I don't even know where to begin this blog today. It has been a frustrating week, and it is only Tuesday!
First of all, the GARBC is having its annual conference this week. There are some major issues that need to be hashed out, and unfortunately, there are passionate people on both sides. I fear for this body of churches. I have found myself praying for God to work in hearts, because honestly, many hearts need to change. (Yeah, I know, I need to work on some stuff myself too.)
I can't even begin to understand the "Cedarville issue," so I won't even begin to try to explain it. There are many other people who are far more competent to explain that topic. However, I personally believe there are deeper issues that are under the surface.
Anyway, there are other issues that I have dealt with this week as well. A woman whom I highly respected from my former church went to be with the Lord on Sunday. My heart goes out to the family and to her many friends. Wilma will be dearly missed, yet I know that she is with her Savior. For that, I am grateful.
So where does this leave me tonight? I am in a meloncholy mood, which is normally not me. As I wait for more news from my friends at the conference, I find myself praying for the people involved. But, God, help me pray with an open heart, and not with a self-centered pious attitude.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Monday, June 12, 2006
Chris is gone
Chris Kealen passed away this morning, just after 7 a.m.
What can I say to this?
What do I say to Kent, who has lost his companion, his wife, his lover, his rock?
What can I say to Rachel, who will bury her mother on Friday and marry Brock on Saturday?
What do I say to Adam and Elizabeth, still new to marraige, yet facing the struggle of losing a mother and a mother-in-law?
God above, Father of all comfort, be Yourself and all that You are to Kent, Adam, Rachel, Elizabeth, and Brock. Tonight, let them experience You . . . nothing more, nothing less. Wrap Your heavenly comfort around their souls. Touch them in a real way. Reveal Yourself to them at this time when they are most vulnerable to see You. And, God, help them to recognize that Your love and plans for them go far beyond this mortal world. Give them heavenly vision to see that there is so much more in store.
As for the rest of us who were touched by this very special woman, grant us the wisdom, love, and patience to fight as she fought, and to win the battles that we face. For, dear Father, though some might say that Chris lost this battle, she really didn't. She won the battle, dear Lord. And now, she is able to stand in victory over her pain, over her suffering. She is complete in You, just as You created her to be. She has finally won.
What can I say to this?
What do I say to Kent, who has lost his companion, his wife, his lover, his rock?
What can I say to Rachel, who will bury her mother on Friday and marry Brock on Saturday?
What do I say to Adam and Elizabeth, still new to marraige, yet facing the struggle of losing a mother and a mother-in-law?
God above, Father of all comfort, be Yourself and all that You are to Kent, Adam, Rachel, Elizabeth, and Brock. Tonight, let them experience You . . . nothing more, nothing less. Wrap Your heavenly comfort around their souls. Touch them in a real way. Reveal Yourself to them at this time when they are most vulnerable to see You. And, God, help them to recognize that Your love and plans for them go far beyond this mortal world. Give them heavenly vision to see that there is so much more in store.
As for the rest of us who were touched by this very special woman, grant us the wisdom, love, and patience to fight as she fought, and to win the battles that we face. For, dear Father, though some might say that Chris lost this battle, she really didn't. She won the battle, dear Lord. And now, she is able to stand in victory over her pain, over her suffering. She is complete in You, just as You created her to be. She has finally won.
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Losing someone you love
We found out this evening that Chris, Nat's cousin, is near the end. Her battle with cancer is almost over; the disease is finally winning. Her body has rejected the donor bone marrow from a recent trnasplant, and the cancer has now completely filled her body.
The doctor met with the immediate family today. He shared with them that there was no hope left for Chris. Because she is so weak, the doctor doesn't believe that she will make it through the weekend.
Her daughter, Rachel, was to get married next Saturday, June 17.
Rachel called the rest of the family and told them that she has decided to get married tomorrow so that her mother won't miss the wedding.
Through her whole battle, Chris has been a rock. She has been so brave, and she has enjoyed life.
As I find myself sitting with my laptop this evening, my thoughts are with her and her family: Kent, Adam, Elizabeth, Rachel. My prayers are with them this evening. As they walk through this valley and face this shadow, I know that God will give them comfort and grace.
The passing of a loved one is truly a sacred, anguishing journey of love.
The doctor met with the immediate family today. He shared with them that there was no hope left for Chris. Because she is so weak, the doctor doesn't believe that she will make it through the weekend.
Her daughter, Rachel, was to get married next Saturday, June 17.
Rachel called the rest of the family and told them that she has decided to get married tomorrow so that her mother won't miss the wedding.
Through her whole battle, Chris has been a rock. She has been so brave, and she has enjoyed life.
As I find myself sitting with my laptop this evening, my thoughts are with her and her family: Kent, Adam, Elizabeth, Rachel. My prayers are with them this evening. As they walk through this valley and face this shadow, I know that God will give them comfort and grace.
The passing of a loved one is truly a sacred, anguishing journey of love.
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