Laken Riley’s mother, Allyson Phillips, recently shared that faith in Jesus Christ is helping her family cope with the horrific murder of their 22-year-old daughter. Riley was a nursing student attending August University who an illegal immigrant allegedly killed while she was jogging on trails around the University of Georgia campus.
In a recent post on Facebook, Phillips noted how difficult it is to lose a daughter in such a tragic manner. However, she thanked Jesus Christ for being with their family throughout the difficult time, calling for others to turn to God.
“As I sat down to write this message, I really just have no words. My family has faced the most devastating, unimaginable loss that anyone could ever be force to endure. I would like to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for being with me and my family during this heartbreaking time. I encourage everyone to have a personal relationship with Jesus. I give Him all the glory for getting us through this,” she said.
Phillips further explained that having to endure such a “senseless and avoidable” tragedy could naturally cause one to question the good of humanity. However, she expressed how grateful she was for the loving and supportive community response the family has received in the wake of Riley’s death.
“It would be really easy to lose our faith in mankind because of this senseless and avoidable tragedy. The amount of love, support and help that we have received during this horrific nightmare is overwhelming. I can’t begin to tell you all how much we appreciate all of the text, calls, flowers, meals, groceries, bows, pictures, personal gifts, memorials, gift cards and donations to Laken’s foundation,” Riley’s mother said. “We are beyond grateful for everyone who has stepped up to be here for us through this difficult time. The outpouring of love has been so enormous – that I felt this was the best way to thank you all in a timely manner.”
Phillips continued demonstrating her heartfelt gratitude for the support from friends and family. The outpouring of love shows that in moments of intense suffering, a relationship with God, first and foremost, followed by a strong community, can help alleviate pain.
“I hope that each and every one of you know how much we love you and appreciate all you have done. We have no words to possibly express our heart felt gratitude. Please know that every act of kindness has warmed our hearts and brought us joy during our worst nightmare. We appreciate all of the time, effort and prayers that our family, friends and community have showered us with to help ease our pain.”
“We love you all and hope that you feel from the bottom of our hearts how much every single thing that has been done for us has meant. I love you all. Please continue to pray for our family as we put one foot in front of the other moving forward,” she concluded in her post.
