’s brother, Michael, passed away in his sleep. He was only 40 years old and his passing has truly been a complete shock for Danielle and her family. I first met Danielle in elementary school and we became very close through the years…the kind of close where I also got to know all of her sweet family. Her parents are seriously some of the nicest people in the world. I know they are in so much pain grieving their son. My heart has truly been breaking for them, but especially for his wife, Ragan. Michael and Ragan were married for 21 years. They have four children…one who is a tiny, sweet six month old baby. 

Thinking about Ragan, it’s natural to put myself in that position she’s now in. Caring for a new baby. Caring for three older children. Grieving over the loss of her husband. Having to help all of her children to grieve their father. And, on top of all of that pain, not having the financial support she needs. Michael did not have life insurance. And he was also the main source of income for their family. I seriously keep thinking about it over and over. What would I do? How would I be able to function? To continue to trust and lean on the Lord through such an unfathomably difficult circumstance? To simply put one foot in front of the other and make it through each day???

I wish I could do more for them. But no one can erase this week. And no one can give those babies back their Daddy or Ragan back her husband or the Rainey’s back their son. So all I have been able to do is pray for them. Pray for their strength. Pray for comfort that only the Lord can truly provide. 

I am thankful that there is another way we can help them…Danielle recently blogged about funds that have been set up to give them financial help. There is an online way to donate here: http://www.gofundme.com/raineykids-memorial-fund

But the BEST way to donate is to visit your local BB&T bank and make a donation to the James Michael Rainey Children’s Memorial Fund. By donating at the bank they are able to receive your full donation whereas through the online account GoFundMe does charge a percentage fee. If you live local in the Valdosta area I am also collecting donations and will gladly take them to our local BB&T for you (Locals: our BB&T branch is at 2091 North Ashley Street). 

Whenever tough situations arise I am always so thankful to have this blog and the amazing network of friends who read it. I am honored to be able to share the Rainey’s story and to offer any help I can during this time. I know y’all are some amazing prayer warriors and that you truly will continue to join me in lifting them up in prayer as well as help to spread the word in raising funds for them! 

“Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men.” (Paslm 107:28-31) This is my prayer for the Rainey family. That they will continue to trust in God and know his unending love and unfailing goodness in all things. And that He will give them that calm water and bring them to a place of true peace. 

Emily Parker
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