Written Thursday, January 20, 2011 at 2:38am
Mom has a group of faithful, strong, and compassionate ladies who have been right by her this whole process. Last night they stayed with her at the hospital so the rest of the family could go home and sleep in our own beds. This morning our family gathered in the conference room at the hospital and talked with the doctor. They had just gotten back the results from a cerebral blood flow study which determines the activity of the brain. They said there was no activity and they suspected that he passed away some time during the night. We spent the next 45 minutes or so sharing memories of Dad, his kind heart, generosity, and vivaciousness. There were tears, laughter, and sometimes both at the same time. After that we had a few decisions to make. Trey Boden, Buddy Hoffman, and Brian Krawczyk came over and were very helpful to our family in the process of planning a service. Being a pastor isn't just their vocation, it's in their hearts as well. They are all very precious to me.
My uncle Jim drove down from Maryland and arrived today. It's been great to have him around. There were many faithful friends who visited and were of great encouragement to us. The notes on facebook were fortifying as well. When getting discouraged I would often log on and read the latest wave of constant messages that were coming through.
At about 6:00pm the family gathered back into the room one more time to say our last goodbyes to dad. Then we went home.
How we are doing:
It's been a roller coaster day to be sure. We miss dad and hurt that we can't be with him anymore. The pangs come without warning, and can be triggered by anything. I'm so thankful for how my family works together, and are strong for one another. We are steadily putting together plans for the service while fellowshiping with one another.
Things to pray for:
1. Our family - There's a tear in the fabric of our family. Pray as we learn what life is going to look like from here on out.
2. God's name be lifted up. I believe the most healing thing for our family would be to see God glorified because of this. I firmly believe he is sovereignly working this for our good and His glory, and if it works into His purpose I want to see it.
details:
We will have a service remembering dad Sunday the 23rd at 1400 Dogwood Road, Snellville, GA 30087 at 1:30pm. There will be a reception following the service to give friends an opportunity to express their condolences. We are looking to stream the service live on the Internet for those of you who live far away and can't make it. I will talk with the video pastor tomorrow and post further instructions on how to participate in that on Sunday.
The Gospel:
The bible is packed to the brim with the gospel. It was one event with an infinite amount of ramifications. We sinners have so many needs, and there are so many suitable places where the gospel is unfolded for us in scripture. My Father gave me one such place today.
"For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. " -1 Thessalonians 5:9-11
God destined my dad to obtain salvation: Before my dad was ever born, God looked at him, a helpless sinner, and said "I choose to love him. I will pay his debt, I will freely give him my righteousness, I will care for him, and bring him home with me to live forever". Not only has God done this for dad, but for our whole family. God has secured for us the reality of seeing dad again.
Christ died so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him: The greatest news of the gospel is not that we have some hope of an afterlife, but that WE GET JESUS! This is the truth that carries us through the tragedies in life: JESUS is enough! The one who never leaves, never forsakes, who knows our thoughts before they come into our head, the one who feels our pain, the one that sustains us, the one who holds us together, the one who rules, the one who is the king of kings, HIM! HIM! WE GET HIM! This the heart of the Christian life: that we rejoice in Christ for the glory of God!
Encourage one another with the gospel: The gospel is not just how we were saved. It is the life we need every day. It is what kept our family from self-destructing. We will NEVER move past the gospel. We will NEVER outgrow our need for it. It is our solace. This is where we find courage: Both for dad who is asleep, and us who are awake, Christ is with us.
-James
Monday, July 25, 2011
Summary of today at the hospital
Written Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at 1:25am:
Hello friends. Thank you so much for praying, and loving on our family. I have a few moments so I thought I'd try to write an update that's a little more substantial.
Sunday dad slipped on the ice and hit his head. We eventually had to call an ambulance and take him to the hospital. Last night Dad coded and had to have emergency surgery. The goal was to help drain fluid that was building up in Dad's head. Though unconscious he seemed to be fairly stable today until about 1:30pm when his fever spiked up to 106 and his heart rate began to drop. The Doctor said to bring the family in together. He said there isn't much chance of Dad waking up. We met as a family in a conference room (had to phone John and Karen in. They're on their way from North Carolina) to try and make a few decisions about how to proceed. Right now we're just waiting. If Dad doesn't show signs of waking up by tomorrow evening and we're going to have to have another meeting with the Doctor.
Some things to pray for:
1. Dad's brain. The doctor said their was some brain activity but not what would be considered normal. They tested his pupils and did not see any dilation. This usually is a sign that his brain is not functioning as it ought.
2. Mom. She's been wonderful today. She's been very brave and gracious. Pray for continuing strength and wisdom for her.
3. That we would love well as a family, and bring glory to God.
4. Pray for a Miracle
5. Pray that not our wills, but God's be done
How we are doing:
We've had an overwhelming response of people sending us messages, telling they're praying for us, showing up and visiting at the hospital. We've sang "and can it be" to Dad. It's one of his favorite hymns. We've cried together, we've hugged each other, we're constantly saying we love each other.
The two greatest comforts today have been the word of God and the body of Christ. This morning before Dad took a turn for the worse Christopher and I read Romans 8:28-39 to him. We are firmly rooted and convinced of the truth in those verses. For me personally, never have I felt so much pain, and never has the gospel of Jesus Christ been sweeter. I take comfort that no matter what the outcome is, the hospital bed that dad is in can't have the last word. Whether it be tomorrow, or when our Lord comes back, Jesus will fully heal dad's body. Period. This whole situation is very painful, and we have shed many tears, but we do not weep without hope.
I feel I should again thank all the people who have prayed fervently, sent words of encouragement, and came to visit and waited hours on end in the waiting room. Jesus said "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”. I cannot begin to express how supported and loved we feel by all of you. One of my prayers is that people on the 6th floor of Gwinnett Medical would be drawn to Jesus after seeing the way you all have lavished love over us.
I think it appropriate to end with Dad's favorite hymn. It's the one we sang to him today
And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain—
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
He left His Father’s throne above
So free, so infinite His grace—
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam’s helpless race:
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!
Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray—
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine;
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
-James
Hello friends. Thank you so much for praying, and loving on our family. I have a few moments so I thought I'd try to write an update that's a little more substantial.
Sunday dad slipped on the ice and hit his head. We eventually had to call an ambulance and take him to the hospital. Last night Dad coded and had to have emergency surgery. The goal was to help drain fluid that was building up in Dad's head. Though unconscious he seemed to be fairly stable today until about 1:30pm when his fever spiked up to 106 and his heart rate began to drop. The Doctor said to bring the family in together. He said there isn't much chance of Dad waking up. We met as a family in a conference room (had to phone John and Karen in. They're on their way from North Carolina) to try and make a few decisions about how to proceed. Right now we're just waiting. If Dad doesn't show signs of waking up by tomorrow evening and we're going to have to have another meeting with the Doctor.
Some things to pray for:
1. Dad's brain. The doctor said their was some brain activity but not what would be considered normal. They tested his pupils and did not see any dilation. This usually is a sign that his brain is not functioning as it ought.
2. Mom. She's been wonderful today. She's been very brave and gracious. Pray for continuing strength and wisdom for her.
3. That we would love well as a family, and bring glory to God.
4. Pray for a Miracle
5. Pray that not our wills, but God's be done
How we are doing:
We've had an overwhelming response of people sending us messages, telling they're praying for us, showing up and visiting at the hospital. We've sang "and can it be" to Dad. It's one of his favorite hymns. We've cried together, we've hugged each other, we're constantly saying we love each other.
The two greatest comforts today have been the word of God and the body of Christ. This morning before Dad took a turn for the worse Christopher and I read Romans 8:28-39 to him. We are firmly rooted and convinced of the truth in those verses. For me personally, never have I felt so much pain, and never has the gospel of Jesus Christ been sweeter. I take comfort that no matter what the outcome is, the hospital bed that dad is in can't have the last word. Whether it be tomorrow, or when our Lord comes back, Jesus will fully heal dad's body. Period. This whole situation is very painful, and we have shed many tears, but we do not weep without hope.
I feel I should again thank all the people who have prayed fervently, sent words of encouragement, and came to visit and waited hours on end in the waiting room. Jesus said "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”. I cannot begin to express how supported and loved we feel by all of you. One of my prayers is that people on the 6th floor of Gwinnett Medical would be drawn to Jesus after seeing the way you all have lavished love over us.
I think it appropriate to end with Dad's favorite hymn. It's the one we sang to him today
And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain—
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
He left His Father’s throne above
So free, so infinite His grace—
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam’s helpless race:
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!
Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray—
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine;
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
-James
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