Alyson lay in my arms the other night crying ever so softly. She was worried about her father and what could happen to him during a future transplant surgery. She was also scared about my kidneys failing, dialysis and not finding a matching kidney to name a few other things.
If I’ve learned anything over two decades of ministry to those who are in pain it’s this: “Before you try and fix it, just shut up and listen!” Listening affords the hurting person the opportunity to deal with their “stuff” for lack of a better word. Fixing it too soon can easily result in something breaking again all too quickly.
If you are offended by the term “shut up” I apologize but please remember that this blog promises to put it out there.
So I listened, cuddled and stroked my daughters hair. Then after a few minutes of silence she took a deep breath and let it all out. That seemed to be my cue.
E: Aly, remember when daddy lost his sight 10 years ago?
A: Yes.
E: What happened to daddy’s sight?
A: God gave it back to you.
E: Did you pray that God would give it back to me?
A: Yes.
E: So what should we do about my kidneys?
A: Pray about them?
E: I think so. Want to pray with me?
A: Yes dad.
Listening followed by a simple exchange reminded my daughter of two things...
- God is powerful
- God provides those who look to Him with HOPE
This doesn’t mean we aren’t still concerned. It also doesn’t mean that tears won’t be shed and hair won’t be stroked. It does mean that Hope in God is more powerful than hope in anything that is human. Myself and my family choose to hope in the Lord our God during this challenging time in my life. If you are going through a challenge I pray that you will do the same.
I have found that Hope in God is many things. To name just a few Hope in God is...
- Calming
- Joy provoking
- Protecting
- Peace producing
- Patience offering
I have also discovered that Hope in God allows me to be infinitely more self controlled.
Seventeen Days till the next Doctors appointment. Please spread the word. I am always looking to add to the list of potential donors. The more people willing to be tested the better the odds. Details as to the process etc. will be provided after June 13th.
The last word goes to God and it's found in Romans chapter 5 verses 2-5.
Romans 5:2-5
Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Thank you for your support and your prayers. We value them and we value you!
Blessings,
Ed (as always for Laurie, Ben and Alyson too)
Thank you for sharing this, Pastor Ed... for reminding us that Hope in God is more powerful than hope in anything that is human. By sharing this, you placed us in a perspective that is often overlooked by many. I can understand what Alyson must feel as your family goes through this. Nevertheless, she is still so blessed to have you for a dad! One who knows how to listen to here, comforts her lovingly, and lights her way with hope in the Lord in her times of fears. A lot of us didn't have that while we were growing.
ReplyDeletePlease know that we continue to include your whole family in our prayers... and are also on the look for potential kidney donors for you.
You are a blessing to us. God bless!
OUR GOD IS A SOVEREIGN GOD. HE IS THE GOD WHO IS IN CONTROL OF EVERYTHING. HE IS OUR 911 IN TIMES LIKE THIS. "Call unto me and I will answer thee, and I will show you great and mighty things that you have not known". HIS PLANS ARE ALWAYS THE BEST FOR US.
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU PASTOR ED FOR BEING A BLESSING... I KNOW THAT GOD HAS ALREADY HEARD OUR PRAYERS... thank you Lord!