Earlier today, R.C. Sproul Jr.’s daughter Shannon passed away and was caught into the arms of her gracious Creator. Only a little while ago this year his wife Denise passed away from cancer. R.C. Sproul Jr. has been transparent and honest in public (I follow him on Twitter) about his pain in losing Denise, while also relating joy and trust in God for all His good will to be done.
Shannon was a child with a serious medical disability whose life was definitively different than those of all her siblings, yet they all shared in the most important thing: the glorious love of Christ Jesus manifested through godly family. Although I don’t know this family personally, I am drawn into their joys and their grieving as I look on from afar. The grieving is obvious, but some people may wonder what joy I could be talking about. Read on and see…
I encourage you to watch this short clip from Joni Eareckson Tada’s TV show highlighting Sproul’s daughter Shannon. You will see the tragedy of her disability received as a God-given gift of grace. The reality of God’s complete control over our suffering is the obvious anchor for the Sproul family. In this video you will also see the now deceased Denise Sproul – and her caring, strong personality shines through just as R.C. so often describes her.
This all speaks to me in technicolor and 3-D of the love of God, His mercies, and His providential allowance of pain to draw us to Himself. Please pray for the Sprouls.
The Sproul segment starts about 14 minutes in. Please do visit and watch.
Thanks for reading,
-Justin
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