Josie has fought and fought all weekend long. She is so strong. We have said our goodbyes to her several times Sunday when we thought this is it, but she just keeps coming through. We need you to pray for her please. Her little body is in pain and she has suffered so much in the last 24 hours. Please pray that the Lord's will be done. She has fought a good fight and still fighting at this very moment. We just don't want her to suffer any longer. We love all of you that have been special to Josie. Please PRAY FOR A MIRACLE!!!
Lord God I do pray that you bring Josie into your loving arms. Give strength to the family to endure what only you can make sense of. May your love and mercy conquer all. AMEN
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ReplyDeleteChris, Heather, & Family,
ReplyDeleteI pray to God that he is with Josie and you in the very difficult time. God is Good All The Time and he does hear your prayers. Our prayers and hearts are with you during this very difficult time.
Sincerly,
The Frizzell's
(Ronnie, Tracy, Kirby, & Kelsey)
dear mrs.heather and mr.chris,
ReplyDeletemy dad told me about the txt mr.chris sent him yesterday night. i did pray the Lord take her home. it was very hard. but i know she will not be in pain any longer. please tell her i love her and i always will!
thanks,
love carson
My heart is breaking for your family right now. I also have a daughter with Cystic Fibrosis and I live through this moment every day of my life. God is such a loving God and we don't know why we have to go through things such as this, but please know that God loves you all very much and I will be praying for your family and also have my church family praying!
ReplyDeleteBelow, I have posted a verse to one of my favorite songs, which describes the sights and sounds waiting for us on our first day in Heaven. As difficult as this is, let's choose to grasp at what little joy we can.
ReplyDeleteO Holy Place
Such a Beautiful Place
Like Nothing I've ever seen before
Pure Rivers flow
From God's throne
Worries Cease
In Perfect Peace
And Appearing Before My Eyes
I see Your Glory
Too Glorious to describe
My God
You've carried me through life's fire
Now You've lifted me high
And Joy overwhelms my heart
Here in Your Holy Place
Your Presence surrounds me
I feel Your embrace
Angels all around and Trumpets sound
Here in your arms I'll stay and melt away
I've never seen such majesty, beauty and grace
O holy Place
We are praying for your family during this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteThe Jarvis Family
We are praying for Josie. I am so speechless. She is so tender. God Bless You.
ReplyDeleteI am praying for you all. My heart is hurting for you all.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAs a parent of three, I cannot imagine how difficult it is to let Josie go. Although my heart is selfish and wants you to keep your daughter here on earth, my mind knows that GOD will carry her home in HIS time and in HIS loving arms. May you be filled with peace and solidarity during this difficult time!
ReplyDeleteDear Lord,
ReplyDeleteWe all know that you have a plan for each and everyone of us. You have a plan for us on earth and in heaven. Josie has done a fantastic job here on earth. Showing all of us that we must fight, fight and fight through life. She has shown me that nothing should stop me from dealing with any negative things. She has been sick her whole life and that has not stopped her from being a great inspiration to us all. For a little girl to deal with what she is going through, just shows that you have given her a big heart and the strength to fight. But Lord, I am making a simple request. It's time that Josie accepts her new job in the prensence of you. We all know that she will do a great job serving you in heaven. Please take this ANGEL from her pain and give her the everlasting life in heaven. AMEN.
Dear Josie, you have made your family and friends really proud that they have been given the pleasure of beig in your life. I have only known you for a short time, but you have made a major impact in my life, in a way that seems you have been there the whole time. You have shown me that I need to fight everyday, and I will. And for that I thank you. God bless and go serve God in heaven.
we are praying exactly as you have asked. the blessed hope we have is the fact of knowing that she will be in heaven, in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ, in a perfect body! all of us who know Christ as our Saviour will see her again and spend eternity together! we are praying for the Grace of God to comfort and strengthen you as you are going through this. we love yall.
ReplyDeleteHeather, Chris, Jordan and family,
ReplyDeleteWe are praying for you and for Josie to be at peace. Just know that God is in control and He has his hand on your entire family in this difficult time. Tell Josie we love her and we are praying for all of you.
Love,
Rebecca, Sally, Sarah Kate & Sydney Downing
My heart is breaking for all of you. Josie has been a mighty warrior. She has had and will always have our love and admiration. I know it is hard for her to leave this wonderful, caring, loving family. However, we will be praying that she will soon be in the arms of our Lord and free from pain. This is the hardest prayer that we've prayed, but we know this is for the best for Josie. May she soon be free from pain.
ReplyDeleteWe are also praying for the entire family as we can't even imagine the pain that you're all going through. May God be with you.
Bill, Deborah, Amber, Shawn, and Ashton
We love you and are praying with you.
ReplyDeleteLet us know what else we can do for you.
Kristin & Jeremy courtois
I am praying for each and everyone of you!! Josie is a very special person. She is someone I will never forget!!!
ReplyDeleteHeather Comer
I have been praying for Josie for quite some time now. She is a fighter. I pray that the Lord will comfort her and all of her family at this time. We all at Bolivar Ford love all of you and are here for you.
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to let you all now what a huge impact Josie made on me in small time that I taught her. I student taught in her class when she was in 5th grade. She is an incredible young lady and I feel blessed to have known her. My prayers are with you all.
ReplyDeleteI pray with all my heart for our lord to comfort josie and thank him for having been blessed to know her.
ReplyDeleteWe are all put on this earth for a reason. To know Josie, even briefly is a blessing beyond measure. I pray that the lord opens his arms and wraps Josie in the most tender of all hugs. Lord, please relieve Josie of her pain and suffering. Lord, please also comfort her family in this most difficult of times.
ReplyDeleteLetting go is one of the most powerful expressions of faith and greatest parting gifts you can offer Josie. This expression of faith will allow you to give up control, trusting instead in God's love. Your words to Josie will offer her the comfort of knowing that you trust in God so that she can draw strength from your faith and assurance. It is time for her to be the angel in heaven that she has always been here on earth.
ReplyDeleteYou are still my hero Josie.
Love to you all,
Amber Needham
Chris, Heather, and Jordan,
ReplyDeletePlease know that are so many people from FBC praying for your whole family. Jordan - you are a very special young man and I want you to know that my little Haley has been praying for you. Chris and Heather - May God grant your request and may Josie soon enter the gates of Heaven with our beloved Lord and Saviour. Love in Christ - The Ramsey's , Brian, Sally , Haley, and Eli
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeletePlease know that Josie has been in mine and my husband(Daniel Taylor's) prayers and on our thoughts constantly for the last few weeks. Our 8th grade girls Sunday School class has been praying and talking about Josie a lot. We all love her very much. So many people are praying for your family and for Josie. I pray that God will give your family peace during this difficult time. Love,
ReplyDeleteJulie Taylor
We are all praying for Josie and the family. My heart goes out to you and we know that God has her in His hands. May God's peace surround you and keep you through this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteMike, Angela, Alyssa and Jalan Huffman
Josie is in the hearts of all her friends here in Tipton county she has a special place in each one of their lives and has truely made an impression on each one of them. they are all blessed to have had Josie in their lives. They have all been praying for her and will miss her terribly. My daughter is Brea Allen and has been friends with her since elementary school at Brighton. She called me last night and I did everything i could to rally her friends and have them understand that Josie is ready to go home to the lord and has put up a good fight. They all wanted me to bring them to the hospital to see her. I tried to make that happen and they want her to know they tried to come to see her and let her know they love her and will miss her. they have all been sending texts to her phone last night and want to make sure she and her family know that she is loved and that they are thinking of her. I will forward this blog site to all her friends at brighton so that they will know Josie's progress.
ReplyDeleteJosie and her family are in my prayers and thoughts. I have three children and know that children are the most precious thing god can give you. I thank god every day for my children and to keep them safe. I pray the lord takes Josie home soon to end her pain and suffering and gives the family the strength to make it through this difficult time.
Wanda Boone
Josie, You may or may not get this message from your family. We have always thought of you every day, in fact. Abby has cried many hours to see you and wondered if you remembered her. When we came to see you on Sat you were very sick. Our hearts yearn for you to get better. We are trying to do as your mom and dad request for you to pass on to the Lord's arms. It is very easy to be selfish and pray that he doesn't, but I know that is not the best thing. Soon you will be in your Father's arms and there you will be free from pain and sufferings. I know it is scary as it would be for any of us, but it is the best. We will see you soon.
ReplyDeleteLove Always,
Aunt Charity, Uncle Jason, Abby, Coty, Isabella, Gramma, and Pappa
We sang Untitled Hymn Sunday and Josie is all that was on my heart so heavy as tears filled my eyes. I could only move my mouth with the words; no sound followed. The last verse is so appropriate for her now. "With your final heartbeat, kiss the world goodbye. Then go in peace and laugh on glory's side...Fly to Jesus & live!" Knowing that she will be smiling, laughing safe and healthy with Jesus...what an amazing promise. Fly Josie fly!
ReplyDeleteYou touched our hearts forever,
Donald, Kendra & Coco
Blessings for peace and strength.
ReplyDeleteScott and Angie Bumpus
this is david summers from first babtist atoka i just wanted to tell yall that ive been praying for josie and the rest of the family in this hard time and our church is praying for yall to.
ReplyDeleteHey yall! Laura and I are sitting here checking up on the lil trooper!! That girl is just amazing!! This morning I was just thinking about when her and Laura spent the night and Laura's phone fell out the car window and it still worked!! yep! Then when my dad asked her if she was going to pitch and she said yep they cant hit my slow pitch!! She will always have a place in everybody's heart! We will never forget all of the memories we have made with her! We love you Josie!
ReplyDeleteLove Laura and Carson
From the 1st time I met Josie at the 5K in Middleton I knew she had shown so much strength at such a young age. She has trully been an inspiration to me to see that she has gone through so much and continued to fight. As a mother of a 6 year old w/ cf I can only hope I will have the strength and courage that ya'll have had through this all. Know that we are continuing to pray for sweet Josie and your family! Amanda Maxwell-Middleton, TN
ReplyDeleteThinking of you all and praying for comfort.
ReplyDeleteThe Paule Family
I am friends with Amy Morris, just want you all to know that Josie is being prayed for all over, I feel like I know her, she holds a special place in my heart, I pray constantly for God to take away all of her pain, to give her peace and to comfort her, that she would feel his presence in the midst of the chaos around her, I pray too for you the parents, grandparents and siblings that you would have peace and God give you understanding. I know she brings you so much joy, May God bless you all!! In Christ Love, Tabitha
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts and prayers continue for you. God's timing is His timing and His timing is perfect. We pray that at this moment, you are still sensing His presence and peace. Know that we love you and are standing in the gap for you.
ReplyDeletePraying for you all with a heavy heart this day.
ReplyDeleteWe are praying exactly as you have asked us to. We pray that the LORD will comfort ya'll and give you peace.
ReplyDeleteDaniel, Elisha and Kaleb Allen
I am praying for you.
ReplyDeleteYou are in our prayers and our hearts are so heavy, but I have no doubt that heaven is in great anticipation. You have touched so many lives here on earth, including ours. However it is a certainty , although we can't understand it, our Heavenly Father loves you so much more than any of us could ever possibly love you. I have talked to our Lord often in these last few hours, and I know you will soon have joy unspeakable-forever. Love you, Aunt Carol, Sissy, and Seth
ReplyDeleteWe at The Leader are praying for you, the Gray family, and for a smooth transition for Josie.
ReplyDeleteEcho Gaines Denmark
Josie has touched many hearts-she is a true ANGEL! Through life you meet many people, but "Sweet Josie" is one that immediately jumps into your heart and will remain there forever. I will continue to pray for you all. Josie, I pray for your peace and comfort. You are an amazing girl and a hero to us all! XOXO
ReplyDeleteLove,
Laura =)
Chris, Heather
ReplyDeletePaige and I are praying for you and your family.
Get your kleenex ready !
ReplyDeleteIn Phoenix , Arizona , a 26-year-old mother stared down
at her 6 year old son, who was dying of terminal leukemia.
Although her heart was filled with sadness,
she also had a strong feeling of determination.
Like any parent, she wanted her son to grow up &
fulfill all his dreams. Now that was no longer possible..
The leukemia would see to that. But she still
wanted her son's dream to come true.
She took her son' s hand and asked,
'Billy, did you ever think about what you wanted
to be once you grew up?
Did you ever dream and wish what you would
do with your life?'
Mommy, 'I always wanted to be a fireman
when I grew up.'
Mom smiled back and said, 'Let's see if we can
make your wish come true.'
Later that day she went to her local fire
Department in Phoenix , Arizona , where she met
Fireman Bob, who had a heart as big as Phoenix!
She explained her son's final wish and
Asked if it might be possible
to give her 6 year-old son a ride around the block on a fire engine
Fireman Bob said, 'Look, we can do
better than that. If you'll have your son ready at
seven o'clock Wednesday morning, we'll make
him an honorary Fireman for the whole day.
He can come down to the fire station, eat with us,
go out on all the fire calls, the whole nine yards!
And if you'll give us his sizes, we'll get a real fire uniform
for him, with a real fire hat - not a toy -- one-with the emblem of the Phoenix Fire Department on it, a yellow slicker like we wear and rubber boots.'
'They're all manufactured right here in Phoenix ,
so we can get them fast.'
Three days later Fireman Bob picked up Billy,
dressed him in his uniform and escorted him from his hospital bed t o the waiting hook and ladder truck.
Billy got to sit on the back of the truck
and help steer it back to the fire station.
He was in heaven.
There were three fire calls in Phoenix that day
and Billy got to go out on all three calls.
He rode in the different fire engines,
the Paramedic's' van,
and even the fire chief's car.
He was also videotaped for the
local news program.
Having his dream come true,
with all the love and attention that was lavished upon him, so deeply touched Billy, that he lived three months longer than any doctor thought possible..
One night all of his vital signs began to
drop dramatically and the head nurse, who believed
in the hospice concept - that no one should die alone, began to call the family members to the hospital.
Then she remembered the day Billy had spent
as a Fireman, so she called the Fire Chief and
asked if it would be possible to send a fireman
in uniform to the hospital to be with Billy as he made his transition.
The chief replied, 'We can do better than that.
We'll be there in five minutes.. Will you please do me a favor?
When you hear the sirens screaming and see the
lights flashing, will you announce over the
PA system that there is not a fire?'
'It's the department coming to see one of its finest members one more time. And will
you open the window to his room?'
About five minutes later a
hook and ladder truck arrived at the hospital and extended its ladder up to Billy's third floor open window--------
16 fire-fighters climbed up the ladder into Billy's room
With his mother's permission, they hugged him and held him and told him how much they LOVED him.
With
His dying breath,
Billy looked up at the fire chief and said,
'Chief, am I really a fireman now?'
'Billy, you are, and
The Head Chief,
Jesus, is holding your hand,' the chief said
With those words, Billy smiled and said,
'I know, He's
Been holding my hand all day, and
The angels have been
Singing..'
He closed his eyes one last time.
Please spread this story
to anyone you
Want
To be blessed.
This
Story is powerful and there is nothing attached,
Uplifting stories are one of the best
Gifts we recieve
True Story
(i know its so difficult to let a child like that go this story is sad but i think stuff like this is here to show people that there life is easy and should be thankful for our lives and i am yall are going through a horable thing right now and god only takes the best. josie was here for a reason and god sen one of his best angels down here to teach us a lesson)
please let josie know that we love her with all our hearts and wish the best for her we will contiue praying as hard as possible we love you JOSIE!!!
THE DAVIS FAMILY
heather, chris, jordan and the rest of the family,
ReplyDeletei have prayed every day for josie for God's will and for your strenght. my heart is broken and i can not imagine what your going through but as ms pam and mr kenneth wrote she will be in the hands of our Lord and Savior. i will continue to lift you all up in prayer and please tell josie that i love her and i will truely miss her sweet loving spirit. heather i am so sorry i dont even know the words to say but i do want you to know you are in my every thought and prayer! i love you all.
alicia
Praying for you Josie and your family.
ReplyDeleteWith Love,
The Boswell Family
We have you in our prayers. God has kept Josie alive throughout the weekend for a reason! Josie is such a strong girl and has been fighting all her life and is not going to give up now. Hang in there. :)
ReplyDeleteWith Love and Prayers,
Judson, Dana, Ally, Abby & Oney
I am praying for all of you daily. Josie, I remember you from softball so many years ago and from when you were in the first grade at TRA. You have always been such a sweet girl. I know your family loves you so much and my heart is breaking knowing how painful this is for all of you. I am praying for peace and comfort. My whole family is thinking of you and praying for you.
ReplyDeleteIn Christian love -- your friends from a long time ago.....Gayle and Billy Posey and Davis, Will, Caleb, Annie, Joshua, and Mark
i've written this message 3 times, and can't put into words what is on my heart. josie, you are an inspiration to me and i love you. i'm a better person from knowing you ( have been since the day rudy introduced me to you in the cafeteria as the pint-sized spitfire he had to get permission from to date me :-)) heather, chris, and jordan, thank you for letting us share in your life. i pray that God blesses you beyond your expectations. i am praying for peace for all of you. - ashley kink
ReplyDeleteDay by Day we pray for you
ReplyDeleteWondering how can any of this be true
Hearing your name everywhere we go
Something you probably don't even know
Never imagining how soon you could be called away
Never thinking about a life without Josie Gray
The thought of this makes everyone cry
For so many people haven't said good-bye
So many things that we never got to say
We never realized you could really be called away
Not a day will ever pass that someone wont think of you
The lives of so many people you knew
Hearts are breaking because of your pain
Tears are falling all over... like rain
Not every child is meant to have a long journey in this world we know
But its still so hard for everyone to let you go
Everyone prays for you, their hearts so sincere
Not understanding how God could need you more than anyone here
One day, the angels will come to take away all your pain
Knowing that you will be the only one to gain
All the stories tell us that Heaven is great
But still we hope, believe, pray and wait
You have the heart of an angel and the strength of a lion
Where you've been so strong, most of us would be cryin
You've put up the fight of all fights where we would be draggin
This journey for you we can't begin to imagine
No one can stand this sadness or grief
But we cant let you go without hope, faith or belief
God is the one who holds the burden biggest of all
For it is only him who knows when the angels will call
When the time comes for your trials on earth to pass away
We still shutter to think, a time with no Josie Gray
But we know when you go home with Jesus to rest
that you'll be laying your head in a place better than best
You're memories will forever be in our heart
imprinted there, never ever to part
But as long as a ray of hope still shines for you
We'll steadfastly pray cause that's all we can do
Sleep now in peace as the Lord holds you tight
and Lord please comfort this family every day and night
And as the stars shimmer and twinkle above
Let them know that it's Josie sending down her love.
God Bless you Josie
Peace be with you all
Heather,
ReplyDeleteYou have been in my thoughts and prayers daily. Lindsey and I are praying for all you guys. We love ya'll even if we don't see each other much!!!-Emily Griggs