“The shortest verse in the bible is ‘Jesus wept.’ In times of sadness it is often hard to find the right words – there’s a reason it is the shortest scripture.” – Christian Mulol
Lynnal and Phil celebrated the life of their baby Jethro last night (at his memorial). He was born sleeping and went to be with Jesus while in the womb at 38 weeks this last week.
The words to a song we sang last night are so apt – “Find rest my soul in Christ the LORD, Know his power, in quietness and trust” – and that’s Lynnal and Phil – two people who in the face of adversity remain so full of grace and trust in God.
What a privilege to be a part of this family’s life and what an honour to document such a raw but beautiful time. Jethro’s life mattered and is no less significant for having gone so soon and so as Lynnal said, “Share his pictures. He has been loved by so many. He wasn’t just ours.”
Phil and Lynnal are true heroes of the faith – they trust and love God unquestionably.
Such a raw and beautiful moment as Sandy comforts Phil. Sandy was Phil and Lynnal’s doula and stayed with them for two days while Lynnal was in labour.
From Phil to Jethro:
Psalm 125
Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion which cannot be shaken but endures forever.
As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the Lord surrounds his people
both now and forevermore.
The family all waited outside for hours to be with Phil and Lynnal and to meet Jethro.
Lynnal’s mom: “God is the anchor of our souls and we will not be shaken.”
Lynnal listened to the “It is well with my soul” song attached over and over again while in the last stages of her labour with Jethro <3
Lynnal’s dad: “Jethro means excellence and he is calling us to a better way, a more excellent way, and that way is Jesus.”
Sandy looks on as the family admire little Jethro.
“Never to suffer would never to have been blessed.” – Edgar Allan Poe
When Lynnal spoke during Jetti’s dedication in hospital after being in labour for two days, there was an unwavering peace, calm and clarity as if it wasn’t her strength but God’s. Her tribute to God and Jethro and the whole situation was one of the most memorable, humbling and powerful moments I have every been blessed to be a part of. She didn’t want to know why and said “We got to 38 weeks, what a sweet 38 weeks – it was all worth it for this short life.” She said he responded to God’s presence while in her womb in the most lovely way and she trusted God, for He is always good. In God we have a hope and a future. “Peace that passes all understanding – God is faithful in this season, he’s taken his arms and held us and kept us – he carries us.”
We prayed together and praised God.
“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern.” – Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
Thank you to this family for sharing such a special and remarkable story with us. Allowing us into such a private moment that has been so beautifully captured. Little Jethros life is a testimony about the love of Jesus and that is surpasses all understanding. The fact that he lived long enough to bring about such a beautiful story is life enough. Such strong parents with an overwhelming faith.
This is one of the most moving things I have ever seen. What beautiful photo’s and what a beautiful family! It is so inspiring to see a family like this remaining strong in their faith in the face of such tragic pain. Well done for all fully acknowledging Jethro, and supporting each other as you did. I admire you and will be praying for you as you grieve.
Thank you Lynnal, Phil and your family for sharing your beautiful Jetti and his life story with us. I am humbled by your faith. You can truly say that you have found God’s peace. May you all be abundantly blessed
Wow… these are beautiful people.
God bless you.God bless your little Angel.What beautiful people
May The Lord be with you and be your comforter, you are in our prayers! No words can explain the empathy I feel for you all.
So heart-wrenching! Beautiful memories captured. What a brave an strong couple. I hope for peace and blessing upon them.
Thank you precious Lynal and Philip for sharing your story with us and allowing us in to see this remarkable gift of Jethro Calvin George Dickson. You have touched so many lives and inspired so many hearts to believe in this incredible God who has given you the strength and grace to worship him through it all. I know that through this amazing story someone somewhere had decided to live again and try again and most importantly believe in the Lord Jesus and Love him again. You and your family are the most beautiful people I have ever met. You truly display the love and beauty and tenderness of Jesus Chris.
God bless Jetti’s mum and dad for sharing his story with the world. So deeply touched in our hearts forever. We love him. We love you guys.
what a awesome family fully trusting God in their situation and sharing little Jetti with us God bless you all
Good Lord is with each and everyone of u. God bless u guys…
My heart broke into pieces when I read this but at the same time, I was blessed by the sense of peace and complete trust in God that this beautiful baby’s parents showed. God knows all things and I pray His love envelope you through this period. Love and strength to you both and your family.
Oh how I waited to hold him in my hands ….when I heard that lyn and phil we pregnant I shed tears of joy with them …..but now I have to share tears of sadness ……..Lyn is the most beautiful and strongest woman I’ve ever met in my life ….just stay and wait in the Lord as he says in his word that trust in him for he is God that will never forsake nor leave you …May God bless you and your family endlessly.
Oh Lynnal and Phil, this is so touching and moving at the same time encouraging. I would be lying if I said I know what you are going through despite having lost my first three beautiful babies because each pain is different from another, but the same comfort I received from Abba Father God may He alone comfort you through and through. I can’t help but tear as I write this, but God knows it best and we can’t question Him but give Him thanks! My prayer and thoughts are with you.
To a beautiful family and friends, being far away is always hard to see you all go through times like this. We see the Love for each other and the love of God most evident in the room. We pray a blessing for you as you remember little Jethro. We will be praying for the family and know that you are loved.
God bless with love Dean and Bianca Cafun and girls
NO words….
What beautiful moments, tears of sadness and tears of joy Jetti you have amazing parents and you are an angel sent by God! Thank you for sharing. God bless you all!
So happy for you that you have these precious photos as memories of your little Jethro.May God continue to comfort you. Thank You.
To a beautiful family with such GREAT faith
in our Saviour. May He continue to bless you
with His peace, one day at a time as you keep
your eyes fixed on Him the Author and
Perfector of our Faith .Thank you for sharing your testimony
and your special moments with Jethro.Nothing is in vain ,many lives will be
Changed because of him….
Safe in the arms of Jesus
IN OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS.
May God be your comfort.
Gerald & Ursula Maasdorp
We are so very very sorry Philly & Lynnal
In our thoughts and prayers
No words can express the HONOUR I have for Phil and Lynnal.This is only THE GRACE OF GOD IN ACTION before our eyes! A precious moment shared with the world as a testimony that God is able to make ALL GRACE ABOUND in times like these.May the POWER of God’s PRESENCE envelop and enfold you as GRACE will undergird and strengthen you both during this time. I prefer to say heaven’s gain,not a loss.May GREAT GRACE AND PEACE be your portion as you continue to journey in Him and allow God’s purposes to manifest through your Divine union. Bless you, Rene Barnwell
Dear Friends , words fail me at this time , but I know that Jesus is your anchor in this storm , you will see little Jethro again this is our promise as children of God , I pray for strength and peace for your soul right now , I pray that the nail scared hands of the Master will be felt in your heart right now , we are praying for you and we trusting God for your strength to increase at this time, May you know the peace that only Jesus can bring.
Love
Wayne and Quanter Duval
This was so beautiful Nal and Phil. Thank you for sharing with us. You guys are an amazing couple and I know God will get yourll through this. Loads of love Keith and Yoly
What a heartbreaking story of these parents, grandparents and friends. You have been the most amazing parents in Jetti’s short life on this earth. but you and i know that our God is in control and that HE has better and bigger plans for you. I pray that the Holy Spirit will be your Comforter. We know that Jetti is in a better place. God Bless!!!
Blessings to you Lynall and Phill……in our prayers and hearts.xx
Our deepest condolences to you both on the lost of Jethro Calvin George Dickson, I can only imagine the pain and sadness you must be feeling. I pray that the Lord comforts and gives you the strength you need. Just know that he has gone to be with the Lord. Thank you for sharing you’lls journey and trust and believe that this is not the end.
Love
Wayne & Tracy
Very heartbreaking. My heart cries out to lynall and phil. Stay strong.
Its so sad to see gods creation leave so early….There’s no words to explain how I feel right now…we all know that…. Jethro george calvin dickson is gone to a better place and may god be the comfort of this couple… I know that some day FATHER GOD will you another baby so precious as the first one was …… #KING JESUS#
Sad. Inspiring. Beautiful. May his dearly departed soul rest in everlasting peace
Tears fill up and no words, that is the most painful experience ever. I too have been down that road and all I can say to you guys – God knows best. lots of love
very heartbreaking, thanx for sharing this with us. may his percious soul rest in peace…
My heart goes out to the family,my heart is breaking and I’m crying and u r so beautiful as a family
God is amazing thank You father for the peace you have given them. Your family is more than blessed. safely little Jethro on his fathers lap watching over his family.
To the mother and Father, God knows why he does things and this is a very painful thing to go through but God knows best even if we think he doesnt, I have learned that in my life, this is a truly heart breaking story but also so amazing to see How close God came to you two. Beautiful angel boy resting on the clouds up in heaven so peaceful. May God be with you and your family, know that wherever you may go Jetti will be there too as an angel
GOd bless
lots of love
JAde
May you find peace to go on after this. And may you find the courage to try again.
There are no words that we can say to take this pain from you.
God bless you and your family
xxx
So brave of you guys to share this! Thank you, and thank you to all the friends an family looking after you.
I cant help but shed a tear for you guys…. I had a baby 2 weeks ago that also almost didn’t make it.. I was 32 weeks and went for my monthly check up when the doctor discovered that i had Pre-eclampsia and that baby needed to come now coz his been is distress!! At that point all i could do was cry,not knowing what the outcome of the day would be.The first week was stressful but he survived and is doin much better….the doctor told us had we come a day later, he would hav not survived as he was deprived of oxygen etc….. My heart really bleads for you guys.I pray that God carrys you through this difficult time. May you be blessed as a couple and turn to God in this difficult time… May your Angel RIP
Beautiful ,peace ,love and strength for this family. God bless you for allowing us to be a part of this little Angels life. No words can express this feeling, Tears
such a sad thing that is one of the sadest things we have to go through but god will heal that wound be strong R.I.P Jetti
May the Lord the father and son of the most highest grant you strength from day to day to make it through your time of bereavement, your story brings back painful memories as the similarities are unbelievable, for sharing this story you have given much more than what you could possibly know to people that have experienced your similar painful moments, hours and years, but also the strength now to look forward to tomorrow.
Amen and may you be covered with the blood of the holy lamb.
So painful and yet so beautiful…i can’t say I know how u feel…but God knows our heart … God knows yours…be blessed and stay strong…lots if love
Safe in the arms of Jesus. Rest in peace little one.
The tears are streaming down my face, God bless this family.
Tears rolling down my cheeks while reading this. May little Jethro RIP and may mom and dad draw comfort from God and each other xxxxx
My heart breaks for you and your husband. Nothing anyone says can take the pain away. May God hold you in the Palm of his hand and give you strength during this very difficult time. All the best.
Sad and so beautiful sorry for the loss may you find peace and comfort… tears rolling such a beautiful memory not to be forgotten.
The strength of your faith is an inspiration. May God continue to carry you through this heartbreaking time. 1 Peter 4:16, 19. You are a living testimony to these verses. Much love.
Rip little one. Amazing parents.
Jeremiah 29:11New International Version (NIV)
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Safe in the arms of Jesus. This family and their Faith and Trust in God is an inspiration to turn to Him. Thank you Thank you Thank you for sharing this beautiful life of Jethro ♥
My heart is in pieces. Rest in peace beautiful angel!
Dearest Lynnall and Phil. . Firstly thank you for having allowed us complete strangers to share in your and your family’s grief and for allowing us into your world and meeting Jethro Calvin George. … I have only love and admiration for you both. I know that little Jethro is waiting for you and he is your entrance into to heaven. So I pray that Almighty grant you Peace Strength and patience during this sad time that he strengthens your hearts and your unwavering Faith in Him. For God is the best of planners.. Your Jethro was too special and precious for this earth so God is keeping him safe until you three meet again. I pray too that you will always be here for each other and take comfort in each other. Thank you once again…much love and hugs. xxx
So heartbreaking. May his little soul Rest In Peace.
God be with the family Bless them give them comfort.
Tears rolling down my cheeks.
I’m in my second trimester God is the giver of life
God bless the Dickson’s thank you Lord for little Jethros life that he has been able to bless and touch so many peoples lives… “„For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give hope for a bright future “
So so sad.. :( My heart and prayers go out to this Family.
R.I.P Lil Jethro
Dearest Jethro (Jetti) as your daddy calls you …
You have been blessed with such awesome parents -it takes very special people to be able to see beyond their own pain -to be able to see how your little life could be a life changing experience for others dying to a lost eternity.
I know that you know how very much you are loved….
Safe in the arms of Jesus now…
Lynn and Phil – I have never met you but I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU AND JETTI.
Your testimony is such a trophy of Gods grace
Oh my soul what a beautiful story, sacred moments, how humbling, what beautiful souls you are may every one of the finest of blessings befall you. Thank you for sharing this very personal moment with the world. <3
the images are amazing
Little Jetti, you’ve left a little bit of peace on earth (that is needed so much) before leaving to go and be excellent.
Thank you for sharing such great courage…remarkable testimony. You’ve lifted hearts / inspired/encourage/motivated in ways that you can’t imagine. You’ve brought new meaning to , ” I’m pressed but not crushed, persecuted not abandoned, struck down but not destroyed. I’m blessed beyond the curse for His promise will endure nd His joy will be my strength…”
God remains on control. He cannot lie…
Because of the Lords great Love we are not consumed. lamentations 3:22
His mercies are new every morning.
Thank you for sharing this story as a reminder that it is always well with our soul.
May God continue to strengthen them in this time.
The parents strength is amazing… and so is their faith. I don’t know if i could be that strong… and i would be totally angry at God! I am SO SO SO sorry for your loss!!!! sending you so much hugs…
ALL IS WEL WITH MY SOUL….safe in the arms of Jesus…..your baby is so precious God bless I’ve never been this emotional
he has the same grower as my baby
Wow such an amazing couple.. God Bless u both.. That is my favourite hymn.. It is well with my SOUL.. R.I.P Jetti
Coming from a family who owns a Funeral Undertakers, I have never seen anything more beautiful and somber than this. Thank you for sharing your most private moments with all of us.
Because of your selflessness Jethro now holds a special place in all our hearts.
My deepest condolences
An angel too beautiful for this earth, Lord i pray that you are with Jethro’s mommy & daddy for i cannot even begin to imagine their pain. You are so strong, but that truly reflects the faith you have in our Abba Father. Fly high little angel and always keep watch over your beautiful parents. <3 Sending you hugs & hugs <3
God bless these 2 gr8 parents in abundance. He is a little Angel watching down from heaven and comforting u and will be ur strength from day to day. May he RIP. This is so sad. Being a single parent raising a daughter and seeing this breaks me. U looked out for ur beautiful son and God decided he must be an angel. Time heals. U will be blessed with more children and Jethro will always be the boeta watching over u all. Be blessed u in my prayers <3
A beautiful story indeed, God has chosen your precious angel because he needed too, I pray for your family and that you would be consoled in this time.
You have gained a tiny guardian
♡♡♡♡
I am so touched and you are so strong for sharing your precious moments
This is so incredibly beautiful , my heart goes out to your entire family. Jetti knew he was loved. Thank you for sharing your most private moments with us all. My deepest sympathy to all of you. <3 God bless you both so much.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story. Your Jetti is indeed with Jesus. I choose to believe that sometimes the Lord needs the most powerful angels with Him to fight against the evil of the world and your Jetti has been called up for duty. My thoughts and prayers are with you as a family especially Mommy and Daddy – You are amazing and may you forever be blessed!
My heart goes out to you for your loss. I pray that God will continue to strengthen you and give you peace for the power of the risen One lives in you, God is the God of miracles all you have to do is trust in Him. Isaiah 41:10 – So do not fear, for I am with you,do not be dismayed, for I am your God.I will strengthen you and help you;I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
God bless
Keeping you in my thoughts and my prayers. Never lose faith. Keep trusting in God. He will heal and restore. Your story is a testimony of faith and such an encouragement. Absent from the body but present with God. RIP baby Jetti xx
such a beautiful story yet so sad . You have inspired me God Bless
May your soul rest in peace little angel xxx
Phil…I remember u well…and your zest for the things of God. Our condolences to you and Lynnal..We mourn with those who mourn for your little angel. May this testimony of God’s grace upon your life be a lifeline to many. Love from Cape Town x
Our hearts and hugs go out to you Phillip and Lynnal .Thank You for sharing this saddened moment of your lives with all of us ! May our soveryn LORD comfort you TWO through your pain .This is a true remarkable Testomony and such strong FAITH ❤️
Rest with JESUS baby Jetti…
All our Love Segon and Sharlene
I couldn’t hold back my tears. My heart goes out to this family. Saying a prayer that The Almighty places contentment in your hearts and may your little angel’s soul rest in peace.
Sending loads of love
My heart and thoughts are with the parents of angel Jethro. We had a similar incident with one of our employees last year. It was very sad at the time. But i would like to share that by the Grace of God they are once again pregnant. Thank You Jesus. Amen
Thank you for sharing your Jetti Angel with us all…..what a tribute to a lil guy that never became “earth bound”. God bless you Lynnal and Philip and yor families……..may the peace of God continue to give you strength as you walk this road. As a fellow doula to Sandy, I commend her too…..you were truly blessed with an angel to walk alongside you.
Safe in the arms of Jesus,sweetly little Jethro rests!so sad-thanx for sharing your touching story with us.Rest in Jesus he has his arms wrapped around you.
Thank you for sharing this. It just took me back to the day we lost our unborn son. No words can describe the pain, sorrow and emptiness we felt. But….through it all we still gave God all the glory and all the praise for His ways is not our ways, neither is His thoughts our thoughts. To everything we experience in life their is a plan and a purpose. We continued looking to Him the Author and Finisher of our faith. Two years later we were blessed with a beautiful healthy baby girl who is just over 10 months old today. To God by the glory. We will never forget our little Riley and look forward to meeting him in heaven one day. I pray that God’s peace which surpasses all understanding might continue to guard your hearts and minds. This two shall pass! To God be the glory!
Blessings from Brent and family
Our little Jetti, a “Prophet to Nations” you surely are my boy. Your message is reaching the nations; touching hearts and lives and changing mens hearts
towards God. A God, who is truelly alive and intricately involved in the lives of His children. We love you Lord and give you all praise and glory as your
word never fails, “all things work together for good” . While not all things are good, even those not so good things have no option but to respond to God
and work for our good…… love you our little Jetti….Papa Paul
To God be the Glory! Your Faith in God speaks out loud. Thank you for sharing. May Jethro’s soul forever rest in peace, safe in the arms of Jesus.
No words. Just tears. heartbroken.
God bless your family.
Stay strong, have faith.
R.I.P Angel..
When God is in control…. nothing is impossible…. He heals our broken hearts. He makes a way where there seems to be no way. He calms the storms… R.I.P Jetti…. little Angel of God. God bless you, Phillip, Lynnal & extended family.
It is well,well with his soul. Bless this beautiful parents
As a young man watching this I could only thank God for His greatness. Thank u for sharing your most intermate moments with us. We also lost our unborn baby a couple of years back “Tyrique”. I always ask God why, up to this day, but since I saw this I could not stop crying and I knew that God had a reason for taking out little Tyrique. After all these years of so many questions God has put your story on my path just so that I could come to terms with what happened. Thank you very much.
My heart goes out to you as family.RIP Little Angel. God be your strength!
I have a baby girl 4months old I can’t imagen the pain you going throuht cause I know I won’t have the strenght that you as a couple have May God be with you may He hold you in His comfort hands I pray for you as a family may your Angel R.I.P your faith is incredible
May God be with you 2 lovable people and your family. Your Son is in a better place.
My heart is shattered into pieces reading this as I have an 4 month old daughter.
RIP little Jetti… Your Parents are Awesome!
God BLESS YOU AND ALL YOUR FAMILY GOING THROUHG THIS PAIN.
Love
Samantha Cecils
I dont know you but my heart bleeds for you. May the Almighty grant your little angel Jannatul Firdous. My sincere condolences for the loss of your little angel.
Anisha Jones
Hamilton, New Zealand
WOW….beautiful memories.!!.. Condolences to Little “Jetti’s” parents.. R.I.P little Jetti.
What a beautiful & raw moment captured. The testimony is so profound. The hymn, speaks of so much truth in this situation.
Despite the sadness and heartache, it was inspiring to see the love, care and faith that surrounded you and your family in this difficult time.
Words cannot describe the peace that God provides. He will carry you through and the life you lost will forever be celebrated and imprinted on all who saw this post.
My deepest and sincere condolences for the loss of your little angel.
Today I’m crying the same tears I did 25th of September 2015 when my baby passed.I experienced the same emotions…No one could ever say the right words…Our pictures are identical I did the same thing…I asked for my family and my partners family to see our princess even thought she has passed.Me and my partner bathed her combed her hair and dressed her…All i could do was pray..pray and ask God to help me I asked him that if its his will I shall except it.
In this moment I felt better because I found my comfort in what the Lord did.
This proved to me that the world wasn’t ready for our little flower and that God needed her more than we do…
Days will be thought and the memories will be sad but find comfort in the Lord…
I think of her everyday…I think of what would’ve been…When we are sad we go visit her grave and talk to her but I ask God to kiss her everyday.
Thank you for sharing this with us. Safe in the arms of Jesus….
Stay Blessed! Rest in Peace little Jetti…
Jethro
Abundance, excellence is your name,
Ten fingers, ten toes – perfect in every way,
Our meeting was brief, but I will love you forever,
I heard the silent tears,
I saw the shoulders heave,
Questions, yes, Peace, yes,
YES, God’s peace flowing like a river,
God’s grace is sufficient for us,
He created you for His Purpose,
Lives are forever changed because of you,
To my little muffin, my nugget……
The Phoenix will rise and your soul will forever be in the atmosphere,
You have left us behind to continue with God’s abundance,
I know that you are resting in peace,
GO WELL MY BELOVED………..
GOGOROS