That evening at the vigil, a hawk appeared overhead.
Later, a yellow and black butterfly landed near Michele while speaking with her parents. During a memorial lacrosse game in Carter’s honor, another yellow butterfly landed directly on Carter’s helmet, worn by his best friend.
Psalm 34:18 reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” For the Davis family, those small, sacred moments became reminders of God’s nearness in their grief.
Living in the ‘And’: Grief and Grace Side by Side
Today, Michele Davis speaks of what she calls “living in the and”—the paradox of holding both grief and joy, sorrow and hope. It’s a biblical truth seen in Ecclesiastes 3: “There is a time to weep and a time to laugh… a time to mourn and a time to dance.”
In her healing journey, Michele found connection through a group of women called the Warrior Moms—mothers who’ve also walked through unimaginable loss. Together, they’re writing a book titled “Grieve Like a Mother, Survive Like a Warrior,” a powerful testimony of how God can restore joy even after heartbreak.
“We wanted to be able to tell our stories that help people find joy again,” Michele said. “It’s very intentional with finding joy.”
A Song That Still Speaks
Slater Nalley’s American Idol tribute to Carter Davis has now reached far beyond the classroom where it was first written. It’s touching lives, reminding others that God is still near, and carrying on the legacy of a young man who lived life to the fullest and loved the Lord deeply.
“To have this gift, it’s like a little piece of Carter gets to live on in song,” Michele said.
“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” – Psalm 30:5
When we open our eyes and hearts, we may just find that God’s comfort is closer than we think—through music, through nature, and through the quiet strength He gives us to keep going.
