Providence

The dictionary declares providence to mean,
"God, especially when conceived as omnisciently directing the universe and the affairs of humankind with wise benevolence."

Yet, for us here at City of Refuge Ministries, Providence was the outgoing, passionate social worker that swept our office administrator, Juanitta, off her feet. Every time I saw Providence, he had a hand shake and a kind word for me. He loved our own kids at the center and, even more, loved his work. He worked as a probation office for youth and had dreams and aspirations of eventually becoming the head of the Social Welfare office here in Ghana.

Providence passed away today. At 26 years old, it was a shock to us all. He'd been sick for a long time, first losing blood through his gums, recieving transfusions, and eventually being administered blood thinners as a result of clotting in his legs. A clot made it to his brain this morning and he passed away.

We mourn with his family. And with Juanitta. And for ourselves as we have all lost a friend.

I look at the definition and wonder sometimes about God's infinite plan. All I can say is that, though we are sad, I leave Providence in HIS hands knowing that he has a plan and a purpose for every thing--both the good and the bad.

He's holding Providence now--with wise benevolence.