Psalm 34:18–19 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all.

 Two days ago I received a call informing me that my niece had overdosed and died. She had been battling an addiction to heroin for a long time. Last year she had cleaned up, conceived and gave birth to a beautiful little girl, and seemed to be doing well. But a few weeks ago she started using again, and now that struggle is over.

The last time I saw her was in August. We had a celebration for my mother’s 90^th birthday and included a baby shower for her as part of that celebration. I hugged her and told her I loved her and was proud of her and reminded her that Jesus loved her, too.

I was present when God claimed her as His dearly loved child in the Sacrament of Baptism, putting His name on her and washing away her sin. I was there when she confirmed her faith in Jesus as her Savior through the rite of Confirmation. She was taught about God’s love for her in Christ, and professed her faith in Him. In spite of the poor choices she made – like we all do in life – my hope is that she still had that faith in Jesus. What He did for us through His life, death and resurrection gives us the certainty of forgiveness and life everlasting, no matter how great our sin. All we have to do is believe.

I ask that you join me in praying for her parents, Steve and Tricia, her brother Josh, her daughter, Isabella, her boyfriend Christian, and all the family that grieves.