For the Decker Girls 💜🩷💚

Last week, our valley was shaken to its core, a mother walked into a living nightmare, and the lives of three precious girls were senselessly taken.

It’s impossible to put into words what Whitney and her family are grappling with and will carry with them for the rest of their lives this side of heaven.

But that’s what we try to do in moments like this: Find the words. Get answers to questions. Search for understanding.

Sadly, we’re often left with nothing to say, questions go unanswered, and logic is nowhere to be found.

This tragedy has broken hearts all over the world, and few will walk away from it unchanged. Thankfully, we find comfort when reading God’s word. From the Apostle Paul to the church in Thessalonica, “…do not greive like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.”

Read the Psalms, take a look at any of the Old Testament prophets, or even observe the behavior of Jesus Himself — they wept, lamented, and felt intense grief.

The Bible often features scenes of intense mourning, but more often it reminds us of His still waters, green grass, and easy yoke. When the world hands us the unthinkable, we grieve, weep, and mourn, but at the same time, we meditate constantly on His steadfastness and promises.

We can also cling to the unshakable hope and truth that those sweet little girls are rejoicing with Jesus in heaven.

They were taken much too soon by our standards, and they left a massive hole in their family. Gatherings will have empty chairs, milestones will be missed, and memories won’t be made.

But we know that this isn’t the end of the story for the Decker girls, and we look forward to the day when Whitney holds them again.

It’s incredible to see our community, our state, our country, even our entire world, come together in mourning and celebration of precious life. The outpouring of love, the countless memories, and the ways Whitney and her girls touched so many lives are astounding to read and hear.

What is there to do now?

What now?

We grieve — but not as those without hope.

We pray for peace over Whitney and her family.

We pray for our own children and family.

We praise God for His goodness, sovereignty, and comfort.

We remember God’s promises and meditate on them day and night.

We band together as a village of mothers, supporting Whitney from near and far.

Those of us who knew the Decker girls, remember them and keep their warmth and kindness in our hearts and minds.

Those of us who didn’t know the Decker girls well, love and support those who are deeply in grief.

Our town is small, which means our impact and influence on each other are greater. No one living in this area was unaffected. Remember that in your comings and goings. Smile a little more, offer a hug, hold your babies tight, and check in with your loved ones.

Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia, you are so loved and always will be.

Whitney, you are in our hearts and on our minds, and we’ll be praying for you through this.

How you can help

There has been a massive swell of support in our community for Whitney. Here’s a list of ways and places you can help!

Cash donations are being accepted at many of our local businesses, including:

• Ernie’s Market

• The Bloom Flowery

• The Sugaring Hut

• Both Blue Spoon locations

• Simpy Unique

• Zull’s

• Swim & Gym in Quincy

• The Salad Bar in Quincy

• Little Red’s

• Exhala Wellness

• Elite Med Spa

The Original Children’s Shop will be donating a portion of their proceeds through tomorrow, as well.

You can also support the search efforts through Wenatchee Blue Family. They’re accepting donations of Liquid IV and trail mix for all law enforcement involved in the investigation. Reach out to Wenatchee Blue Family on social media for drop-off times.

The GoFundMe is also still active!

Other Bible passages to read

• Psalm 34

• Matthew 5:4

• Revelation 21:4

• Psalm 147

• Psalm 73

• Psalm 23:4

• Psalm 18:28

• 1 Thessalonians 4:13

• Isaiah 40

• Psalm 119

• Psalm 46

• Psalm 31

• Matthew 11:28-30

• Isaiah 25:8