Faith Through the Journey

Two of the Three C’s

For the first time in almost a week, I’m able to use my computer again. The poor thing “caught” a virus somewhere and needed some intensive care. Thankfully, it didn’t require a major surgical overhaul (wish I could say that about my digestive system!) and I’m back in business. We were traveling out of town so that was actually good timing.

One day last week I received a strange text message on my cell phone. The name identified as the sender was my son, so that made the message seem even more out of the ordinary. After a few texts back and forth, I finally figured out that I was NOT talking to my son, but someone who had received his old phone number after he moved out of the area and got a new phone and number. That number was still in my phone, however, and I finally figured out I had hit the wrong number by mistake when I was trying to send my son a message on his current number. Fortunately the person on the other end of my texts was nice so I’m not worried about being stalked or anything like that! My husband got a good laugh out of that incident, mainly because it sounds like something that would happen to him! Now I just have to figure out how to delete it from my phone…another tech mystery to unravel.

I just thought of more C’s in my life that are relevant at the moment: my daughter and her current place of residence. Courtney is working at an internship in Colorado Springs, Colorado, reporting online for USA Volleyball during the next 6-8 weeks. As any parents would be, we were naturally concerned when we heard about the fires that are currently threatening property very close to where she is working. She called my husband from the airport in Colorado Springs, letting us know that she was on her way to Columbus, Ohio for the next twelve days on an assignment, so for now anyway she’s out of harm’s way. She didn’t know if she’d be able to fly out of there due to the smoke, but got out before it became too hazardous. She’s living at the Olympic Training Facility, and the office where she has been working has been closed for a couple of days due to the smoke. With what we experienced last year in Texas, we have a pretty healthy respect for the power and destruction fires can have in a short period of time. We are thankful for her safety and pray the same for all of those who may be affected by these fires as well. Courtney is writing a blog now too, so I look forward to hearing more about her variety of experiences both in connection with her work and also the amazing experience of living with Olympic athletes for the summer. Loving the Olympics as she does, it’s pretty much a dream come true for her!

Surprise!

With everything that has been going on in our lives during the past couple of months, I’ve forgotten about how many weeks it’s been since my surgery. I’ve been focused on “taking it easy”, “not overdoing”, “avoiding stress (though that one hasn’t been completely possible!)”, that I’ve forgotten one of the most important pieces of the recovery: How is my pain? The surgery was the only option to give me some prolonged pain relief apart from medication. I suddenly realized today that I’m actually going through some days now without the pain I’ve had. I’m still taking pain medication, mainly because I can’t suddenly stop taking it without some significant withdrawal symptoms. But the good news is, I am having days without breakthrough pain. Surprise! Without noticing or being constantly focused on it, I realize that I do now have much less pain. It’s taken 9 weeks, but things are trending more upward now. Of course, as soon as I say that, I’ll have some less-than-great days! But at least  I think things will just continue to improve. I would be happy to toss the medications sooner rather than later, but one thing at a time…

Now to focus on something besides my constant physical symptoms! It’s a strange psychological switch to trip in your brain and it definitely doesn’t happen suddenly. After 38 years of going back and forth with this disease, I’ve learned to temper my enthusiasm for the periods of remission. I have to refocus on something else besides Crohn’s Disease, as lovely as that is!? I’m learning to do the next thing…just like the Lord says…and not focus on the next year, or month, or even the next week. Much of life is just living, not glorious or life-and-death stuff, but going to the grocery store, or sorting through a box of long-forgotten “treasures” (better known as junk!), or enjoying reading a good book. I have to keep reminding myself that I don’t have to live my life at a breakneck pace every day, that I’ve even earned the right to do what I want to do instead of having a long to-do list of things I have to do. There will be plenty of times in the weeks and months ahead when I will have very busy days and wish for a time of rest–this is an election year, after all! If I’m not doing something with my husband, I’ll be working as an election official. With Texas’ early voting calendar, I’ll probably find MORE than enough to do! Along with taking care of my husband, there will be those times when we will have the chance to enjoy our children and participate in their lives more as friends and, if asked, as advisors. The thing we hope for most is that I can really enjoy these things, not just get through them and grit my teeth against pain.

So then, dealing with being better means I shift my focus to what lies ahead, not what has been in the past and all the pain and difficulty it has held. Paul actually said it best: “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” There will always be those well-intentioned people who say, “Oh, I just know this time it won’t come back. You just need to believe that.” Knowing what I do from personal experience, I just smile and say thank you. It’s not that I don’t believe God CAN keep it from ever coming back, it’s just that I know He will do whatever is best for me and whatever will  accomplish His ultimate purposes for me and whoever else He wants to teach through my illness. I will say “Thank You, Lord, for these times of relative peace. Help me to be grateful for the days without pain, and to accept whatever comes from Your hand as Your best for me .”

Father’s Day

Today is Father’s Day, as you surely know. I’m not sure of the origins of this fine tradition, but it’s a great idea. Our Sunday school teacher said today that he had seen somewhere that “anyone can be a father, but it takes work to be a dad”. So true! My husband has heard from all three of our children today, scattered as they are over three different states at this time. He has been a great dad, from the minute we found out we were expecting each of them. He has provided not only for all of their physical needs, but has been their biggest fan, advisor, counselor, and now their friend as well. Last weekend certainly was a testimony to the way they feel about him, as they converged on Fort Worth, Texas, to support him in his political bid. They campaigned eagerly for him, telling everyone who would listen why they should vote for their dad! How many young twentysomethings would willingly don campaign t-shirts and tell people how great their dad is?! He was truly touched by their efforts.

Today I think about my dad as well. He went to be with Jesus on November 5, 2002. It was fitting that he would die on Election Day, patriot that he was. During his growing-up years, his dad was around on weekends, traveling during the week and glad to have a job in the midst of the Depression. He lost his mother in infancy, so his dad relied on family to be both mom and dad when he couldn’t be with his two young boys. My dad always spoke of his dad with affection, learning to have a sense of humor about almost everything because his dad did. I think the desire to have a stable home life of his own began during those years when Dad felt shifted between relatives. He loved his dad and was glad when he remarried and had a stepmom, but Dad’s greatest desire was to have his own home and family and be around to watch his children grow up.

The last time I was with my dad, I saw him become emotional for the first time as he told of how he was a young sailor on a ship in the South Pacific and received word that his dad had been critically injured in a car accident. Had the circumstances not been so grave, the adventure of getting from a ship in the middle of the ocean to Cheyenne, Wyoming could have been quite exciting for a 19-year-old young man. He told of getting to Hawaii and getting the word that his dad had passed away, and that’s when I saw Dad choke up over the fact that he received the news. He would never share another joke, another camping adventure in the mountains, with his dad. I think that increased Dad’s desire for a home and family even more. In fact, Dad turned down a fleet appointment to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, something very rarely offered and even more rarely turned down. He knew as a career military officer he would have many months away from home. When my parents were married and started their family, my dad wanted to be involved in everything. In fact, he had had more experience with babies than my mom had, having spent time with various family members who had babies. He was very protective of his family, and always wanted us to have the best he could provide for us while not spoiling us. He made sure we knew how to work and didn’t expect to have things just handed to us. He didn’t drop us off at Sunday school and church–he took us. He showed us what it meant to know Jesus and serve Him in any way possible. I remember well spending evenings at half-finished church buildings, as my dad was laying tile or painting walls and my mom worked at painting windows and whatever else she could do to help. Dad led in family devotions and prayed with us as well. He was a great Bible teacher, too, always studying to gain more knowledge that he could share with others. In fact, his last Sunday school class compiled his notes from the book of Romans and had them bound so they could have a record of what he had taught them.

When I think of my dad today, I know that he’s in heaven and enjoying every minute. I don’t know all the workings of heaven, but I know God has a sense of humor and I hope my dad has lots of opportunities to laugh, something he loved to do. He also spent many hours with a tool belt on and a hammer or drill in his hands. I don’t know if his “mansion” in heaven was finished when he got there, or if there is actual building in heaven. But if there is, nothing would make Dad happier than being able to drive a few nails or drill a few holes and put up some walls! He certainly understood about laying up treasures in heaven, because he made sure his family knew the way to join him in heaven someday. His wife, children, their spouses, and all 7 of his grandchildren, know and love Jesus as well. As more are added to the family, nothing will make Dad happier than knowing he will “meet” these new ones someday as well.

What’s Up Next?

Have you ever had a time in your life when you felt that all you did was stop and start because of all of the events and commitments on your calendar? You’ve begun a project that has to be put on hold because of something else that has to be done RIGHT THEN? Or you have five different unfinished projects going because you can’t seem to isolate and finish at least one of them??

For an orderly person like I am, that kind of a schedule seems to threaten my sanity! The first half of 2012 has been like that and I wish I could just snap my fingers and get everything FINISHED! It’s comparable to flying in a holding pattern: you’re at the airport, the ground is in sight but you just keep circling, going nowhere and getting more frustrated every minute because you’re looking at where you need to be but can’t seem to get there. Thankfully, I can look at some big things that have been accomplished during this period of time. We’ve gone to Mayo Clinic, I’ve had surgery, the state GOP convention and my husband’s campaign have been completed, we’ve taken a number of trips, and our children are all well and doing what they’re supposed to be doing.

Being overly busy can be very stressful, but at the end of that “busyness” there needs to be something to take the place of  everything that you have now finished. Someone once said, “Those who aim at nothing hit it every time”. I must admit that I’ve spent a good deal of time during the past week resting up after last week–it seems that every time I sit down I fall asleep! When I’ve caught up on my rest, I need to know what direction I’m headed in the immediate future. Planning is not bad, but in the midst of those plans I need to be open to having my “schedule” interrupted. I think that’s what Jesus meant when He said in Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.” One day at a time, being open to having my plans rearranged when it becomes necessary… I think that’s God’s plan for us. He won’t show us the whole plan at one time, because we’d probably run away screaming at the things still to come in our lives!

I believe that God’s plan for my life is for me to come to Him every day asking “What do you want me to do today, Lord?” If I ask Him what He wants me to do, I know I will have a blessed day, guided by His hand and strengthened to do whatever He has set before me. Completing my to-do list on any given day isn’t the most important thing; completing God’s to-do list for that day is what matters.

Treasures from the Lord

A number of years ago, Christian musical artist Steve Green recorded a song entitled “Children are a Treasure from the Lord”.  At that time, our children were all very young and there were days when I found thinking of them as “treasures” was a stretch! Of course we loved them dearly and wouldn’t have traded any of them for the world, but after listening to them bicker and gripe for the first few days of summer vacation, I found myself wondering if I would still be sane when it was time for them to go back to school in the fall! We all survived, sane and still speaking to each other.

We were so blessed and proud of our children last weekend as Curt campaigned for the Republican National Committee. They, along with their spouses (& significant other), came to Ft. Worth to support their dad. Our son, daughter-in-law and youngest daughter were also delegates to the convention, which allowed them to vote for Curt when the time came for that election. All 6 worked at the booth we had set up to help educate the delegates about Curt and who he is and why he was running for the position. They also did an outstanding job of meeting and talking with delegates at the reception we hosted Friday evening. They were a very valuable asset to our campaign and we were so thankful for each of them. Each of them conducted themselves as respectful and responsible adults, and we were incredibly proud of each one of them.

Curt and I agreed  from the beginning of this journey that the outcome of the election itself was not as important as the example we would set for our children. As events unfolded on Saturday afternoon and the options open to us were reviewed, both Curt and I (directed separately by the Lord) came to the decision that it was time to end the contest and graciously bow out of the picture. To do otherwise would end up causing bad feelings among the delegates and RNC candidates, something we truly did not want to have happen. We were surrounded by those who we love most in the world, and knowing we had their support and love meant the world to us. Long after this convention experience, we want them to be proud of us and the example we showed them throughout the election process.  

Later on Saturday night, we were able to relax for the first time in weeks and just enjoy our family. We laughed together as we had dinner,  talking through the various parts of of the convention and all the stories each of them had to tell about people and situations they had encountered. They all worked so hard, taking the initiative to work the booth and the crowds and not needing our direction as to what needed to be done. We are incredibly blessed to have each of them and love them dearly.

One of the most touching parts of the campaign was when our son gave the introductory speech for Curt  on Friday afternoon. He had given a speech for him eight years ago when he ran for the state Executive Committee, so Curt decided that’s who he wanted to speak for him this time as well. He’s been to law school since then and is very comfortable giving speeches. We heard so many compliments on Andy’s speech, some even wanting to know when he might run for office!

I believe that each of them learned so much about politics and know now what we’re saying when we talk about different activities and aspects of the process. Our youngest daughter even volunteered to be Curt’s campaign manager if he ever decides to run for anything again! This from the child whom we have to prompt to vote, to attend meetings, how her vote makes a difference, etc. Of course, that may stem from the fact that she likes to tell people what to do! At any rate, it was an interesting and educational experience for them.

We’re not sure when we’ll all be together again, but we certainly enjoyed this time and having them together. They truly are “treasures from the Lord” and we thank Him for each and every one of them!

It’s All Good

What an incredible few days we’ve had! We’ve met so many wonderful people, and I’m sorry I can’t remember all of their names. I’ve had a Texas geography lesson, having met people from every corner of this HUGE state. The stories we’ve heard from those who have been in the political fray for many years has been an extremely enriching, rewarding experience. All in all, an exciting, exhiliarating, exhausting experience that we will not soon forget. Although the outcome of our election wasn’t quite what we’d hoped for, there are a lot of reasons to appreciate the events of the last few weeks.

When the votes began to be reported and it wasn’t going our way, our hearts sank, thinking all of our efforts were not going to be rewarded with victory. As with MANY elections that we (and probably you) have watched, the results were agonizingly slow as we waited, and waited…and waited some more! With our second place position, we did have an option that neither the third nor fourth place positions had. If we believed that enough “popular” votes could be counted for us individually rather than looking just at the single vote of the congressional delegations (similar to the electoral college), we could request a floor vote of the entire convention. This process can be rather lengthy and contentious, and could in reality create bad feelings between delegates and also between candidates. It’s a huge risk, and in the end the results could be exactly what they were before the floor vote. As we talked with our advisors about possible options, including working with other people involved, I began to feel somewhat uneasy. Even though I know that backroom deals are often worked in politics, I didn’t feel good about this one.

When Curt and I began this journey, we both agreed that the most important thing was to be a good example to our children, whatever the outcome of the election. The more we talked about “deals” and “strategies”, the less enthusiasm I felt for the whole idea. As Curt went off to get more information about how the vote count was going, I stayed where I was and began to pace and pray. I asked the Lord to show both Curt and I the same answer separately, something He has done with every important decision we’ve had to make during the 30+ years of our marriage. It became clear to me that a bitter, divisive floor fight would serve no purpose, that the vote wasn’t close enough to warrant that option. I couldn’t find Curt, but he called me just a couple of minutes later to say that he was going to make a concession speech. I told our kids and took off for the arena where he was, hoping I would make it in time to be with him. I arrived just after he came off the stage, but I told him that I received the exact same answer from the Lord. The man who won is a good man, a brother in Christ, and will do his best to hold the RNC to the same values that we share.

Because of the number of districts he won, Curt was the only candidate who had the option of asking for a floor vote. He was also the only one who could ask for the opportunity to give a concession speech, because he was the only one who could have taken the race further but chose not to do so. He said he felt it was the best speech he had ever given in his life, and judging by the overwhelmingly positive reaction of the whole convention, it was absolutely the right thing to do. The party chairman could not say enough kind things and thanked Curt for the race he ran, then checked to make sure that Curt would still be carrying on the party’s work in Bexar County. 

Our kids were waiting for us when we came out of the stage area, and that was the hardest part. There were hugs and a few tears, thankfulness for each of them and their hard work on his behalf. Of all the people involved in this journey, they were the ones we were most concerned about, the ones to whom we wanted to be the right example. That prayer was answered – we were that right example, so from there everything else was a bonus.

Interestingly enough, that concession speech and the honorable way Curt handled himself was perhaps the best thing he could have done to endear himself to the delegates. They were not only saved from a lengthy floor fight, but they got an extra insight into Curt’s character. They know that he is unquestionably a man of honor and integrity, one whose word they can trust. We do not know what the future holds, but if there is an opportunity that God opens at some point down the road, the people who heard him and learned more about the character of the man will sit up and take notice.

What a comfort it is to know that God is in control. That sounds so cliche, but it’s very true. If we truly believe that God’s plan is better than ours, then whatever He chooses, it will be ultimately be for our good and God’s glory.

The Lions’ Den

Today we left for the state GOP convention. We had a beautiful drive through the Texas Hill Country, and I commented to my husband how differently we view the Texas landscape today from when we first moved here. Growing up and living in states where lots of green grass and tall trees were the norm, seeing beauty in scrub brush, cacti and short, twisted trees was definitely a stretch! Over the past 25 years, however, we have come to appreciate the landscape of our adopted home state. We do live on the edge of the Hill Country which has some beautiful terrain, high bluffs with amazing views and lots of wildflowers. The size of the state still staggers most who comprehend just how BIG Texas really is, yet it’s so interesting that Texans are very united in their state pride, whether they’re in flat and dusty West Texas or the Gulf Shores where hurricanes can stir.

We’re ready for the convention to begin and for the Republican Party of Texas’ delegates to be allowed to make their voices heard in choosing those who will lead the party for the next two years. We understand completely that the contest in which we are involved will not involve making major foreign policy decisions or pass sweeping laws that will put every American back to work. Actually, even the presidential race won’t be able to do all that! But we do believe that a victory for my husband would mean that Texas Republicans will continue to have a strong, conservative voice at the Republican National Committee and make sure that the party understands that its constituents in the states expect their national governing board to reflect the values of faith, family, freedom, limited government and employment opportunities that are not created by government. Any political contest, from 8th grade student council to the White House, can get very ugly. It’s a shame that things often move toward the negative, when all that really needs to be done is to point out the differences between the candidates and what they want to do if elected.

Sunday morning our pastor preached from Daniel 6, Daniel in the Lions’ Den. My, my, what a coincidence!? I loved the verses where the king went to the mouth of the lions’ den where Daniel had been thrown the night before, presumably to his certain death. The king asked, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?” Daniel’s voice came miraculously from behind the stone, “My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.”  To have his God acknowledged by a pagan king, a king who knew from whom Daniel derived his strength, was one of the most profound events in the history of the people of Israel. Who in the world does not know about Daniel in the Lions’ Den?

Once again, the pastor read from Deuteronomy 28, which says: “Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon youand overtake you,because you obey the voice of the Lord your God…and the Lord will make you the head and not the tail.”

Political victory is not the most important thing to us; what matters most to us is that we represent Jesus Christ well and not disappoint Him. The next few days should prove very interesting…we desire only to please God and know His favor.

An Amazing Lady

This morning I awakened way too early for a Saturday morning–why would anyone want to wake up at 5 am when they didn’t have to?? I thought I might channel surf for awhile, hoping to go back to sleep for a little longer. Instead, I found a documentary about Laura Bush, one of the kindest, most gracious first ladies we have ever been privileged to have as a nation. With the extremely intense political week we have had, it was very timely for me to see a high profile political wife.

Mrs. Bush helped her husband campaign unsuccessfully for congress early in her marriage to George W. Bush, and secretly hoped that might be the last campaign she would need to work in for her husband. They both helped George’s father in his presidential campaigns, and then Laura settled in as a “baseball wife”, as her husband was then the managing partner of the Texas Rangers. When he decided to run for governor of Texas, she was off to campaign again, this time with a different result. Through each successive–and successful–campaign, she was by her husband’s side. They usually campaigned together, although she went back to Austin every couple of days to be with their daughters as well. Even though she took on other important projects during her days as first lady of Texas and then as first lady of the United States, her most important role was to be George’s wife, his rock, the one constant in his life. More than one person commented that she viewed her main responsibility as making sure that the wives and families of visiting dignitaries were comfortable and cared for, whether in Washington or at the ranch in Crawford, Texas. The “nurturing” side of Laura Bush was never more evident than on September 11, 2001, as she was most concerned for the nation’s children and making sure that they felt safe and cared for at that most frightening time.

Mrs. Bush had to endure some of the most cruel, dishonest, unfair criticism ever leveled at an American president. During those times, she could have challenged (and won against) many of the unkind and untrue words being spoken about and to her husband. As a wife, I know she probably wanted to lash out at those who perpetrated lies, and yet she remained a gracious lady who chose to rise above such unjust criticism. Those who know her best know that her calm should NEVER be interpreted as weakness, and when she makes up her mind her determination will never be shaken.

I understand why I was up early today, why I “happened” to find this documentary at 5 am on a Saturday morning. Having spent most of the week with a knot in my stomach that had nothing to do with surgery or Crohn’s Disease, the political side of our lives has been extremely pressure-filled. Granted, the office my husband is running for is within the Republican Party of Texas, we don’t have to campaign for months on end and spend bazillions of dollars. Nevertheless, when untrue and unkind words are spoken and unfair tactics are implemented, it makes me very angry at those who would stoop to such levels. My husband is one of the most decent, honest, hard-working people I have ever known, and for people who don’t know him well to make comments or statements in total ignorance of facts is incredibly frustrating. However, as a political wife, I cannot let my feelings about these things overtake me and say things I would later regret.

There was another Man a little over 2000 years ago who was also unjustly accused, about whom lies and accusations were made and who did not attempt to defend Himself against the charges of unscrupulous men who were out to destroy Him. Some people considered Him weak, not worthy of becoming their leader, and wanted Him to lash out at his accusers and set them straight. He certainly could have–He said He could have commanded the hosts of heaven to come and rescue Him–but that wasn’t His plan. So then, is it any wonder that even now those who seek to obey Him, to follow Him and do what His Word says is true and right, would also be attacked and accused unfairly? We certainly knew going into this campaign that there can be great ugliness in politics, even if statements are completely manufactured. There is always a risk involved in putting yourself forward, essentially making you a target for anybody who wants to take a shot at you. We know the origins of such attacks: Jesus Himself said that the thief (Satan) comes to steal, kill and destroy. Whatever the human attacks look like, we know that they are the enemy’s attempt to derail the plans of God. The only thing God wants us to do is obey; the results are ultimately in His hands, and we are not responsible for the outcomes of the things He leads us to do. Quitting, or even trying to refute every critic that comes along, would be giving the victory to the enemy of our souls.

It is such an honor to live in this country and to be part of the process of trying to help shape the future of our wonderful land. We are blessed with wonderful opportunities, and the main thing we have always sought to do is to honor our Lord. Everything we have comes from Him, and for us to do anything less would be failure. In the scheme of eternity, the only thing that will last about this whole experience is whether we have been obedient and honored Jesus Christ. That is the success that we seek, and if we do that we will have won. Mrs. Bush used this verse on the 2001 White House Christmas Card: “I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13

“This Is For You”

This past Sunday morning my husband and I went to church, the one we have belonged to since 1987. This isn’t an unusual occurrence, but in fact it was a “return” for me, since I hadn’t been since I had surgery 5-1/2 weeks ago. My husband had been interviewed by one of the local TV stations on their Sunday morning news program, so we were late in arriving. As we slipped into a rear pew, our pastor opened his Bible and began the message God had led him to preach. As he began to read, my husband and I turned to look at each other, incredulous at what we were hearing. The passage was Deuteronomy 28, God speaking to Israel as they were getting ready to enter the land of promise. The blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience were being given to the people, and God left no room for excuses in His expectations. In summary, the first verses state that “If you honor God, God will honor you”. Verse 13 specifically says:”The Lord shall make you the head, and not the tail”.

The significance of these verses, in light of the events of the last few days in our lives, was great. The political pressure has been greatly turned up on my husband, and as we continue to move forward with his campaign for the Republican National Committee, the race is becoming more challenging each day.  Right now we’re putting one foot in front of the other, doing whatever the next thing is that needs doing. While it would be very easy to become angry at people and circumstances, we know that we want, above all else, to honor God with all of our words and actions. We want to react correctly to every situation, not allowing ourselves to say or do anything that dishonors our Lord. To win an office at the cost of our witness for Christ would be no victory at all.

We know why we needed to be in church last Sunday morning, and even if no one else was spoken to by the message, we know it truly had our names written on it. My husband said he definitely felt as though a giant weight had been lifted off of him, that he heard the Lord’s voice telling him that it was going to be OK. We will continue to honor God first, last, and always, and leave the outcome with Him.

About 100 years ago (or maybe closer to 30!), a contemporary Christian group, The Imperials, recorded a song entitled “He Didn’t Lift Us Up to Let Us Down”.   The refrain goes like this: “He didn’t bring us this far to leave us, He didn’t teach us to swim to let us drown. He didn’t build His home in us to move away, He didn’t lift us up to let us down.” God’s promise to never leave or forsake His children is one of the most comforting ever given.  We have known His presence and fully believe that He will NOT leave us in this place, either. His Holy Spirit indwells us and will empower us to stand for Jesus in the most adverse of circumstances.