"O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" 1 Corinthians 15:55
Just wanted to share that Ramon passed away yesterday morning. on Thursday, the hospice nurse estimated he had 2-4 weeks left but it was just time for him to go. The image of Ramon completely healed with no tumors or cancer, no longer suffering but dancing and in the presence of our Almighty God brings tears to my eyes. We have such hope in death! If you pray, I would ask for your prayers for Ramon's wife, Allison and their family. I think the next days, weeks, and months ahead will still be very hard for them.
I want to thank you for all your comments from Friday's post. We are grateful for the good, and even the bad comments too. Nick and I were talking about how amazing of a community you all are, such deep and profound support. I think the post offended some, which was not my intention at all :( But the gospel won't resonate with everyone. It can offend some. and some of it sounds weird. It's just so hard because I whole heartedly believe in what I do and I know so many others have their own beliefs. and that's fine! You have complete right to believe in what you feel is right and true. Okay, I'm getting sidetracked but I wanted to say that I was so encouraged by so many of your comments. Seriously, I am deeply grateful and so blessed by you, I wish I could reach out to each and every one and hug you. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. and joining in on the conversation.
Regular posting will now continue :) and Good Cheer Deal's return tomorrow so be sure to check back! Hope you have a wonderful week friends.
ps: one of the comments left said that I would probably delete their comment. I actually never delete comments, unless they are spam or inappropriate/offensive. But you have the freedom to say what you want here. So if you have something negative to get off your chest, that's fine! I may have my husband read it first cause I get scared of conflict but I'll read them eventually ;)
I'm so sorry, Danni! My thoughts and prayers are definitely with you and Nick, as well as Ramon's family. <3
ReplyDeleteMy condolences to you and his family. This gives me so much perspective. I usually run through my day missing the little things. I'm not afraid of dying. I'm afraid of not living what's left of my life honoring God and enjoying the little things.
ReplyDeleteHugs.
Danni, I'm so sorry to hear about your friend Ramon's passing. My prayers and thoughts are with you and his family. I hope they feel his presence, though he is no longer physically with them.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry - prayers going up for you and his family. He's in a wonderful place now.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing and your boldness to share. It just inspires me to be bold for my faith too!
ReplyDeleteDanni,
ReplyDeleteI sincerely appreciate you sharing the amazing story of Ramon. I was so inspired, that I also shared it briefly on my own personal blog. I think others should also be encouraged and enlightened by his acceptance of God's will for his life. Not only that, but I've gained even more respect for you (there already was a lot, as a reader for a several years I feel as though I've grown to know you and your personality!) for sharing your love of Christ in such an open space. I noticed some of the comments were harsh, but we face that everyday as followers of Christ. Thank you for sharing your feelings, Ramon's story, and your openness about the opportunities of love and salvation through Christ.
I'll say a prayer for Ramon's friends and family, that God may grant them peace and comfort.
Take care!! Still loving your blog :)
Of course sending love and prayers to Ramon's family, to you, and to all of the other people who will be grieving his loss. Your faith in the face of what seems like a bleak situation is truly inspiring, and I'm so thankful that you're willing to be open with your community of readers. xoxo!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear that your friend passed.....with it though I am celebrating with you his new life with JESUS. I pray that everyone he touched can look into that hope and celebrate as well. I pray for those who knew him and loved him personally especially his young wife.
ReplyDeletehugs, dez
I am deeply sorry to hear about your friend's passing. From your recent post which told about his amazing spirit despite how sick he was, I feel somehow touched by this loss, even if it's in a very small way. Thank you for sharing his story and my thoughts are with you and his family.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear of Ramon's passing, however, after reading your post about his life, I am sure he is rejoicing with our God right now.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your willingness to share such a beautiful story.
Danni, I am so sorry for your loss. I was moved to tears with your last post, it was beautiful. It is a tragic loss, but now Ramon feels no pain, for he is with the Ultimate Protector. I will be praying for everyone touched by Ramon, especially his wife and his family.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Thank you so much, Danni, for walking in boldness and courageous in sharing the Gospel and the life of your dear friend. He is dancing with Jesus and may the Lord soften the hearts of unbelievers so they too can desire to dance with the one true God for eternity. Praying the Lord's comfort over those who are grieving at this loss.
ReplyDeleteI said a prayer for your friends wife and family right when i saw this!
ReplyDeletemy husbands grandfather went home a few days ago as well(cancer) and when we told my little boy about his poppop now lives with Jesus and isnt sick anymore(just like he prayed for he was happy but sad that he wont get to see him for a long time), now he is praying for his gremmy who is missing her husband, he reminds me every night to thank God for the peace and Joy that he will bring his gremmy... i love how God is using this hard time to build my three year olds faith even more, if my little one can trust God to take care of everyone's heart so can I!!
Praying for Ramon's family! Your perspective is so so awesome, Danni! Love that verse from 1 Corinthians!
ReplyDeleteI love that verse and it is so incredible to think of the hope we have in Christ. Thank you - SO much - for sharing Ramon's story with us. I am one of the people who really appreciate it. Among all the pretty and cute things that make up some of the fun parts of life, there is real life to live too and I am thankful that you kept it so real and shared your faith (which is my faith too) in such a sensitive and powerful way. I am praying for Ramon's wife, family & friends. x
ReplyDeleteprayers for his family & for you, his true friend.
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing his story & yours!
kellie
Danni, Thank you for sharing Ramon's testimonial with us. There is such joy in our faith, but its still not easy to miss those that we love. I am really proud of you for encouraging honest and open discussion here. I hope folks understand that even if they don't agree, its not a personal attack and that this is your space to share your beliefs. Ramon had great friends in you and Nick, thats for sure
ReplyDeleteYou should never be ashamed of the Gospel! I was so blessed and encouraged to see you share it... God bless you :)
ReplyDeleteHis faith is a precious gift that lives on even though he is no longer here with us in body. May God be with his family and his friends, and with you and Nick. Don't let the negative comments bring your heart anymore pain. Be bold, be courageous, and be blessed, sweet friend! Hugs and prayers from Copenhagen!
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are with you, Danni, and for Ramon's family, too. Best wishes during this tough time!
ReplyDeletepraying for you and Ramon's family!! and thank you for sharing the story of your amazing friend with us. and thank you for not being afraid to share your beliefs!!! <3
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to read this Danni. Thinking of you and Nick and Ramon's family through this hard time. Thank you for sharing Ramon's story with us all. He seemed so strong and his positive attitude is truly inspiring. It gives me a lot to think about, I am lucky to have my health and my loves ones.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss Danni and Nick. Though I may not be a religious person, I can appreciate turning to something you believe in at a time of hurt and suffering. Just remember of all the wonderful times you had with your dear friend and cherish those last moments you had with him. Sending virtual hugs.
ReplyDeleteI'm so very sorry. My thoughts are with you, your husband, and Ramon's family.
ReplyDeleteDeath is so hard, no matter how expected it is. Good for you for sharing God's good news on your blog!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't help but think of the similiarities in my life. My friend's mom (only about 50 years old) found out she had cancer only 8 weeks ago and passed away yesterday. My family too has dealt with a lot of death (my grandma, my cousin's 2.5 year old son, and my uncle recently in a freak farming accident). Death sucks but I've discovered that the reason it sucks is because they get to be with Jesus and we have to stay on earth and wait our turn. God is SO good and I'll be praying for your friend Allison.
Our prayers are definitely with Allison, their families and you and Nick as well. Thank you for reiterating the truth and hope in the gospel even if it's not attractive to everyone. Your unwavering strength is a beautiful example to believers and unbelievers alike and I look forward to every post whether it's a heart struggle, lovely food photos or a spread of Downton Abbey. Thank you for allowing us to walk alongside you and Nick while you watched a dear friend slowly grow closer to being united with Christ. You can't be everyone's dear friend that follows your blog, but you do a ridiculously good job of inviting us to know your heart and I'm grateful for that.
ReplyDeletePraise be to God for the impact Ramon had while he was living. Here's hoping we can look half as loving and strong as he was in Christ when God calls us home.
I admire how vocal you are in praising the Lord publicly. I'm always afraid to offend others but in the end, it's better they are offended than not hear what I live for.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about Ramon.
I am so sorry to hear this has happened. Thank you for being strong and overflowing God's love when it is most difficult. It is encouraging for me to read other GOOD bloggers be so open about their faith.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. I will continue to pray for Allison and their family. I have always wondered how do non believers handle death? How sad to not have hope in the resurection. I hope everyone who read's Ramon's story is touched to either be grateful for their hope in Christ or if they don't have a hope to seek it out because it is for everyone.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
I've been away from blogs and missed your post on Friday. First I am sorry for the loss of a friend and husband, but of course to God be the Glory. To know steadfastly that he is now with his heavenly father brings a comfort and peace like no other. I appreciate your openness and your stand for Christ. As someone who can fear man too much, I am always amazed and encouraged when others fear not and proclaim the gospel. I rarely post comments, but certainly this deserved a moment.
ReplyDeleteLove & prayers
Danni, so sorry to hear of Ramon's passing...I will be praying for his wife and family. I just wanted to encourage you along this pathway of blogging as a Christian. Your post of Ramon has touched (and challenged) so many people in ways that you will never even know. How wonderful to honor a beloved friends' memory. Keep up the good work. :)
ReplyDeleteDanni, I just found out about all this through facebook because i used to go to Rockharbor Fullerton & Costa Mesa. my hubs and I know Steve Carter who married Ramon & Allison. Your post was so touching and encouraging... so was everything about Ramon & Allison's life and how they have handled everything that has happened to them. (I read their story in Caringbridges). The gospel can be offense to some-- for those that do not believe.. but for those that do believe it is the most beautiful thing because it gives hope when there is no hope and is a glimmer of light in the darkness. Thank YOU for your boldness to be a witness of Christ and for sharing this story. :) (ps: i met you a couple of times at unique LA and renegade craft fair. )
ReplyDeletethank you for sharing the gospel truth. i love your sweet concern with offending others. i'm not a fan of fellow christians who puff themselves up and throw the gospel in people's faces like they're stupid if they can't "get it together" too (have you heard the song by derek webb "they'll know us by the t-shirts that we wear?" ha!). every word you said resonated love; there was no hint of self-righteousness, and that can be a fine balance to strike when sharing with non-believers. i love that you are okay knowing that you could lose a few readers over your passion for what you believe. i love your blog and your style, but mostly your heart. it radiates in every post, whether it's about jesus or not. the work you're called to is a blessing to others. (and you're adorable. i wish i knew you in real life :))
ReplyDeleteThank you for your courage to speak the Truth. So many, I feel, are afraid of what others will think, but the Gospel never has and never will be popular, but the most loving thing any believer can do is share it with others. I have loved your blog since I came upon it, but now I love it more. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Danni! I have been away, but your friend/ our brother in Christ Ramon had been on my mind. I am slowly catching up on my blog feeds, and was anxious for an update. I am lifting you and Ramon's family in my prayers. Thank you for sharing Ramon's life and testimony; the post encouraged and challenged me.
ReplyDelete