published: Wednesday, July 04, 2012

Thankful for love, support of Highlands County

Editor:

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesusæ (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

Being joyous has been difficult for our family during this situation, but I wanted to share the importance that prayer has played in our lives during this horrible tragedy. We prayed to our Lord to please let us find Aaron ... and our prayers were answered. We prayed those responsible would be captured ... and they were. We prayed that the Lord would provide a means to mourn the loss of Aaron ... and assistance was received to defray the burial expenses.

When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures" (James 4:3).

Words can never say what we feel in our hearts regarding the outpouring of support from our community. With the kindness of so many, we have been able to defray the final expenses and now look toward the future. Please know we have been good stewards of your generosity and cannot begin to express how humbled we were to have met so many who gave with a Christian heart.

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Galatians 5:14)

We are so thankful for the power of prayer and for those who showered us in the warmth that prayer gives to those in deep sorrow. So many friends shared memories of Aaron, shared stories of renewing their faith in God, and many have dedicated their lives for the first time. We have truly felt the love of our neighbors ... and again words just seem so inadequate.

In closing, we are truly thankful for the outpouring of support and prayers during this difficult time. Moreover, we are humbled and blessed to be witness to the way God is working in the lives of so many since this tragedy has occurred. Although we know Aaron was no angel, knowing that Aaron's legacy has saved the eternal lives of his Christian brothers and sisters has given us a moment rejoice in God's plan. As days turn into months and the months turn into years, please know that our family will be forever grateful for a community who showed us unfailing love and support during our family's darkest hour.

The Doty Family