LEELAND3

The urgency of his need forces us as parents to choose one of two emotional pathways. One, a way of demands, anger, anxiety, fear. The other, a way of trust, to be at peace in the face of disappointment, to do what's loving, true, and good despite the circumstances, to have hope for a better tomorrow.
We choose the path of grace instead of vengeance. (95)

The whole climate of Kamiakin Junior High is changed by compassion. Students, faculty, staff, and administration are united, not by a fund-raiser, but by a mission of mercy.
We are awestruck by this outpouring of love, inspiration, and energy from the kids as they rip the baton from teachers' hands in a race for Michael's life. (100-1)

These children with incredible innocence daily face pain and adversity with utter dignity and courage, turning tragedy into triumph, striking chords of passion, sounding the depths of heart and soul. (47)

Those who once seemed to be cold, uncaring, distant, Seattle city dwellers now come alive as warm, compassionate neighbors uniting in love for our little boy. (118)

We are weary, but ecstatic. Things are out of our hands, but in Other hands.
Tonight we go to bed with unbelievable hope. (111)

We have arrived at a new season of
    Waiting,
        hoping,
            praying
to the One who chuckles at impossible odds. (56)

We have discovered along our hard journey two kinds of hope. One looks forward to the final destination, the other for the strength and wisdom to move toward it. Both rest in God's faithful provision. (163)

We hold again a little sparrow, loaned back to us with hand prints from heaven. (203)

We read, save, and cherish the hundreds and hundreds of cards and letters that accompanied the gifts.
They are all treasures, legacies of love, constant reminders that we're never alone, that everyone has something to give, that everyone matters. (136-7)

What if he cries out for his mother's warm touch? How will we comfort him? How will we communicate our love?
The answer to these questions, we are convinced, must rest in the hands of the same loving God who already has shown His ability to turn tragedy into triumph. Once again we must simply trust Him and let go. (162)

Whatever my lot, for today I am called simply to be faithful and grateful, to wait for justice not bound by time, mercy not limited by circumstances. I am called to wait patiently for the unfolding of His perfect plan. (77)

When tempted to quit, we're reminded of higher stakes and higher purposes. We recall who is watching, who cares more about what we're becoming than what we're achieving. We know He cares more about our direction than our progress.
For now we must simply look to Him. (69)

With eyes of faith now lifted up, we find encouragement to press on. We know the worst may yet confront us, so we will cling to the hand of our loving Father. Better to follow Him through the darkness than to cower alone in self-protection! (104)