Jeremiah 1:5

After Mass, we took the long walk to the graveyard like we do every Sunday.  We made it to her grave and stopped.  We bowed our heads and prayed like we always do and then Dan stooped down to remove  some fallen leaves from the stone and Sarah asked, "Why did you chose that verse?'

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,    before you were born I dedicated you. - Jeremiah 1:5

I took a deep breath and said, "Well, it brought us peace knowing that God knew Rebecca even before we did and that...."

And then the tears started to flow.  I couldn't finish my sentence. Sarah gave me a hug and then we all headed to the car.

I never finished my answer to Sarah because I typically can't talk about Rebecca without crying.  But I wanted to try to put into words why we chose this verse.

It's simple really. These words bring me comfort, peace and hope.

It brings me comfort to know that God knew Rebecca and his plans for her from the beginning of time.  It brings me peace to know that he set her apart as a saint and that she would share eternity with him.  It brings me hope to know that God had a plan for her even if I don't know that plan or purpose.

Knowledge that Rebecca was God's before she was ours helps me when I question Him about her life and death and ask him "why" like I do so often.  Because yes, 3 and a half years later, I am still questioning him, still wondering what it was all for.

Even though he hasn't revealed those answers to me, I know she is His.  He knew her and loved her before me. He continues to know her and love her and that brings me solace.

And that my sweet Sarah, is why we chose that verse.