There is a date for when we are born and a date when we pass. In between that, there’s this dash. This dash is everything that happened in the life of that person. I have learned, it isn’t the size of the dash that matters, but what you do in that time frame that really counts. I have only spoken of one other person who made their dash count. But today, there is someone else. Layla.
I didn’t know Layla and her family long. I used to volunteer at my children’s school, the same that Layla and her sister attended. I remember helping out with the Pre-k 4 class my 1st year there and in walks this twin girls with big bows, sassy shoes and big smiles to match.They were lovely girls and their family were just as sweet. After leaving the school to homeschool my kiddos, I kept up with Layla’s story on facebook. Today, I saw she went to be with the Lord. My heart breaks for her wonderful family and her many many friends.
We all dreamed of doing great things and changing the world when we grew up. From being Doctors, teachers or even missionaries in the deep jungle spreading the gospel. But sometimes, a special person comes along and changes the world in just a few short years at a very young age..This person was Layla. She had so much LOVE, courage and strength. But most importantly, she had Jesus! So much love for Jesus was packed into this tiny person. You couldn’t help but notice, something was different about her.No matter what she faced or how bad she felt, she’d smile and talked about Jesus. No matter what her family faced or were told, they shared Jesus! Whether it was trails or celebration, setbacks or progression, Highs or the lows, they always shared Jesus and gave him the glory in everything. They showed they trusted him every step of the way. What amazing faith!
We will never know this side of Heaven just to what extent Layla changed the world. But i can assure you, the Lord used this tiny brave girl for his glory! She made a difference! She made her dash count. She changed this world! She showed the world Jesus! She helped those who will one day be diagnosed with DIPG. Because of her, one day a child will have a cure. Because of her fight, she will encourage others to fight. Because of her, people were made aware of DIPG. Because of her family sharing their faith in this battle, another parent will have the strength to make it another day for their child to face a hard road ahead. The ripple effect from her, her family and their journey has no end and we will never know just how far it went.
She is with the Lord now. Healed! Just as HE promised! She is walking the streets of gold or probably sitting in her pretty mansion just enjoying Heaven’s view. May the Lord hold tight to her family and bring them comfort. May we never ever forget a spunky, brave, Jesus lovin’ little girl named Layla.
dirt road soul 