Good Morning Friends,
Today’s Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 (NRSV)
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, 4 who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ are abundant for us, so also our consolation is abundant through Christ. 6 If we are being afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation; if we are being consoled, it is for your consolation, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we are also suffering. 7 Our hope for you is unshaken; for we know that as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our consolation. 8 We do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, of the affliction we experienced in Asia; for we were so utterly, unbearably crushed that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death so that we would rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. 10 He who rescued us from so deadly a peril will continue to rescue us; on him we have set our hope that he will rescue us again, 11 as you also join in helping us by your prayers, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.
Have you ever experienced affliction so great you wondered if you would ever recover?
The I’ve Got Your Backs Foundation (IGYB) was established in October 2009 in celebration and memory of Isaac Loughrige whose life was cut short at 21 due to contracting H1N1 flu virus and acute pneumonia. Isaac’s life story is filled with ways he reached out to others. Whether he was providing young athletes with sporting equipment, setting up a service that accompanied college girls to their dorms after a fellow student was violated, taking the shoes off his feet for a homeless man, volunteering for inner city missions work, tutoring a young student in math or purchasing birthday gifts for underprivileged kids, Isaac continually showed love and support to those around him.
The IGYB mission is to educate, impact and inspire hope to youth in need by continuing some of the efforts that reflect Isaac’s heart. The Kathleen and Shawn Loughrige family had to decide how they were going to live through the deep grief of losing their beautiful Isaac. Their family chose to give the same comfort they have received. Today on Isaac’s birthday they will be helping set up for a conference to end human trafficking. Isaac’s mom Kathleen said, “I am sure Isaac will be glad we are celebrating his birthday like this.” We think she’s right.
What’s happened in your life that gives you a broader understanding of suffering? What pain have you endured you that has inspired you and helps you comfort other people in their suffering? Try the 3 G practice.
Give up– the lie that you are alone in your affliction. Let God comfort you.
Give in – to the opportunity to to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God.
Give out – Thanks and praise to God who who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction.
In loving memory of Isaac Anthony Loughrige
3-16-88 – Eternity
With love,
Isaac’s Aunt Clare and Uncle Scott