Graves into gardens

Five years ago today a young man we never met died in a tragic car accident. His name was Kalix Broussard. Tonight Matt prayed a rosary for Kalix and his family as he stood on the sidelines of the football field where Kalix played. 

Kalix's grave

Our paths would have never crossed with Kalix and his family if our own best laid plans came to be. We were preparing to move our family to New Zealand to serve as a missionary family there. 

But the Lord had other plans. 

The pandemic began and international borders closed. 

We were stuck in Abbeville as we awaited the birth of our daughter Gwendolyn. We enrolled Josephine at Vermilion Catholic High School, for what we expected would be just one semester. Surely, we thought this global pandemic would end by Jan. 1, 2021.

Turns out God doesn't waste time. 

Matt was invited to a men's Bible Study that met at 5am. While he was there, a man's tattoo caught his eye: Jan.27, 2020. Matt's 36th birthday. 

Matt inquired about his tattoo and soon learned the story of this man's son: 

Kalix was a recent graduate of Vermilion Catholic High School. He had been a star football player, #16. After graduation he decided to work at a local vet clinic. On his way to work on Jan. 27, 2020 Kalix was hit by another driver and killed.

This November Katie attended a women's ACTS retreat. Kalix's stepmom shared her testimony on the retreat. Their family has endured so much grief, loss and heartache. And yet, their faith remains firmly rooted in Christ and His promises.

"I am the resurrection and  the life;
whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live."

- John 11:25

Death doesn't have the final word. Jesus conquered the grave and rose again. He is always at work bringing new life from death. We see undeniable evidence of this truth:

Kalix's former employer and parents presented Josephine Kalix's Memorial scholarship

In May 2024 Josephine graduated from Vermilion Catholic High School. Her dream after graduation was to take a gap year abroad. She applied for Kalix's Memorial scholarship and was awarded it. That scholarship covers half of the fees for her gap year in Ireland.

 

Jo in Ireland with mentor and friend

This song has been on my heart all day: 

You turn mourning to dancing

You give beauty for ashes

You turn shame into glory

You're the only one who can

You turn graves into gardens

You turn bones into armies

You turn seas into highways

You're the only one who can

You're the only one who can