by Rich Stratton, Assistant Director of Public Relations
Two Families Tested by Tragedy and Sustained by Faith
Some stories begin with joy; others with sorrow. Yet the most remarkable stories reveal how God faithfully weaves both together, bringing beauty from ashes in ways no one could have imagined.
Dean and Merav Maxwell know the deep ache of loss. On January 29, 2025, they lost their daughter, Grace, a beloved Cedarville University student, in the tragic plane crash over the Potomac River. Every parent hopes for more days, more conversations, and more memories. The Maxwells suddenly found themselves grieving what might have been.
Less than three months later, Trish White and her family faced a terrifying ordeal of their own. Trish, her husband Matt, their son Judah — a Cedarville student, daughter Aliyah, and a friend survived a private plane crash that could easily have ended very differently. While everyone walked away, they carried fresh reminders of life's fragility and uncertainty.
Finding God's Presence in Life's Darkest Moments
Both families discovered something that suffering often reveals: God does not abandon His children in their darkest moments.
Through hospital rooms, memorial services, difficult conversations, and quiet tears, God made His presence known. He sent encouragement through friends, family members, church communities, and countless people who arrived at exactly the right time. When strength seemed scarce, He provided it. When unanswered questions lingered, He remained near.
The Maxwells and Whites learned that faith does not require pretending pain is absent. God welcomes honest cries of grief, confusion, and loss. He listens when hearts are broken. He draws near when sorrow feels overwhelming.
Beauty From Ashes: A Testimony of God's Faithfulness
And amid the ashes, beauty has emerged.
The families have seen relationships deepen. They have witnessed extraordinary compassion from each other and from the Cedarville community. They have gained a renewed appreciation for each day God gives — a truth Dean connected to Cedarville's emphasis on learning to number our days and invest them wisely in those we love (Psalm 90:12).
Dean, Merav, and Trish shared part of their journey on the Cedarville Stories podcast. Their testimonies serve as a reminder that while tragedy leaves scars, it does not have the final word.
God is still present, He is still working, He is still bringing beauty from ashes, and even in life's hardest chapters, He remains faithful.
About Cedarville University
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.
