…the breakdown has come. All my strength and my positive are fading, and I’m just a big bawlbaby right now. My family will soon be here, and in the meantime I’m typing on here, chatting with friends online, and crying on the shoulders of our great nursing staff. Despite all, Kevin’s strong will, and God’s perfect will, will be done. I take comfort in knowing we are in God’s hands, and that we are with Him no matter what happens. While praying just now I felt called to log onto the online devotional I used to use, and I found this..
Sheltered in the Storm
From the end of the earth I call to you, when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
SUMMER storms can come up quickly on the water. I learned this on a nearly perfect day when I was about 10 years old. The water was calm as my dad maneuvered our boat around the river while my brothers and I fished. Then without warning the wind shifted and the sky grew dark. Lightning came down in great streaks, as if looking for little kids in a metal boat.
“Everyone lie down!” my dad yelled above the sound of the wind. We lay on the floorboards and closed our eyes while Dad guided the boat. We hadn’t gone far when he called to us again and pointed to a rock cliff. He pulled up to the shore and helped us climb to a small cave in the side of that rock where we huddled in safety until the storm passed.
When life suddenly changes or danger lies in my path, I think of that day and the psalmist’s words in Psalm 46: “God is my refuge and strength, a present help in trouble” (verse 1). I still have to face what frightens me, but _I am not alone. God is that “rock that is higher than I,” a safe place to go when the storms of life are raging. We can trust in God, no matter what happens.
Judith Fulp-Eickstaedt (Virginia, U.S.A.)
Shelter us, O God, and guide us to places of safety when we are in danger. Calm the storms in our lives and in our souls and keep us close to you always. Amen
None of us know what lies ahead…especially not now. Will they pinpoint the internal bleeding? Will he be eligable for surgery? Will he make it through surgery? Can he recooperate? What is going through Kevin’s ehad through all this? None of us know…
But do know that God is in control during this storm. I’m bracing the boat right now, riding out the storm, and praying for a rainbow at the BEGINNING… 🙂
Brenda,
I am sitting at work right now and find myself constantly coming back to this page. I cannot believe what you guys are going through. I am praying that he will get through this-and hope you find comfort in knowing so many people are thinking and praying for you guys. I don’t know how you do it!! He is a lucky guy to have someone like you loving him like you do!!
Brenda–I too am at work and continuously checking on you via your blog. I have asked my friends here in Philly to keep you in their thoughts also… please know that I am sending you all of my positive energy and you are constantly in my thoughts!
Brenda & Kevin:
We are praying for your family. We have know Kevin since birth and were so happy when he found the love of his life in you Brenda. You are a very courageous woman to standby by Kevin and he is a lucky person to have you during this horrendous time in both of your lives and in the lives of your familes. I realize that you are doing with the strength of our Lord and could not handle it without. “Thy will be done” is terribly hard to handle in your young and promising lives. Please tell Kevin we are thinking and praying for him constantly and just feel sooooooooo helpless as there is nothing we can do but follow the blog.
Love you both
Pat & Barry Hunter
Brenda I too am at work, and checking your blog every 1/2 hour or so. I am praying hard and fast for Kevin, and for you to keep your strength and positive energy focussed on a positive outcome.
Praying for both of you, may God give you both strength.
Much love
Amanda
Brenda – at the office watching and hoping for some relief for you both. Please know you’re in my thoughts and prayers!! If you need anything, please ask!
It must be really hard right now but try to stay strong Brenda. Your positive attitude is a really strength so please don’t give up on that. A big hug to you and Kevin and my thoughts are with you every minute.
Brenda,
I am checking several times a day for prayer updates.
I am praying.
Your spirit and faith are strong.
Its OK to cry.
You both are loved.
Praying for comfort, strength, peace, healing, God’s shelter.
My dear Brenda,
You and Kevin are being held in so many hearts at this moment. You are both surrounded by love and prayers.
Dear Brenda & Kevin,
Know that prayers are flowing just like your tears. Kevin is fortunate to have you loving and supporting him. God will hold you both close.
Love,
Mark & Ann
I checked many times today for an update. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers. I keep updating Bob too. As you face the nighttime hours remember these words from Psalms 138 from the message ” If I climb to the sky,you’re there! If I flew on morning’s wings to the far western horizon, You’d find me in a minute— you’re already there waiting! I do know that nighttime hours can seem long but I hope you can feel the prayers of many lifting you up – even in the nighttime hours.