Fab's Adventures

The God that many say is impossible to know… We know Him. A thousand voices lifted up, singing of joy, rebirth, and how good God is. Dan Crooke had his hand raised to praise and worship the God he knows and loves intimately. All of the songs were picked by the Crookes. People were crying as they sang joyful songs, feeling pain, yet surrounded by peace. The Crookes stood as solid oaks in front of the whole church. God gave them the opportunity to clearly share to over one thousand of their friends about the salvation and peace that is possible through Jesus and His death on the cross. It’s a gift not many Christians get in life. All of us singing:

You are good. You are good
When there’s nothing good in me.
You are love. You are love
On display for all to see.

You are light. You are light
When the darkness closes in.
You are hope, you are hope
You have covered all my sin.

That gift came at a high cost. Dan and Annette’s daughter, Ellen Crooke, died in the hospital after a week of being in a deep coma.

Hands lifted up at the memorial service, mother and father sing:

You are peace. You are peace
When my fear is crippling.
You are true. You are true
Even in my wandering.

You are joy. You are joy.
You’re the reason that I sing.
You are life. You are life.
In you death has lost its sting.

Oh, I’m running to your arms.
I’m running to your arms.
The riches of your love will always be enough.
Nothing compares to your embrace.
Light of the world forever reign.

I’m not sure how many people were singing this without any tears. Ethan, one of Ellen’s older brothers, later boldly spoke to the entire congregation about how there is only one way to have peace with God, through Jesus.

How does one thank God for everything (Ephesians 5:20) when losses like this happen?

It’s not over yet. If we keep watching, we’ll see how God brings it all together. I’m not naive to think that the Crookes are happy and full of joy, forgetting about Ellen because now she’s in heaven. No, they still have much grieving to do. I continue to pray for Dan and Annette – that God will give them the time to grieve and to protect them from the doubts and guilt they may encounter. The questions will always linger. I know the feelings and questions I’d have.

“Was it my fault?”

“Was it the devil?”

Even the dark, secret guilt that I’d feel after having a sense of relief, just for a moment, when she died. “No more suffering. She’s in a better place. It’s better to die than to live in pain and brain damaged on life support.” It’s a natural thought to have, but it so easily turns to guilt for even crossing your mind.

The Holy Spirit was overwhelmingly present in the memorial service. I’ve never been to one that I left wishing I had invited all my friends. My prayer is that more people were added to the kingdom through this.

You may feel alone, but God is with you through everything. He carries your sins and pain and nails it all to the cross. He is alive and simply says, “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” (Revelation 3:20 NLT). I am speaking from experience. All it took was one honest moment 16 years ago of me asking Jesus to forgive me and to give me His Holy Spirit. I had no idea what a powerful request that was until the Holy Spirit revealed Himself to me the next night and brought me to tears, showing me a love I had never experienced and making me into a new person.

Jesus says in Luke 11:13, “So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.”

Simply ask. You will see God.