Episode 37: God is Faithful at a Time of Great Loss - with Mary and James Anderson
Mary's parents died in a plane crash as they were traveling to her wedding. Suddenly, Mary and James found themselves postponing their much-anticipated day for something they could have never imagined.
Listen as they share the way God prepared them for this loss (minute 54:23), how he comforted and blessed them through complete strangers (minute 23:07), and how he miraculously healed her younger brother who was the lone survivor in the plane crash.
Highlights from Mary and James:
"There are a million ways everyday that God loves us. He gives us every breath we take and comforts us through loved ones and even strangers." Mary Anderson
"Look for the blessings hidden in all situations." Mary Anderson
"While our prayers are not always answered the way we would like, we need to trust that God has his wisdom. It's up to us to trust and know he is good. Draw near to God." James Anderson
26 From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. 27 God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.
—Acts 17: 26-27 NIV
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
—Hebrews 11:1 NIV
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
—Romans 8:28 NIV
(SCROLL down for photos of strangers who came together to help Mary and James.)
More about Mary and James:
James is a follower of Christ. He is an electrical engineer who has worked in top-secret defense of our nation from 1980-1985. His focus has been in telecom the past 30 years. He currently works for a major telecom company in microwave design. He and his wife, Mary, have three grown children and two grandchildren. James and Mary currently live near Franklin, TN.
Mary has a degree in Deaf Education from UNC-Greensboro. She has taught Deaf children, as well as tutored, and interpreted educationally. Mary earned a Master's degree in Adaptive Special Education from Emporia State University in Kansas while she taught students in high school from 2008-2012.
James & Mary Anderson are active members of Harpeth Christian Church in Franklin, TN. They enjoy time with family, studying the Bible with friends, hiking, kayaking, nature photography, gaming, the mountains and the beach.
Mary with her parents and James.
Honoring what her parents wanted, they get married in Texas.
Mary's Uncle Phil walks her down the aisle.