Friday, May 04, 2007

Agents of Mercy

I've not been able to stop weeping this morning. Two things are churning around in my brain. First, I'm crushed. It's like the earth's gravity has been turned up. I can't get my body to move because I'm being compressed by the atmosphere. My brain is rejecting all the horrible facts about Ali's injury and experience. I want to make all badness in my daughter and granddaughter's world disappear.

Second, I'm weeping because of God's goodness to me. It flows through every person that has come in contact with me since this thing started early Sunday morning. I've seen the face of Jesus and felt His gentle touch through so many people. So many. It's levitating. The outpouring of His love through you all defies gravity.

A couple of weeks ago, before all this happened, Charity visited Calvary Chapel San Francisco. It's a small fellowship that meets in the heart of the city. She was instantly loved and cared for by a young mother named Charlene that serves in the nursery. (Did I ever tell you guys that it was a nursery worker that lead me to the Lord?) Charlene and Charity were supposed to get together this week for a mom's day out. Charity called Charlene to let her know that Ali was in the hospital and they wouldn't be able to get together. Charlene immediately had the people in her church praying for Ali and Charity.

Yesterday, as Charity and I were having lunch together, Charlene's husband, Eric, called me and asked if he could visit with Ali and I in the hospital. I welcomed his offer and met Charlene and Eric at the hospital last night. They brought me chicken soup and a fruit basket.

I've visited many people and their families in the hospital. But I've never been on the receiving end of one of these visits. The time spent with this couple and their two little ones was some of the sweetest fellowship I've ever experienced. I don't know them and they don't know me, but they have loved me more than they know. I didn't realize how hungry I was for the refreshments they brought my soul. And stomach.

I can't even fathom what it would be like to go through this living outside the Body of Christ.

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

bryon, you guys are in my prayers...

Anonymous said...

Hey Bryon,

Praying for you guys.

Tu amigo,

pedro garcia

Anonymous said...

It's just amazing how good God is. There is always a plan in his time. He's awesome. Bro! My prayers are with you.
If there was a way to email you a big-mac and 2 apple pies.(I just had that for lunch) I would. But we are not that advanced yet.

The Rivera's

Anonymous said...

You guys have been at the top of our prayer list ever since we heard. God is still in the miracle business. We love you guys.

Bob and Dorinda

Anonymous said...

I'm stoked to see the spirit of Christ stir inside of you. I woke up four times last night and immediately prayed for the Lord to continue to touch you and and your family. You guys are in our hearts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

You know that I'm am here waiting to do anything that you need me to do. I will be there as fast as my car gets me there. I cried today like I haven't in a very long time. We love all of you. See you soon.

your sis Jen

Unknown said...

I'm glad there is a place for everyone to have their spirits fed. I've been praying for everyone. I will continue to pray for you all until you are through the storm.

Anonymous said...

Praying for you...

Anonymous said...

I am praying for you guys. Please let me know if you need anything else.
-Shannon

Anonymous said...

You all have come to mind several times since I first read about Ali's situation, last night. My prayers have been inarticulate, for the most part, more in the "groanings that cannot be uttered" category. Thankfully, our Father knows how I hurt for you and want Ali's recovery. God have mercy!

Anonymous said...

My friends and I are praying for you and your family here in Bama.

Anonymous said...

Every one of you, hospital staff included, has been in my prayers since I first heard of Ali going to the hospital. I'm glad you've been able to find blessings along the way. If I can do anything else let me know!

-Liz

Anonymous said...

I just saw her picture in the post below and I'm weeping with you, Bryon.

May God give you the strength you need for this trial.

Berny.

Anonymous said...

Our Dear Friends,

Kenyan prayers are being lifted up on behalf of the whole clan. We praise God that he has sent His people to minister to your family.
Shalom ni Imani!
The Compeans

Anonymous said...

You don't know me, but I am a brother in Christ. I have prayed this morning for this precious little one and for your family. I will keep doing so. May grace and peace be with you.

Anonymous said...

God reminded me of a song as I was praying for you. Forgive me for the lengthy post, but I believe these lyrics are for you right now.

OTHER SIDE OF THIS TRIAL
Words & Music by Billy Gaines

VERSE ONE
I stand at a river. I must reach the other side.
Don't know how to get there, the river's cold and deep and wide.
So strong is the current, I'd be surely swept away.
Stronger though is my Father's hand and He will make a way.
This trial is that river, but I've been here before.
I've learned from the last time, that I'll reach the other shore.

CHORUS:
On the other side of this trial I'll be a better man
I will know the sweet deliverance of my Father's mighty hand.
I will have another battle won, upon which I can stand.
I'll grow closer to my Savior, as I trust His Master Plan.
I'll know Him better, I will be better. I'll be a better man.

VERSE TWO
I cried with my whole heart, my God what have I done
To deserve what I'm going through,
He said it's just that you're my son.
I'm doing a work in you, building patience in my child. You'll find on the other side, that's it's all been worth while.
So HOLD ON TO MY PROMISES, AS YOU WATCH MY WILL UNFOLD.
YOU'LL SEE THAT THIS TRIAL WAS UNDER MY CONTROL.

CHORUS
On the other side of this trial I'll be a better man
I will know the sweet deliverance of my Father's mighty hand.
I will have another battle won, upon which I can stand.
I'll grow closer to my Savior, as I trust His Master Plan.
I'll know Him better, I will be better. I'll be a better man.

Bryon~
We're believing God with you and speaking His Truth over Ali and her situation. He is doing a work in so many people through Ali's situation... it is more far-reaching than we can fathom, I am sure.
I was reminded of a friend whose son was in a serious car accident at age 5 and told that he would never be the same again. Thirty days later he walked out of that hospital (something they said was impossible) and he was once again reading, talking, doing math and playing. God did the impossible. It's what He does. What is impossible for our God?
Nothing, absolutely nothing.
We love you all.

Chris Goeppner said...

We are praying for miracles Bryon.
Last night a bunch of girls got together to play Bunco but the best part of the night was when we all got together to pray for Ali. The prayers of the women there were so sweet and I know the Lord was in our midst.
I'm so glad our God is a God of love and mercy and that He answers the prayers of His children.
Praying continually,
Penny

Unknown said...

Bryon,
i am so sorry to hear of all that you guys have been going thru over these past few days.
you/your wife,your daughter,son-in-law and Ali have been in my prayers.

b

Anonymous said...

We're praying for you. So is the home fellowship.

Whatleys' World said...

Dear Bryon,

I got on your site through a friend of Briell Dodgen and have been reading through your posts. First, as a wife, I have to say that I love the way you refer to Susan. :) That is a testimony of your love and appreciation for her and that is really wonderful. Second, I am sorry for the pain that you, Susan, Charity, Ali, and others close to you are feeling. I appreciate how you are able to express how you are processing all that the Lord has you going through, and that He will continue to be faithful through this very difficult time. As the Lord brings you to mind I will be praying for Ali's recovery, the custody and move to Florida, and for Charity and Paul.
Your fellow servant,
karen (& Shane)