Hanging in There

“The minute I said, “I’m slipping, I’m falling,” your love, God, took hold and held me fast. When I was upset and beside myself, you calmed me down and cheered me up.” Psalm 94: 18-19 (MSG)

Thanks so much for all your prayers for Billy. Sometimes, when I ask Billy how he is doing he says, “I’m hanging in here.” But when I talked to him recently, he talked about tests and procedures he had gone through. Then, he commented, “I don’t want to be a woe is me.” I was surprised. In our household, “woe is me” refers to someone who constantly complains and feels sorry for themselves. Billy has never fallen into this category. He said,  he was in pain; that is not “woe is me.” That is honesty. His humbleness continues to amaze me.

Billy is still hospitalized. If you are able, please lift your voices in prayer for him, his wife, Cheryl, and the medical staff tending to him at 8:00 am tomorrow. He is scheduled for surgery at that time. If not at 8:00 am, please pray whenever you can. God’s power is not bound by time nor place.

Along with Billy, please pray for my sister (in-law), Vanessa Hickmon aka Nette, who is home recovering from surgery last week. In fact, Billy went to the hospital last Monday and Nette went to the hospital Tuesday. Back to back hospitalizations for two loved ones and neither was related to COVID-19. I adore all my husband’s sisters, but there is something special about Nette. She is smart, resilient and courageous. Vanessa is a cancer thriver and like my brother, I have never heard her complain. She states it as it is, but never as a complaint. Her attitude seems to be focused on what she can do for others even when she is going through challenges herself. And, come through these challenges, she does, with grace and gratitude.

 In this time of uncertainty, misfortune and pain, Billy and Nette represent quiet strength and courage in the midst of a loud, raging storm.

So, please join me in praying for Billy, Nette and all the others who are experiencing and recovering from illnesses.

Dear God, when we feel as if we are falling, give us the strength and the courage to grab Your hand and hold on tightly. In You, we find hope, strength, and peace. Thank You God. Amen, Amen, Amen!!