We wanted to let everyone know that plans have been made for a memorial service celebrating our sweet girl's short life. Details are below... anyone is welcome.
Saturday, September 29th
1:00 PM (CST)
Fellowship Bible Church
1210 Franklin Road
Brentwood,TN 37027
Please visit Fellowship's website for more information on their location: www.fbctn.org.
In lieu of flowers, Boothe and I have chosen two ways for those of you who are interested to remember Copeland. More details on these will foilow shortly.
We love you all and so appreciate your words. We are in awe of the way the Lord has used our story and our precious daughter, and we look forward to continuing to see His hand move.
Conor
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Elements by: Angela Niehaus
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September
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- home
- tomorrow
- in her honor...
- Memorial
- "hey"
- homecoming
- update
- 8:30 a.m.
- 12:30 a.m.
- happy birthday, copeland!
- thank you
- baby blues...
- one week ago...
- good night
- out of the mouth of babes
- from the sister
- just breathe
- carrying her home...
- 8:00 p.m. Sunday
- prayer
- photos
- the first 24 hours in the real world....
- home
- 8:00 am saturday
- the road ahead...
- another day - another blessing (8:30 pm)
- 9:15 am
- 7:00 am
- going on 56 hours
- almost home
- thursday morning
- 1:00 am
- 5:00 pm
- Just a few more
- some more pictures
- The proud parents
- Meet Copeland Fair Farley
- 9:00 a.m.
- feeding tubes
- rejoicing
- Copeland Fair Farley
- broken
- peter
- you shall not pass
- carried to the table
- two weeks to go...
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September
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52 comments:
We'll be there.
You are in my prayers today.
I will be thinking of you all on Saturday, as I have been since being introduced to your family via your blog just a few days ago.
I am in awe of your strength. The journey you have traveled is one I could not ever imagine. The good Lord selected you to be Copeland's parents for a reason. I often don't understand the "whys" of the things He does, and maybe I never will. I just know that Copeland's life, albeit extremely too short, was filled with love and comfort.
God bless you all.
I will be there in spirit and prayer, and covered in prayer right now.
Laurie in Ca.
I have been reading your blog since I found it through Mandy Hopkins, but this is the first time I have left a comment. I just wanted to stay thank you for being a "real" person in your writing. I can't imagine what you are going through, but I appreciate your straight-forwardness. I too, would feel abandoned by God. I wanted to share something that was sent to me by my aunt:
This is an absolutely incredible interview with Rick Warren, author of
"Purpose Driven Life" His wife now has cancer, and he now has "wealth"
from the book sales. In the interview by Paul Bradshaw with Rick
Warren, Rick said:
"People ask me, "What is the purpose of life?" And I respond: In a
nutshell, life is preparation for eternity. We were made to last
forever, and God wants us to be with Him in Heaven
One day my heart is going to stop, and that will be the end of my
body--but not the end of me.
I may live 60 to 100 years on earth, but I am going to spend trillions
of years in eternity. This is the warm-up act - the dress rehearsal.
God wants us to practice on earth what we will do forever in eternity
We were made by God and for God, and until you figure that out, life
isn't going to make sense.
Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just
coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one.
The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character
than your comfort
God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making
your life happy.
We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of
life. The goal is to grow in character, in Christ likeness.
This past year has been the greatest year of my life but also the
toughest, with my wife, Kay, getting cancer.
I used to think that life was hills and valleys - you go through a dark
time, then you go to the mountaintop, back and forth. I don't believe
that anymore.
Rather than life being hills and valleys, I believe that it's kind of
like two rails on a railroad track, and at all times you have something
good and something bad in your life.
No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something
bad that needs to be worked on.
And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something
good you can thank God for.
You can focus on your purposes, or you can focus on your problems. If
you focus on your problems, you're going into self-centeredness, "which
is my problem, my issues, my pain."
But one of the easiest ways to get rid of pain is to get your focus off
yourself and onto God and others.
We discovered quickly that in spite of the prayers of hundreds of
thousands of people, God was not going to heal Kay or make it easy for
her.
It has been very difficult for her, and yet God has strengthened her
character, given her a ministry of helping other people, given her a
testimony, drawn her closer to Him and to people.
You have to learn to deal with both the good and the bad of life.
Actually, sometimes learning to deal with the good is harder. For
instance, this past year, all of a sudden, when the book sold 15 million
copies, it made me instantly very wealthy.
It also brought a lot of notoriety that I had never had to deal with
before. I don't think God gives you money or notoriety for your own ego
or for you to live a life of ease.
So I began to ask God what He wanted me to do with this money, notoriety
and influence. He gave me two different passages that helped me decide
what to do, II Corinthians 9 and Psalm 72.
First, in spite of all the money coming in, we would not change our
lifestyle one bit. We made no major purchases.
Second, about midway through last year, I stopped taking a salary from
the church. Third, we set up foundations to fund an initiative we call
The Peace Plan to plant churches, equip leaders, assist the poor, care
for the sick, and educate the next generation.
Fourth, I added up all that the church had paid me in the 24 years since
I started the church, and I gave it all back. It was liberating to be
able to serve God for free.
We need to ask ourselves: Am I going to live for possessions?
Popularity?
Am I going to be driven by pressures? Guil t? Bitterness? Materialism?
Or am I going to be driven by God's purposes (for my life)?
When I get up in the morning, I sit on the side of my bed and say, God,
if I don't get anything else done today, I want to know You more and
love You better. God didn't put me on earth just to fulfill a to-do
list.
He's more interested in what I am than what I do. That's why we're
called human beings, Not human doings.
Happy moments, PRAISE GOD. Difficult moments, SEEK GOD. Quiet moments,
WORSHIP GOD. Painful moments, TRUST GOD. Every moment, THANK GOD. "
A friend sent it to me, I shared it with you, now pick friends that you
want to bless
Thank you for allowing those of us who were never able to meet your angel the chance to honor her and say goodbye.
Thinking of you and praying for you all day!
God Bless You! I will be praying for you. Your stength and faith are amazing!
My husband and I will be there.
I have been following your blog for a few days now and I just wanted to say I am so very sorry for your loss. Your family has been and continues to be in my prayers.
thank you for making all of us a part of this. its an honor. love and prayer to you all
I only started reading your blog a few days ago, but I feel as though I "know". As a mother myself I truly don't know how if I would be able to put my thoughts into words so eloquently. You, too, are an angel. God bless you and your family, you are in my prayers. Bless you Baby Copeland
Conor, Boothe, Sellers I found your blog just this past week and have been blessed by your faith and parenting. I have cried and prayed for your family. We have friends who had a trisomone 18, his name was "Andrew" he lived 5 months, he became a chubby little baby. He too was very loved. Your blog brings light and hope to a world full of darkness. I know you have an ache to hold her and I pray for you during this time. You will continue being in my prayers. Louise Augusta georgia
We are praying for your family as well. I feel Copeland accomplished more in her 8 days of life than I have in my 29 years. She, through your words, have brought so many people closer to God and "back to" God. Copeland and your family have been so inspiring and your experience will help many get through their own ordeals. She has also reminded many that they are blessed and of what they take for granted. Her life had such purpose! Thank you for sharing your story and allowing your sweet little girl and her disease to be a testimony for the Lord.
My husband and I will be there...
I was just introduced to your blog yesterday, but you and your family have been on my mind constantly over the last 24 hours. I have prayed and cried for you, but I find encouragement in your words. God is awesome in that way. My heart goes out to all of you. I know you will find strength in this difficult time. I continue to pray for you. You are a true inspiration.
I remember when I was expecting my daughter. I was concerned for any abnormalities etc. for her. My father assured me that God gives special children to special people. Count it all joy that He chose the two of you, such very special children of His, to parent another such special child of His. Please don't stop writing for now, you will never know the impact your strength, honesty and relationship with Christ, has made on my life. God Bless you for your life.
We are adding your family to our prayers along with our love.
Ross's Parents
How I wish our family could be there to celebrate the short, sweet life of little Copeland!! Our prayers will be with you at that time. Thank you for letting us know ways we can honor her memory!
Oh, how I wish I could be there to thank you for everything the Lord has done in my life through you. The biggest change has been my role as Mom, so I have prior commitments with my kiddos, but I will be lifting you up in prayer especially on Saturday. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I hope you feel all our prayers today.
Praying for you still. And as far as "normal" goes... You have to find a new normal. Just praying.
Julie in VA
I, too, found your blog only this week when I followed a link from another blog I read.
Thank you for your candor - for pointing out that the standard pat answers don't really address this heartache.
And yet you are living proof that faith can endure even in the face of tremendous suffering.
Please know that your witness is providing great comfort and inspiration to others who are struggling to maintain their own faith while dealing with similar griefs.
You and your family are in my prayers.
I cannot begin to understand what you are going through, and I don't know if another comment on your blog offers any more comfort, but the strength and honesty you are displaying on this blog has moved me. May God bless you richly with comfort and peace and love. At this time I pray that you hold onto Him wholly. Your blog has been speaking to hundreds of people and the faith you have displayed is immeasurable.
We will not be able to come. Tennessee is to far from Texas. You will be in our prayers that day as well as all the others
your family is in my prayers. i just started reading your blog yesterday and i am in awe of the strength that God has given you and your family. what a loving way to remember and celebrate such a precious life. i lost a nephew at 8 months and his mom (my sister) is one of the wisest, caring, understanding and most powerful women i know. she loves talking to other moms. if and when you decide to talk to another mom, please feel free to contact her. God Bless.
sawyersmom@prodigy.net
Praying for you day and night. The Lord has brought you to mind over and over and over throughout the past ten days. Will pray for you especially at 1:00 on Saturday as well.
Your little Copeland has touched more lives in eight days than I have in all of my 30+ years.
She has warmed the hearts of so many. You must be so proud to be able to be her parents! What a special little lady you were blessed with. Thank you so much for sharing her with all of us.
May you blessed with peace and comfort. I pray that you will be able to feel her love for you and your family.
I have been praying so much for you Conor, Boothe and Sellars! You will never know how much you all and Precious Little Copeland have touched my life (and many others as well!) Please know I will not stop praying for you all! Emmy
God bless you sweet people and your little girls. I'm so sorry.
Connor, I am moved and challenged by your love, compassion, honesty, and strength. I haved learned much from you on what it means to be the spiritual leader for my family. Continually praying for yall.
-Andy Platt
Praying for your precious family.
Thought I'd pass along this amazing song by a Christian group "Watermark" called "Glory Baby". The lyrics may bring you comfort.
http://www.christianlyricsonline.com/artists/watermark/glory-baby.html
Dear Farley family, your journey has humbled all of us, we love you as well and will one day meet in heaven...can't wait!
God Bless you all your truley a beautiful and selfless family, Thank you allowing all of us to love Copeland and also your whole family.
We will be praying for you here in Ft. Lauderdale. The Harbour Church has you in prayer. Copeland has really touched my heart that I had to let my whole family and all my friends know of this story. They are praying as well. You are covered in His love!
-Mary Kat Conolley
Hi! You do not know me, but my friend Carrie Beth Shelton is in Sunday school with Amy and Karen, and she has been sharing your sweet story with me. I have prayed for you and will continue to. As I read your blog, my heart goes out to you, as I also had a baby with full T18. My sweet Bailey was born, and lived 3 years. She went to Heaven on December 23, 2006. She passed peacefully in her sleep. I know the confusion, pain, and delight that she was yours! Bailey was 2 pounds when we chose to take her home from a children's hospital, so that she could be with us. She was wheel chair confined and had a feeding tube as well. Whether you have a day, or years, these babies teach us lessons of faith, courage, patience, prayer, and hope. You will probably never be able to imagine the people that Copeland's life reached. If I can give you any comfort, know that with each day, God will offer a little more peace. I know that my Bailey welcomed Copeland with open arms into the most beautiful place, one that we can only imagine!
Take care,
Amanda
Memphis, TN
I'll pray.
Dear Lord, please comfort this family. I thank You for You know the plans for us--we don't. You know best, and I ask that You would give peace to Copeland's family. Amen.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for graciously bringing Copeland into this world. I am in awe of your work. Copeland lived on earth for a little over a week, and when Boothe announced Copeland had come home to you, over 600 people responded in writing. Your workings amaze me Lord.
I pray you give the Farley and Blanton family rest, which they are in desperate need of. Please give them emotional and physical rest.
I also pray you be with Sellers, as her little 3 year old brain and heart tries to comprehend all that has transpired over the last while.
Please be with Boothe and, if it is your will, allow her to use the amazing gift of writing you have blessed her with to share Your love with the world...just as she has with Copeland's journey.
Lastly, I pray a special prayer over Conor. Please help him to balance work, being a husband and father, and also being the spiritual head of his family.
Thank you for brining beautiful Copeland into this world, even for the short time you allowed.
In your holy and precious name I pray. Amen.
I realize nothing that anyone says will take away your pain. But maybe some day in the future this blessing from Pastor Julie Pennington-Russell will give you maybe even the tiniest bit of comfort:
"May the God who seeks you find you when you fall;
May the God who loves you take delight in your living;
And may the God who sends you, send you now with joy
For in your gladness and in your grieving -
In your brokenness and in your healing -
In your faithfulness and in your leaving
The God who made you and redeemed you
is the God who keeps you,
still."
Thank you all for openly sharing your short sweet time with Copelan d. God has promised to be close to and heal the brokenhearted and I thank Him for His faithfulness as He completes His good work in your precious family. Love in Him, Cheryl
I heard a song while I was in the pick-up line at school. I think it is by Natalie Grant called "Held".
"This is what it means to be held, how it feels when the sacred is torn from your life and you survive. This is what it is to be loved and to know that the promise was when everything fell, we'd be held."
I pray you, Conor, and Sellers and the rest of your family feel held by God.
I will be there.
Renée
Those of us who have children waiting for us in heaven know where you are. It is like a secret club. Your friends don't know what to say to you after a while. All the while, and it is for a long while, you hurt from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet. Not that this matters but I am told that it takes 7 years to grieve a child. Wow!! I am coming upon my third year that the wonderful Creator of the Universe chose 'not to heal my baby.' He can do ANYTHING, yet something I think is so simple for him he chose not to do. You have no idea the people who are reading your blog and not leaving comments, or the people who are standing around the water cooler and discussing the fact that you are still praising God through this trial. We live in a evil, cruel world. Thankfully our little girls never have to be teased or treated mean. They are perfect and are giggling and telling Jesus stories about their beautiful families. Everyone will tell you it's just one day at a time. I tell you it is one breath at a time. God is gracious and even when we don't know what to say to him or don't want to say anything to him he will hold you through this one breath at a time. So, as you said in an earlier blog..."just breath."
Sending love and praying for you.
Love Annie
"We do not have because we do not ask" - I asked and our mighty Father answered. By the grace of God and his amazings Saints who follow and listen for ways to glorify Him by blessing us - Heath and I will be there. I love you sis and conor
May God be with your family.
I know that no words will truely help at this time. I lost a daughter on June 20, 2006 after an eight and a half month pregnancy. "Fog" is the only word I can use to describe the first few months and then you are overwhelmed with every emotion in the book. My daughter, MaKensie changed me forever and I know that her impact on my life gives me the peace I need to get through each day. I pray that you will be able to always see the good in your tragic experience. I know that it is very easy to feel alone and abandoned by friends, family, and God but remember that you are not alone; it's just sometimes hard for others to know what to say or do. I always keep my daughter's memory with me by telling others about her. I have two other children but I'm not a mother of two, I'm a mother of three.
My daughter's headstone reads "playing in God's garden" and I believe that some babies are just too good to be a part of this world!
When the apostle Paul was locked in prison and suffering in so many ways, he poured his heart out in letters to his brethren, never knowing how God would use those words to comfort, encourage, and lead generations of Christ-followers.
I firmly believe God is using your blog to minister to people in ways you may never know this side of heaven. When you reach heaven there will be many strangers approaching you to thank you for sharing a portion of your family's journey.
I also think of Mary who knew the tremendous burden that lay ahead of her in agreeing to bear God's son, and yet her response was simply, "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said." Or Abraham leading his son to the mountaintop knowing what he must do. The amount of faith that must have required...in the Bible it seems the greatest sacrifice God ever asks is that a parent give up their child...that is the greatest sacrifice he could make to show the enormity of his love for us...and I pray you will continue to cling to him and his promises as you allow Copeland to return to her father-creator. I pray you will continue to be open to the ways God is using this experience to further his kingdom and deepen your relationship with him - and each other.
I wish I had something magical to say to you, but my thoughts and prayers are the best I can give. Bless you and your family.
Love,
Heather
I have cried through your video of pictures...and some of the tears were happy ones...touched ones.
What a beautiful girl. I cannot say any words...but I'm praying for your family.
May He give you peace. And may He come back soon and take us all home!
With love in Jesus,
Holly Smith
Monument, CO
I wish I could be there. I will set my clock here in TX for 1 PM, and will stop and pray for you. Copeland was beautiful, and she touched my heart and my life.
I just found your blog but as I read each entry my heart ached for your beautiful family. I will be praying for each of you and know that heaven just got even better with your beautiful angel's presence.
May our Heavenly Father use this experience to help us understand in a more profound way what it meant for Him to give His one and only Son for us. We are praying and have already seen Him glorified by how you have allowed 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 to be lived out through this blog. "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our trouble, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows." You are a credible witness of His sustaining and enabling love. God bless you and your family.
We will be praying for you on Saturday, and the days to come. You have blessed so many through your journaling of sweet Copeland's life.
I will be praying for you and thinking of you on Saturday. I am sorry we live so far away and I can't be there but I will be in spirit. I know it will be a bittersweet time, a time of celebration and sorrow.
Love,
Mandy
Although we have never met - I heard your story from a friend of a friend - I feel so connected with your family. Even though I don't know you, I feel almost compelled by Copeland's memorial. Please know that my family is praying for yours this weekend.
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