It was no accident that this book was front and center on the new book shelf at our local library
yesterday when we stopped in!
I picked it up thinking I'd speed read it myself.
Finding this particular chapter, I bookmarked it and brought it with me as I came to visit
my parents today in the health care center where both are presently residing.
I read the introduction aloud to my father and then asked him to read THIS chapter aloud for me.
Weakness from recent open heart surgery and from emotional decisions regarding his and mother's future and care have left him uncharacteristically drained.
"Weak" is the word he has frequently voiced. So uncharacteristically weak.
His voice cracked with emotion as he read these words.
"Chuck, you don't always have to have a handle on everything."
(You see, my father's name is "Chuck", too.)
Like Chuck Swindoll, my father has also been in ministry for many years.
"Can you leave the book here?" he asked me.
Of course I can.
The opening words of this chapter said,
"We all struggle with weakness."
It's good to acknowledge our weakness!
God's strength is "made perfect" in them!
(2 Corinthians 12:9)
It's good to acknowledge our weakness!
God's strength is "made perfect" in them!
(2 Corinthians 12:9)
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| On their way to afternoon church... |
That was the ideal book to take to your dad and it sounds like it is already a blessing for him. Isn't it nice what God puts in our hands?
ReplyDeleteSure IS - (nice)!!
DeleteThe pictures you continue to show of your dear parents just warms my heart. I pray for a love like they seem to share when my husband and I are their ages. I am praying for their strength and health to improve by the day! You might want to mention Cerefolin NAC to your mom's doctor. It is the new cutting edge treatment for any kind of dementia. Is said to be working wonders for those with memory loss and confusion.
ReplyDeleteThe book is a blessing. I love the way the Lord works and speaks to His own.
Thank you for the heads up about that medication - and MOST of all for your prayers, Sandy. I appreciate it SO much.
DeleteWhat a "God-moment." I've found it hard to watch my parents age. It's hard for our strong daddies to find out they can't make things "ok" for the one they love. But, with you, I've been blessed to see my father lean hard on God.
ReplyDeleteIt IS hard, isn't it Pamela? I am in awe as I watch a new person unfold in my father. Seeing him learn to trust God in a new way is very encouraging and brings the verse to life that says that though we are fading away outwardly, yet inwardly we are renewed day by day....
DeleteMy heart is with you as you minister to your parents...your family is in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Gail!
DeleteI love it when God puts things right in front of us that are meant for us and in your case for your Dad also.
ReplyDeleteLove and hugs to you and they ~ FlowerLady
You've experienced it so much longer than I, Lorraine! May we ALWAYS find our hope and confidence in the Lord to be enough for our challenges! Thank you for your encouraging words. ♥
DeleteVery nice how God arranged that blessing for you and your Dad.
ReplyDeleteThat is amazing Rebecca! How beautifully you ministered to your father.
ReplyDeleteDeanna
How beautifully the HOLY SPIRIT ministered to my father - through Charles Swindoll's book :)
DeleteYou are doing a wonderful job helping your dad transition to the next stage of his life journey. Praying God will give them peace and you too.:)
ReplyDeleteI used to listen to Chuck Swindoll all the time on the local Christian station in Dallas, then in Houston.......then things changed and we got busy during the time he was on......glad you got the book and that it was a blessing.
ReplyDeleteI STILL listen to him. We have a radio station that only has sermons, etc. No music. While Swindoll's program sometimes features sermons from his younger years, I especially appreciate the elderly versions. You can tell he's getting older by the vocal tones and the humility and gentleness that comes across in the content.....
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