His Name is Chuck, Too

 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)
On their way to afternoon church...

16 comments:

  1. 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?

    ReplyDelete
  2. The 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.
    The book is a blessing. I love the way the Lord works and speaks to His own.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the heads up about that medication - and MOST of all for your prayers, Sandy. I appreciate it SO much.

      Delete
  3. What 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It 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....

      Delete
  4. My heart is with you as you minister to your parents...your family is in my prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love it when God puts things right in front of us that are meant for us and in your case for your Dad also.

    Love and hugs to you and they ~ FlowerLady

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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. ♥

      Delete
  6. Very nice how God arranged that blessing for you and your Dad.

    ReplyDelete
  7. That is amazing Rebecca! How beautifully you ministered to your father.

    Deanna

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How beautifully the HOLY SPIRIT ministered to my father - through Charles Swindoll's book :)

      Delete
  8. You 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.:)

    ReplyDelete
  9. I 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I 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.....

      Delete

Writing a Song a Week #3

Writing a Song a Week #3
♪ I wait for the Lord; my soul waits and in his word I hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning ♪ (Psalm 130:5-6)