in the news
Phew! I am glad that is over. We watched the news tonight and were so thankful for how Megan reported our story. We were a little nervous...you never know what to expect. They even let me talk about Jesus on TV! You can watch it here.
I felt amazingly calm (for me) during the interview. I am so thankful that God gives us strength to get through things like this. Things that normally would make us so uncomfortable. I am praying that someone was watching the news tonight who needed to hear about Jesus and that HIS name would be glorified through our story.
posted by the mcclenahans @ 11:53 PM
103 Comments:
I just watched the story! It was done so well! Good job guys! You are absolutly amazing! God bless!
I cried again. :)
You are so beautiful and did such a great job! We're so proud of you guys.
You are amazing, but I'm sure your told that often. :)
I am so in awe of the grace with which y'all have shared Cora's story and your faith with the world - thank you, you are SUCH an inspiration! I will continue to keep you in my prayers.
Wow, what a great way to get your message out. I am so happy that the importance of Cora's playground was noticed by the media. You did wonderfully.
There is a grace and dignity that is brought on by loss... I see it in your eyes...
It was such an amazing testimony. I am from Texas and watched it from my computer via a blog that placed it there. You and Joel truly exemplify God's word and love. Cora is touching so many people and what a beautiful spirit she is and will always be. I think about you daily and pray every time that you will find peace and understanding through this experience. God is Good all the time and He will never forsake you.
Amber
That is so great. What a wonderful way to share the love of God through sweet Cora's story.
God is Good.
that was SO great.
really great. You did good.
great job joel and jess. your sweet baby is so special.
Nice video & News article. It's amazing that you were able to give your testimony of your faith on TV. God is so Good. You were both very nice and did a good job. Well done!
Blessings to you
Teri,
CA
You did great. Nice story.
it's beautiful the way you glorify God together and enrich the life Cora had by sharing. we have lost a child as well and God carried us through. thank you from Pennsylvania.
You both did an amazing job! Praying for you daily.
What a beautiful story. You and your husband are so brave. I have been following your blog for awhile. Cora's story has really touched me. Still praying for you all.
Lara in Indiana
It's perfect! Great job to both of you!
Going to watch now.
You both did a great job! God Bless your wonderful souls!
Just watched the video here in Iowa and you both amaze me every day!! What a wonderful tribute to your precious angel!! You both did so well!! He has amazing things in store for you!! Glory be to God!! Cora is so proud of you both! You are an inspiration and you have touched so many!! Be well!!
It was perfect.
Shana
YOU GUYS ARE AMAZING.WHAT A BLESSING.HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!
I'm going to check it out..I'm sure you did an amazing job!!!!!
I know you'd much rather have Cora than be talking about her. But...thank you for sharing her with us. Her story, her legacy and her love. Thanking you for giving our God the glory for such a hard thing.
congrats on getting through that!! i haven't watched the interview yet, but i will!
can you send me the link for cora's playground? i have looked but can't find the code. many thanks and i hope that someone out there who needed to hear about Jesus had open ears and an open heart. way to go!
Wow - what a day you guys had yestserday! Amazing! I just read the newspaper article and watched the news story - just beautiful! Your strength and love for your daughter are just amazing to see. Cora is amazing and has touched so many. I wish you were holding her in your arms today...but I am so proud of you for how you are honoring your sweet daughter.
I know we have never met...but I am so touched and so proud.
Hugs and prayers from Indiana!
I know that had to be so difficult for you, but what a tribute to your sweet Cora.
It was perfect! I am stuggling so very much with my faith these days..Is that what continues to bring me to your blog, your Cora multiple times a day. A stranger who only knows you from Cora's story? You continue to be an inspiration to me.
Thank you for using your heartache to spread the word of God..
Kim
What a wonderful way to spread Cora's story. You are amazing people, and thank you for sharing your story. Your precious Cora will continue to touch lives and encourage individuals to know God.
Krissy
Batavia IL
Jess,
My husband and I read the news article last night. I had tears rolling down my face. The journalist told your story beautifully.
I, too, was worried about how your news station would present your story, but I think they did a wonderful job. Since we are in Missouri, I knew we wouldn't be able to see the story until today. It has been a blessing to see the good work that God does...especially in the media outlet.
I cannot imagine how difficult it has been for you and I am amazed and continue to be inspired by you and your husband. You all are just an exceptional couple. That is what my husband and I think. We can only strive to imitate the kind of faith you all have.
Please know that you continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. Also know that God is pleased with what you did yesterday and that He and Cora are smiling down on you today.
Love,
Tina
What a wonderful interview. You are in my prayers.
Amazing strength that only God can give! You guys did a wonderful job! With God's Grace, I bet we will be seeing that playground this summer!
It is so special to see and hear you talk about Cora. You are truly special parents! Love the way yu have the orictures of Cora in your home and have the love of Jezus in your harts.
WOW!! So beautiful! God has been glorified through your amazing Cora. Blessing to you both!
I am so proud of you all. What a witness. Thank you for being willing.
what a beautiful interview and a touching way to share God's love.
thinking of you and your family here in north carolina!
Jess and Scott- I know I have never meet you but your story has touched my heart and it always will. Your strength and faith is amazing! I have a request... I belong to a group in Texas called "Young Texans Against Cancer" we are having a dinner at the end of this month and they are asking for pictures for a slide show of thouse (along with the stories) who have suffered... I would love to link your page and your story to our group if that is alright with you. Please know if this is something you do not want I will not go against your wishes! My prayers are with you always! -Kari
You guys were great!! God is doing great things through you and Joel.
I hadn't had a chance to check your blog yesterday so when your story was on Fox news I was totally surprised. You two have shown such faith through all of this and both the story in the paper and on the news was done with such faith and grace that I'm more sure than ever that God is smiling on you even through your tears. I know that you have been a living testimony of faith and an inspiration for me.
I know that you would much prefer to have sweet Cora with you in your arms but I hope you take comfort in knowing what a difference her life has made in the lives of others and in glorifying God. Praying for you always,
Robin in Benton
Hi Joel & Jess - I just got done watching the video and I think you were amazing! I know the God is holding you in his tender arms and allowing you to tell the story of your beautiful baby, to His glory. God bless and keep you!
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I'm sure Cora is so proud of her mommy and daddy! You did a beautiful job, and I know it must have been difficult to get through.Praying for you all the time.
My heart has been so heavy for your family. Not a day goes by when I don't stop myself to pray for you. May the Lord continue to give you strength and encouragement during this difficult time. You are so loved...by so many "strangers"...the outpouring of love and concern for your sweet Cora makes me weep. You are so special!!!!
My dear friend, who sculpts all my clay bow toppers, is working with me to create a "Cora" bow. I will email you in the upcoming weeks to ask your permission to list it on my website (all profits to benefit the glorious playground mission). :o)
xo,
Shannon
It must have been so hard to do that, you both did wonderful. You helped Cora spread the Word by doing the interviews. I hope you felt closer to her during those times.
All the money raised up to this point was pretty much by blog use, can't wait to hear how her playground fund grows now!
Thanks for sharing with us out of towner's! What a beautiful testimony of your faith and HOPE in Christ. God has been teaching me so much through you and your story. Praying that even more people are able to hear about your Cora!
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Jess & Joel,
The news story was beautiful! What a wonderful respite to the awful news that is reported daily! Cora's life and legacy and your quiet, graceful faith in our Lord continue to touch the lives of all those who know you and countless thousands worldwide who haven't been as privelged to meet or know you. You did a wonderful job encouraging others to know Christ through your example of unwaivering faith in the greatest loss. Like little Cora, your words were simple, beautiful and pure. Thanks for sharing your story with the world again. We continue to think and pray for you many times a day and hope you just how loved, cared for, and respected you both are.
Take care of yourselves and each other.
Sarah
AMAZING!!!! You guys did such an amazing job sharing your faith! It was so nice to see such a beautiful family on TV!
Crying again as I watch your story. You both are such strong people.
Continued prayers for you!
We watched it here in Manhattan too! Such poise and strength you two have...by God's grace, I know. I appreciate your availability to be used in stretching ways.
You really gave glory to Jesus. Praise him! I am so sorry for your loss. Cora will not be forgotten.
Well done! So difficult to do. I never tire of seeing beautiful images of your beautiful daughter. I wish we could return her to your loving arms.
I saw the interview on Fox Ks. last night. You guys did awesome! I know that you reached out to so many people through that interview. Cora is still touching so many peoples lives and teaching them about Jesus.
God bless and keep telling the world about your baby Cora.
Courtney
Tears are pouring....for you and your family......because I know that what you are being asked to endure for His glory is heartbreaking. That was a wonderful news piece and I know that so many people have found Jesus as a result of your story.
You have inspired me so much too with your etsy store!! I aspire to have my own etsy business one day, and your store has really motivated me and encouraged me in that respect too. What is also so encouraging is that my faith in mankind has been lifted after seeing the huge outpouring of the work so many have done to raise money for Cora's playground.
I pray for God's blessings over your family.
Kristin
Oh to be the parents you are! You are an inspiration to Christian parents everywhere.
You did an amazing job! I know it's so hard to step out there and do something like this, but YOU DID IT! Way to go! Praying for you...
just watched your story.. i am praying for you and your family everyday.
Great job. That was really nice. Made me cry again. Such a sweet girl....
Still praying for you guys.
Such a great interview. I am in awe of our strength and genuine love of Him. May the days ahead get easier and easier as you find wisdom and strength in His word.
You guys did a great job! I am continually amazed at the ways in which God is using Cora (and you two) to share His love. You guys are amazing.
Just beautiful!
Wow...you two are the pillar of strength! Thank you for continuing to inspire so many of us and helping to spread the word on your lovely little Cora. I can't wait for the bag I ordered from polkadotmarket.com to come in the mail which benefited the memory of your sweet girl's playground! May God continue to reign his blessings down on you and give you the strength you need to get through each and every day. My prayers are continuing for you both!
You both were wonderful. Thank you for sharing this with me and you are such an inspiration. The three of you are never far from my mind and always in my heart. I was amazed at how much this has affected me and am still amazed how it continues to affect me. God continues to work in our lives and Cora helped to remind me of that. I pray for your healing and that your work will continue to help people with their journey to God.
of course that brought back soooo much emotion in me again.... you did a wonderful job sharing your story about Cora. How hard that must have been, yet comforting. I miss you and want you to know we are still praying and thinking of you daily. This week was Blake's
5th birthday and Jaylee is 1 today.
I know the days are hard and lonely and we wish you comfort and peace. We are fine, and enjoying spring break. Time is flying by and yet when I read your blog daily it makes time stand still for me in my heart, and remember the days at the hospital and seeing you and your family there. It still amazes me how strong your faith is and what Cora and you have brought to this crazzzyyy world for many of us. Thank you for being you and being a part of our lives!
We love you and miss you all!
AMIE
You guys really came across with such grace, peace and beauty. We watched last night with tears in our eyes.
Praying for you daily...
Cristy Harder
I am SO glad that I got to see it!!! Thank you so much for sharing with all of us who are not local.
The video was beautiful, just like Cora! It was very well done and you and Joel did an amazing job, I am in awe of your strength.
Sara
You and Joel are both so inspiring. My prayers and thoughts are with you daily.
What a touching account of Cora and the playground in her honor. She is such a beautiful baby. My husband and I have chosen her name if our child is a girl. God bless you both.
What a lovely, tasteful interview. It was nice to hear your voice, for so many of us who feel we've come to "know" you a little.
I'm so happy for you that you have your faith to carry you through this. You should know that your story continues to reach out far and wide...I have never even read the bible, but something about Cora has touched me and awakened my interest. I feel guilty that you had to pay such a huge price to reach people like me. It is humbling indeed.
Wow, God is doing amazing things, beyond our imagination! Just as his word says! The news video was so good to see. You guys had such peace, thank you for sharing it with us.
Your story always brings tears to my eyes. It makes me realize just how much I love my own children and what blessings they are in my life.
Your stregnth and courage is overwhelming is the best sense. It's obvious that God is watching over you with little Cora by His side.
Good job, guys - what a great testimony.
Just watched the video! You both did a great job! It was fun to hear your voices, since I totally feel like I know you! You honored God and I'm sure the word of your testimony will continue to draw people to Jesus. Cora's story just keeps spreading :) It's amazing what that little girl accomplished in her 11 months with us! Praying for you!
I cried again.
You two continue to be an inspiration. I am in awe over your strength and your bravery to go out of your comfort zone to get your important message out.
Great job...I can't even imagine how hard that was for you to do. But thank you for sharing Cora's story with all of us. And I am so excited that way over half the money has already been raised for Cora's Playground!
What a beautiful testimony. Thank you for sharing Jesus in you with us!
I read the article and watched the interview and am once again in tears. It is amazing the way God continues to use you guys. Thank you for being open to that!
A job well done, with that story Cora's name is out there even more and it will be no time before the playground will be up! Blessings to you
Oh my goodness! I would have panicked too! You guys did great though. I always cry when I read, see, or hear something about sweet Cora and I don't even know you all in person. Thank you again for sharing your sweet baby with all of us...
Misty-UT
Your little girl is so incredibly proud of you! Not to mention your Heavenly Father.
I cry nearly every time I visit your blog. I so love your family and Cora's sweet smile gets me every time. God bless you Jess and Joel.
I am so happy that Cora's Playground has been a vehicle for Cora's memory, your family's strength and healing, and your ever growing faith. My daughter Tatum is just a month younger than Cora and your story has really touched my heart and made my relationship with her and with Christ much stronger. Thank you for your bravery in sharing your sweet child with us all! I think of her all the time. Lots of love and hugs from Wimberley, Texas... Amy Lynne
Jess and Joel you did an awesome job telling Cora's story.. I am wondering if after the playground is built, maybe you could set up a non-profit organization and build playgrounds in poverty-stricken areas? Maybe you could sell paper Cora widgets in the stores for 1.00 like they do for other charities? You could help so many other children and honor Cora's memory at the same time... just a thought... sending love and prayers for you both .. remembering Cora every day...Paula from NY.
I'm so glad God is able to use beautiful Cora... I want you to know she is alove and well in my heart daily too. I bought some necklesses off the Etsy to support Cora's playground and they arrived today- I put one on instantly (it says be inspired)And all day long I've been rubbing it and thinking of your beautiful family. I pray for you daily... God Bless
WOW, what a testimony this is, you just wait and see how God is going to move :)
Thanks for sharing the video! I am so glad that you had a chance to share your story, even though it wasn't easy or comfortable for you, and that you had a chance to share with all of the viewers how God is present in your life in the midst of your loss of Cora. You did a wonderful job sharing in the power of the Spirit! I think all the prayers for that time were answered. :) I pray that God will use that clip in the lives of the viewers.
Jess-
You were my "sign from God" tonight! I have been praying for many weeks now over whether or not to commute my daughter (who is going to be in kindergarten next year) many, many miles away from our home on a daily basis to go to a Christian day school (as I did growing up) or just send her to the perfectly good public school in our neighborhood, within walking distance of our home.
After hearing you say (which I already knew) that "nothing is more important than little kids hearing about Jesus", I knew that was the affirmation I was looking for. I knew that was my answer (sign) from God I had been praying about. I know that the many hours of daily commuting her back and forth to school (and the tuition that I was concerned about) ARE completely worth it. Thanks for doing your story tonight! God IS working through you, he did tonight.
I also want you to know how inspiring you are to so many by your unconditional love and strength in our Heavenly Father. You DO inspire others by your commitment to him through this incredibly difficult time. Cora must be so proud of you right now! I think about you and Joel daily and pray for a little more peace to be in your hearts with each new day. Stay strong Jess! You are inspiring so many!
Thank you for sharing so self-lessly to give honor to God. I am your sister in faith and your friend in spirit. Your family's obedience and grace is an amazing testimony. Many of the comments left to minister to you have lifted me up as well. And your pastor's words rang pure and true during the beautiful service for your precious gift, Cora. I am so humbled by your generosity.
I found your blog through Cool Mom Picks and then through Etsy. I am so sorry for your loss and so inspired by your continued faith. Your love for God and trust in Him shines through in all of your posts, even in this hard time. Thank you, I'm encouraged by you and praying for you.
I can see how that would be so hard. You both did really good, and its was a great way to share with others about your story and about God. You're in my prayer.
Emilie, MI
tears...just know you are loved as is cora...by yes, a stranger. xo
I just watched your story. You two are truly amazing. I have been touched by your strength and faith. Your faith has brought me closer to God. Thank you! You are in my thoughts and prayers!
God's words "Be strong and courageous" came immediately to my mind as I watched your video, because you consistently exhibit strength and courage. You both are so gracious. Thank you for sharing your lives and dear Cora with us.
You all are never far from my thoughts and always in my prayers. I am in awe of how much trust you have in God's plan. If I still cry for your sweet baby, I can only imagine how you feel. You did a fabulous job representing Cora and being her voice. She is leaving a giant mark on this world and a huge pocket in my heart.
Keeping you in my prayers daily and sharing her story to anyone who will listen.
Brandi James
Joel and Jess, I know that you were not in your comfort zone, but you sure couldn't tell it! I know you prayed about it and the Spirit gave you the words. There is nothing more important than for people - and children - to come to know Jesus. I love watching the little children in the nursery listening to stories about Him and singing to Him. And they love going outside to play too. They will just LOVE that new playground! Thank you for that gift! The HomeStudio guy from Etsy, Mark, e-mailed me today to say that he is going to be making more of those pink Scrabble tile pendants that say "Cora's Playground" and that 100 percent of the profits will go to the playground. Yay! People have been asking me about them!
This life is filled with pain and with death, but we must not doubt God's heart. Just today I read "I have tasted the goodness of the Lord, but will it ever be my true daily bread?" Daily we walk with Him and that is how we grow in Him and love Him more and more. Your love for Jesus is evident to all.
Debby
Wow. I read the article and then watched the video. My heart just breaks for your loss and your pain. But I can smile through my tears knowing that God is getting the glory.
Thank you for sharing your dear Cora with us.
Just through the pictures of the two of you with Cora you can see how much she was loved and wanted. They are amazing. The two of you are also, with the strength you show inspite of the heartache you feel. God bless you both.
Just letting you know that you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers..
Like the blog reader "Paula" suggestion...I thought that was a great idea. What away to continue your Cora's legacy. I know that I will continue to buy from your Etsy store etc...
Kim
Your strength and faith are so strong and I have prayed for that for you in recent weeks. God is so faithful to answer our prayers and His grace is truly sufficient.
We have recently experienced the loss of a little one and the affect has been similar to yours. I am pasting a link here to CJ and Renee Bergmen's blog. Their strength in their loss is such as yours. http://www.cjbergmenmusic.com/wordpress/
I just read your post and watched the video...I cried thru the whole thing of how many lives this precious child has touched. You are so blessed to have had her. I know it has to be peace to know she is in the arms of Jesus and that one day soon you will see her again. I pray for you often. ((hugs)))
You did a wonderful job, loved to see you and hubby on there showing the power and strength of God's love. Praying for you daily!
You did so great! Praying for you!!
Joel and Jess, You both did an amazing job. I KNOW how incredibly difficult that was for you. It was so abundantly clear that God's strength was sufficient in your time of need. I was praying for you in a mighty way. I just returned home from the YAC trip and read the article and watched the newscast. Even those two things are such a beautiful reminder of the legacy Cora has left with her two wonderful parents to carry the message on. I can't wait to see you and give you a huge hug. You are definitely on a journey with God as you so faithfully walk with Him. Right now, it is not a journey you would ever have chosen, but
I Corinthians 2:9 says, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." I know you have experienced first hand that God promises never to leave you or forsake you. Keep clinging to Him and He will carry you through this horrific time. I do hope this week is a little less "eventful" for you, but thank you for sharing Christ with the world.
Just watched the video and I feel so humbled by your faith. I continue to pray for you and I am so happy that you were allowed to talk about Jesus and your faith in Him. You are both amazing and even though we have never met, I feel such love for you both. God bless you.
That just brought tears to my eyes. It just blows me away how much God is using both of you (and sweet Cora!) in so many lives and I am so thankful for that. It is such a blessing to see, vividly, how much God is strengthening both of you right now. I will continue praying for both of you. ((hugs))
I should learn not to watch these in the office while I'm suppose to be working. LOL What a testamony you have and what a legacy Cora left behind.
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