Hard Things
It’s another Pray for Me Monday! It’s that time of the week when we get the chance to really connect. It’s been on these Mondays that some of you have entrusted some of the most fragile thoughts of your heart to me. And on this blog, there are times when I open the door, of not only my house, but of my life, and I entrust some of my most fragile moments to you.
In this house, you can chart the seasons by the chalk art on my walls. And at times, you can just as clearly see what’s happening in my heart because I chalk that out, too, for everyone to see.
We will never be able to count the ways that God has been gracious to us. He has extended my dad’s life 12 years longer than we expected when we first heard the word “cancer”. My dad has seen 5 granddaughters born in those extra years,and influencedcountless others with His Christ-honoring life during that time.
And even now, God has been so gracious to us to give us these special days, where we can live in awareness that life is short, precious. Days for my dad to counsel us on how to let him go. And laugh with us as we remember how wonderful our lives are together. And cry with us because it’s so very hard.
So, even though I started Pray for Me Monday so I could pray for you all, I’m asking again if you’ll pray for us. Pray for my dad. He is living his life to the fullest right now, as he always has–a smile always on his face. Pray for my mom-it’s hard to let go of someone you’ve loved since you were 18. Pray for my sister and brother who are the only other 2 people who know what it’s like to be blessed with having him for our dad. Pray for my kids and nieces–they adore him. Pray for his very dear church, who had to learn yesterday that their Pastor may be leaving for Heaven soon.
And please pray for me. I love this man. If helived to be 99, it would be too soon to lethim go.
Thank you for being here when I have to write the hard things. I have shared my dad’s story all along because I want you to have the benefit of being influenced by him, too. You all have been a wonderful support to me. I thank you for that, and Iknow I will continue to need you in the days ahead.
The Psalms 46:1download is here if you’d like this reminder for yourself. And as always, if you have a prayer request today, please let meknow.
January 26, 2015 @ 2:40 pm
Will be praying for you Julie-your Dad sounds wonderful and you were a lucky girl to have him!
January 26, 2015 @ 2:46 pm
We continue to pray for you and your family. We were talking about your dad in the office this morning and we commented about how classy he is through all of this. Appropriately transparent and reassuringly strong. May God give you precious times together regardless of how long or short that may be.
January 26, 2015 @ 3:52 pm
Praying for everyone. I cannot say that I understand what you are going through, but I can pray and you will have our prayers.
January 26, 2015 @ 4:12 pm
Oh Julie, so sorry to hear that. We are praying for all of you and that you find strength during this difficult time. XO, Amy
January 26, 2015 @ 4:33 pm
May your father's promotion to Heaven come peacefully and painlessly. You are in our hearts and carefully cradled in our prayers during this season. Thank you for sharing this news with us. Please continue to allow us to share the load with you. Allow us to lift you up at this time as you have done for countless others through this blog, your prayers, and your gracious and welcoming spirit. I pray for the peace that surpasses all understanding. May you feel our Heavenly Father's love surrounding you in a tangible way throughout this season.
January 26, 2015 @ 6:18 pm
Prayers for you and your family, Julie. So sorry to hear this news. May God and all of us surround you all i this tough time, in hopes that you find strength and comfort. Praying for you, your father and your entire family! xx, b
January 26, 2015 @ 7:46 pm
Prayers for you and your family. It is so hard to go through. Enjoy every moment you have.
January 26, 2015 @ 8:32 pm
Julie–I'm so very sorry. I lost my mom to cancer years ago, and I am so grateful that we have heaven and a future reunion to look forward to! I've added your dad, you, and the rest of your family to my prayer list. {{hugs}}
January 26, 2015 @ 8:33 pm
God's measure of grace, each day is as real as salvation itself! I can see it in all of you, especially your mom& dad. You are all in our prayers daily.
January 26, 2015 @ 9:24 pm
Prayers for you and your family! So sorry!
January 26, 2015 @ 10:46 pm
Julie I am happy for all the years you didn't expect, but like you said, if you lived to be 99 it would never be enough. Please know I am thinking of you and your family during this very precious time and am keeping you in my prayers.
January 26, 2015 @ 11:01 pm
I am so sorry Julie. Prayers for you and your family.
January 26, 2015 @ 11:50 pm
Will be praying for you & your family, I don't know first hand how difficult it is to lose a parent, but I do know that I love my own daddy very much & would be devastated if something were to happen to him. May God touch y'all and give you comfort during this time.
xoxo, SS
http://www.TheSouthernStylista.blogspot.com
January 27, 2015 @ 4:33 am
Prayers for you. I'm crying as I read your post. Such incredible faith. Such a great example. Such sadness and goodness all wrapped up in one. Thank you. Again, prayers for you.
January 27, 2015 @ 4:40 am
I will pray for your family during this very difficult time.
January 27, 2015 @ 5:24 am
Years ago, when my husband was a new and young pastor in Greeneville, TN, your dad took him under his wing. Even back then Bill would say what a privilege it was to call your dad his friend. He imparted to him so much wisdom. Now as missionaries to Tanzania your dad's church support us and our ministry. Last year we were at Faith Baptist Church for a meeting and had the joy of going out to eat with he and your mom. His life is such a challenge to us. God has asked of him to endure through much pain over these years. He has been a great example to us all on how to trust God through difficult things and how God gets the glory when we allow Him to do that work through us. Your family is in our prayers.
January 27, 2015 @ 6:04 am
I'm so sorry you are all going through this. Hard to see a good man leave.
January 27, 2015 @ 2:50 pm
Wow, Julie, just read this and am trying to keep it together. You are recording things, very special things, the most valuable things of life…all in ink, and God has given you such a gift in how to jot it all down so beautifully, yet so raw and transparent. May the name of the LORD be your literal strong tower during this time, during these days, these hours, these nights. As you asked, I am praying for you and your dear family, sweet friend.
January 27, 2015 @ 3:51 pm
Lifting you and your precious family up in prayer right now Julie. May the GOD of all comfort be your sustaining strength in the days ahead. Our GOD is good and He is FAITHFUL!!! May JESUS continue to be honored and glorified through each of your lives!
What a wonderful blessing to have a Godly Dad who has pointed others to CHRIST. Now that is a forever legacy! God bless.
January 27, 2015 @ 5:11 pm
My prayers are with you and your family during this sad time.
January 27, 2015 @ 7:09 pm
I have many fond memories of Bro. Cross! Praying for you, your parents, and whole family! What an awesome legacy The Lord has given him. My mom and dad send their love. Meg
January 27, 2015 @ 7:22 pm
I could totally relate when you said if your dad lived to be 99 it still would not be long enough for you; when my beloved grandmother passed away a few years ago at 97, she left behind a wonderful legacy of living a Christ centered, loving life. God is so gracious through grief, and I went so much deeper with Him clinging to Him as I grieved. If my grandmother could have lived, as you were saying about your dad, for so many more years, no time would be long enough. Praise God for eternal life thru Christ and that we will see these loved ones again and for eternity!!!! I don't know you personally but am praying for your family!
February 3, 2015 @ 2:48 am
Prayers for you and your family.