If your newly born child was fatally injured at birth, only living a few weeks, how would you feel? This is the autobiographical account of a young couple who turns to God’s Inspired Word for answers, and find the grace and courage to say goodbye to their child. This tragedy proves to be a pivotal point for this couple, and in turn a blessing from God in disguise.

Matthew J Humphrey was born and raised in Oregon. He and his wife Cindy have four children and they all live in Portland. Matthew has a bachelor’s degree in French from Portland State University. He also writes music and sings for the church.

On the 25th of October Seth Martin came into this world to gladden the hearts of Matt and Cindy Humphrey. By God's divine order little Seth was never able to take his place in their home, but he had a big place in their hearts. On November 15th the Lord received Seth unto Himself.

His life was short, but not uneventful. He helped to increase the faith of all of us. He ministered in a way that won the heart of each one who observed him. The world may have become sad for a moment by his passing, but we have the assurance that heaven is a little brighter with him "Safe in the Arms of Jesus." No little child has ever come from the Father, no matter how brief the stay, who failed to make glad the hearts left behind with some trace of heaven.

The family is richer because of this short visit. The visit of Seth was not by accident--it was a benediction upon each of our hearts. He leaves us all with a tear in our eye, but especially grandparents, family members and parents. Emily will one day understand the loss of a little brother she never got to know, but they will be able to spend eternity together.

Reverend David Weinert

I never thought much about breath until these last days, but I don't suppose I'd be good for more than three minutes without it. It is one of the most elementary gifts God gives us. I don't know how breathing works, or why I breathe while I sleep, but I can see from God's word what it means to have breath.

I see that God grants breath to those whom he intends to be alive. I know this sounds profound, but in today's society there are machines that can make rocks breathe. We play out God's role with our technology, and in His wisdom, He lets us. He wants us to see that if we intend to shoulder the weight of such awesome responsibility as deciding whether someone lives or dies we still require God's wisdom to make a right decision. In the end I believe we are better off not opening such a Pandora's box and letting God manage affairs that have been His since the dawn of time. I believe this is essential to being in the center of God's will.

As for me, I am convinced that if a person cannot breathe for himself, there is a possibility that God's will might be to take him home to live in heaven. Our son, Seth Martin, died on November 15th, 1993, of respiratory failure, and when his soul had returned to its maker, there was a peace over his body that this world cannot know. Left behind were the needles and tubes and congestion and a case of severe quadriplegia. This child only knew of our love filtered through a body of pain and confinement.