Day 14: Canaan is with Jesus

Two weeks ago today, there were many tears shed as a baby girl was born way too early, and death seemed imminent. But then there were whispers. "She's fighting. She is fierce. She is hanging on." 

And then more disbelief. "There isn't infection. There isn't a brain bleed. She's been extubated." 

And disbelief turned into faith. And with faith, hope. And with hope, a groundswell of love.

For fourteen days, Canaan Rebecca Daniel lived in a fight for her life, and she touched countless lives in the process. This one pound miracle breathed life into hearts all over, with thousands praying for her. Her story was shared with strangers who had no connection to the Daniel family. The gospel was proclaimed. 

In her last 30 minutes before she passed from this Earth to her eternal home in Heaven, she was held by Becca, Nathan, and then Donna, her Nanna. They kissed her silky black hair. They sang "Jesus Loves the Little Children" to her. They felt her heart beat. Nathan tenderly whispered, "There won't be a day that goes by that we don't think of you, Canaan Rebecca."

Today, Canaan rests with Jesus. She's smiling, with her deep brown eyes you could get lost in. She is in no pain, and we rejoice that her suffering is no more. I like to think she is running and climbing all over the place, just like her birth siblings. She leaves a large swath of grieving behind, as we struggle on this side of earth to cope with her loss. But we also live with hope, knowing that she will one day greet us all with a joyous smile on her face.

As you see 7's throughout your day, lift up the Daniel family in prayer and give thanks for the courageous 14 days Canaan Rebecca Daniel lived. Know that much grieving is to take place, with more questions than answers. But also know this. Canaan's life had purpose. Jesus loves all the children of the world, red and yellow, black, brown, white, they are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world.

Embrace these songs today with Becca and Nathan. Pray for their entire family. Lift up the doctors and nurses who were with Canaan until the very end. Let your tears fall freely. Feel the pain with us. And if you do nothing else, witness to others. Tell them the beautiful story of Canaan Rebecca.

Even If - MercyMe

Blessed Be Your Name - Matt Redman
Run, baby girl, run! Run to the promised land. In Canaan's land there will be no more tears.

On behalf of Nathan, Becca, Fenley and Wake, 

Courtney