good words on a shirt from my sweet friend. It seems i won’t be going home today. Need more blood and platelets and to raise my blood pressure. I told them i was going to watch a few violent movies or maybe documentaries on starving/mistreated children in Africa-those things make my blood pressure rise. Someone suggested beer-we already checked and for some reason i have to check with my doctor-whatEVER. You may know a few people who could help make your own blood pressure rise-thank you but please refrain from sending them my way. 🙂
On a more serious note-I have only missed 2 Good Friday and Easter services in my adult life. Yesterday, and 8 yrs. ago when I was also in the hospital. That time I was in Idaho with my siblings and nephews when they had their car accident. Though this time of yr has often been one of grieving for all that was lost during that season, I am so grateful to say that though there is still sadness in remembering, we are learning to view this season as one of redemption, renewal, rebirth. All things new and hopeful for the future. Isaiah and Koda, my nephews, have been an inspiration to me as I sit in my hospital bed. I remember clearly how brave they were back then and how they have been courageous and tough over the years to become strong, active and amazing teenagers without self-pity or excuses. My brother and sister and Koda’s mom and my parents have also overcome the challenges and pain of their new normal. We could all be angry and resentful but we have chosen to look forward with hope and joy. ( most days anyway 🙂 ) I hope you can do the same as you celebrate Easter-a chance to start fresh and live in redemption and resurrected life. Old things have passed away-behold, all things CAN become new. God’s gift to you everyday.
A few verses that jumped out at me as I attempted to do my own Good Friday service last night:
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18,19
O Lord,, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning; our salvation in time of distress. Isaiah 33:2
Praise be to the lord; for he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever. Psalm 28:6-9
Thank you Heather! I love the way you write … like you’re having a conversation with your reader. Isaiah 43:18-19 is one of our favorite passages as well, as we explore the world of holistic treatments for John. We are praying for you and your family. I still treasure my friendship with your mom 🙂
Colleen Brost