Sunday 9 November 2008

Give thanks today

Between May 26th, 1828 and July 6th,1839, the Ladson family lost six of their children. They ranged in age, at death, from 10 months to 17 years, but most were lost in their first year and a few in the same year. Malaria and other diseases were likely the cause.

click on photo for larger view

I think of the heartache this family endured and I give thanks that our own children have had health and we have been blessed to see them grow and mature. But they are each His. A gift from Him. And I rest in that.

The inscription at the bottom reads...

Dedicated in early life

To the service of the Lord

We rest in faith, that through Him

They have obtained a more perfect inheritance.

I do believe that it was the faith of this family and their trust in His perfect will that brought them through these difficult times.

Though we do not face the hardships of the 1800's, sometimes I wonder if our complacency, our excellent medical care, our good food and all the things and comforts He provides for us today ...make us less faithful people. We have so little to complain about.

Just some thoughts today.

It was very interesting to visit this graveyard in Charleston. While there was lots of glamor and beauty in the pre civil war days, there was a lot of heartache and pain too.

Have a blessed day.

Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His mercies endure forever.

3 comments:

Thelma Findlay said...

And God bless you.

Kate said...

They all passed in the summer...I would have thought winter? So sad. Your picture is a tribute to those we don't even know. All connected through Christ.

Julie Cortens said...

Yes indeed, through Christ there is one family and one day we will all rejoice together with Him in His Kingdom.
I heard on one of the tours that Malaria killed many children - windows open without screens on hot summer days. But then back then, it could have been measles or a strep throat, whooping cough, diphtheria - all those diseases we rarely think about today because they are taken care of with immunizations or antibiotics. We live in blessed times.