Today precious Gaby passed away.Gaby's story has always been about love, grace, and mercy and today those things were made complete in her life as she became a new creation.
Gabe and I were able to hold her this afternoon and give her to her Creator one last time as she went from my arms to the arms of Jesus. It was a sweet precious gift that we will never forget.
We are so thankful for all that she has taught us about unconditional love and countless other life lessons. We consider it an honor to be her parents and are blessed by the treasure of her life. But most of all today we are grateful that she has been made whole. That God, in his perfect wisdom, has shown her the ultimate grace and mercy in bringing her to Himself for all eternity.
In reading our blog you may think, "Why is this happening to the Browns when they obeyed God and followed Him? I bet they won't do that again anytime soon." Please do not let that be your response to our story. It is not and will not be our response.
Yes, we are hurting and feel a pain that is seemingly unbearable. However, we have a great gift. We trust our Savior more now than ever before. The Brown family will continue to seek God's will and jump when He says go. Yes, we will be taking time to heal our family and ourselves emotionally and spiritually. But we continue to seek what He wants next for our story.
When we again hear His whisper, we will consider it a privilege to be asked, and we will jump.
For today we find comfort and joy in the thought that Gaby is dancing with Jesus.
Gaby has touched so many in her short little life. She had a purpose, now she can rest. You were a blessing in her life and have created so many memories for Macy to have when she gets older of her sister. I have been blessed by being able to follow your story. You have my deepest sympathy.
ReplyDeleteYour friend in Christ
Mari
Gabe & Shelley
ReplyDeleteOur hearts go out to you and your family at the loss of Gaby. Your story has been such a beautiful example of faithfulness. We are so glad that you and all those surrounding her were able to be blessed by Gaby's life.
We pray that God will provide strength, hope and comfort as you grieve the loss of precious Gaby.
Erick & Christa Strasser
So sorry for all you've lost and yet you've gained so much... I'm at a loss for words but seem to have so much to say... May God continue to give you peace.
ReplyDeleteTim & Theresa mossburg
Thinking of your family and praying for you tonight. Thanks for sharing Gaby's life and story with us. May you find peace in knowing that she is in the arms of Jesus tonight.
ReplyDeletelove - Joel & Ang
My sincerest sympathy to you and your beautiful family. Gaby's brief life was encompassed in love, tenderness, dignity, and purpose. May God heal your wounds as He has healed Gaby today and made her pefect. I'm sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteMay the God of all comfort and love give you strength and peace in your sorrow. We love you and are praying for you.
ReplyDeleteDear Browns,
ReplyDeleteWe've been following your blog for awhile now and praying for the whole family. I know this is not how you wanted God to answer your prayers and that it doesn't make sense. What a blessing, though, to have had Gaby in your lives and that you are already able to see all that He accomplished in her short life. Mourning with you, Scott and Karin Bernard
We have cried with you today but will rejoice with Gaby as she is with our Savior! What a blessing that she was able to be loved by you all and to have a family to see her through her tough times. You guys have been an amazing witness. I know God will use this for His glory. We love you! Jeana
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts and many prayers are with your family tonight and in the coming weeks and months. Your response in the face of such grief is truly an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteKathryn
you are an inspiration in all that you do. Gaby was a special Gift and what a beautiful girl she is dancing in heaven today. May the Grace of God encircle you and your family
ReplyDeleteMy heart is with you guys. How beautiful that Gaby is dancing with Jesus.
ReplyDeleteLove, the Bartnicks
We have all been so blessed having shared in Gaby's story. Her story is not over as she has touched so many lives and will remain in our hearts. Thank you for living God's will and sharing your pain...and joy! We continue to pray for you and are so sorry for the loss of Gaby, but she is truly whole now as you said, "in the arms of Jesus"!
ReplyDeleteOur prayers and hearts are with you. We are sorry for the loss of Gaby but are glad to know that she is happy and healthy with Jesus. Your willingness to listen and follow God filled Gaby's short life with love. You have been such incredible witnesses with your faithfulness. We are praying that He will heal your hearts as only He can.
ReplyDeleteJon and Katie Woolsey
What an absolute blessing for Gaby to have your love, support, and one-on-one attention during the last few months. God chose you guys to be there and walk her through her short time here on earth, and then to usher her into His loving arms. My heart aches for all of you and I'll be praying for his overwhelming comfort and joy to hold you up! Thanks so much for sharing your journey!
ReplyDeleteGabe and Shelly, May Jesus cradle you and your family in His arms as He dances with Gaby. What a blessing she was to so many. You are all in my prayers, Linda Creek
ReplyDeleteShelley&Gabe-
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing Gaby's story with all of us. She has touched more lives and been a witness for our Father for more people than we can imagine. How amazing little Gaby gets to spend eternity being happy and whole with her Creator.What a blessing it is to have been able to share in her and your story with Jesus. You are truly an inspiration to us all. You are in all of our hearts and prayers.
Love, Brandi
Thank you for opening your hearts to God's prompting and so faithfully following His plan. Gaby was blessed to have the love of your family. My heart aches for your loss and yet rejoices as I picture Gaby with Jesus. I pray that God will provide you with the strength you need and surround you with His comfort & peace.
ReplyDeleteThe Hiles
You've asked God to use you to further His kingdom and you did it not knowing the cost or outcome. In other words, you didn't play it safe and that's faith, TRUE FAITH! It's amazing the lives touched by two very tiny, beautiful and innocent girls. Our hearts hurt for each of you but we will rejoice with Gaby when we see her again. You've been an inspiration to our family and a community. The Brock family is humbled to call your our friends.
ReplyDeleteOur continued prayers are with you. Thank you for sharing your family's story with us all. Praise to our Lord for blessing all of us with Gaby.
ReplyDeleteThe Halls
Your family has been an inspiration to us. We love you guys and are thinking of you daily. You were blessed to have Gabby, but she was also blessed to have such wonderful parents as you both.
ReplyDeleteCollin and Audrey
God gave Gaby a family that surrounded her with love. What a precious gift! Your faith and courage provided more people than you will probably ever know with renewed faith and hope. I'm so sorry for your loss. I know that in time, He will heal your hearts and replace your great sorrow with incredible joy. Until that time, know that many of us are praying for your family. Thank you for sharing this journey with us. Jenny Murphy
ReplyDeleteGabe & Shelley, we are praying that God provides you and your children with peace, comfort, love, and hope as you go through this difficult time. Thank you for sharing your faith and the blessing of having Gaby in your lives. We are excited to know that one day you will be reunited with her in Heaven, and there you will spend eternity with her and Your Savior. You both have been a selfless example of God's unconditional love.
ReplyDeleteYour Friends in Christ,
John & Jennifer Lew
Thank you for opening your hearts and sharing your story with us. We will continue to pray for you and your awesome family. Amy Allen
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss. I can't imagine how your heart is hurting and how your dream has been changed. Hoping you find comfort in the time you did share. I am sure Jesus is smiling because you did obey. Gaby died, but with the love of family, that she experienced until the very end. Sending hugs(())
ReplyDeleteWe have tears as we're reading your blog. Our hearts are saddened with you, as it brings back memories. We've been thru this too, as Logan's lungs were whited out and he was on the ventilator before he died in our arms. Isn't it an honor to have your child go from your arms to Jesus' arms! God never leaves you. He gives you peace and strength thru it all. God specially chose you to be Gaby's parents, to love on her during her short life. What a blessed calling! Prayers for comfort, Millers
ReplyDeletePraying for your precious family- your strength and faith have touched so many. Gaby knew nothing but love- which is how I wish it could be for every child. Thank you for answering His call even when it was hard.Love you- The Blocks
ReplyDeleteI was saddened to hear that Gaby is gone. I am praying for your family. But isn't it wonderful to imagine her with our Savior - and without oxygen or tubes or anything hooked up! =] Thank you for being an inspiration throughout this journey, Shelley and Gabe. Lots of love from Courtney Jodway.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your lose. Even though it is a sad time we should think of Gaby in a place where there is no pain and sorrow,like you said,dancing with Jesus.
ReplyDeleteLove,
MaKayla
Gabe, Shelly,and Kids,
ReplyDeleteWe have wept with you, prayed unceasingly for you, and now, strangely as it may sound we wll celebrate with you. And one day we will gather around the Throne with you, and won't it be great to hear Gaby's voice and to look upon her perfect face as we give honor and praise to the One who had it all under control. We are so proud of all of you!