The Lord can use so many different things to speak to you when you are facing tough times. I have always been a ‘clear my email inbox every single day’ type of person. When I glance at someone’s phone and see an icon showing that they have a million emails…. 😳😩😩. I have been working on unsubscribing to emails that I tend to just automatically delete as well. Some of my emails are disguised as daily devotions, but are really just ads for books or apps. I do however get a few devotional emails several times a week. One that showed up in my inbox this past week proved that God’s timing is perfect in all things.

Today is day twenty-five in the hospital for us. We brought our son, Gary, here after a week of sickness and numerous pediatrician visits. We had no idea what the next few hours would entail. Within an hour and a half of arriving, he was rushed back into emergency surgery due to a tear in his colon. He has had a second surgery since then, along with numerous procedures, scans, X-rays, and wound cleanings. He spent five days on a ventilator and fourteen days in the picu. He is recovering well now in a regular room and is continuing to impress the staff here with his stamina, manners, and pain tolerance. If you look at us now, we have a fully stocked snack area in our room from loving family and friends. Gary has plenty of toys to play with, from people sending him care packages and gifts. (He spent his twelfth birthday in the hospital). He is alert, and moving more every day. He is still very weak, but for the most part he acts like himself.

This wasn’t at all the case on the first day we arrived. We were a mess- emotionally, mentally, even physically. We didn’t post anything social media. We reached out to our inner circle to pray- family, friends, and pastors. We decided to post something the next day and the outpouring of support has been humbling. This has truly been one of the most difficult seasons of our lives and we haven’t had to walk through it alone.

One of the most difficult times that Jesus faced in His life on earth was right before His crucifixion. Earlier this week, I received an email that broke down how Jesus reacted to the stress and difficulty of that time. This story is found in Matthew chapter twenty six. Jesus is so overwhelmed with despair that He goes into the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. He spent time with God. Twenty five days in the hospital will give you plenty of time to talk to God, especially about your child’s health! The biggest take away from this passage of scripture was what Jesus did next.

In verse 38, Jesus asked his disciples to pray with Him. When He was facing one of the hardest moments of His earthly life, He asked His friends to stand with Him in prayer. That’s exactly where I feel like we have been. We have posted updates and even specific prayer requests as they have come up on this journey.

We have been so blessed by the outcome. People aren’t tired of reading the paragraph long update that we post almost daily. In fact if we miss a day, we are getting messages or texts asking us for an update. People are praying. We have heard from churches all across our city that have been praying for him. People have been sending care packages or just showing up with coffee or a meal. We have been rallied around like I have never experienced before. Otis and I are so humbled. I don’t think we would’ve been able to stand all of this on our own. We wouldn’t have made it this far without all of you holding us up!

When you find yourself facing a difficult season or situation, follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Spend some time alone with God and then don’t be afraid to ask for prayer! There is such power in community.

“Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear…”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭58:8‬ ‭

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!