Our dear Shannon is very sick. This vicious blood cancer came out of nowhere and has gripped her sweet body. She is battling for her life. A month ago, she was the picture of robust health. Full of laughter and wit. Worried about my health, yes, but professing no doubt about my eventual healing. Serving Susan and so many others. Now hospitalized in intensive care, surrounded by her loving husband, four daughters and other close family, Shannon knows how deeply she is loved.

We wept a lot this morning. Our Little Band of Believers wept and held one another. We also laughed and experienced joy. Told some funny Shannon stories. Knew she would want it this way. We sang. We sang words from deep within our hearts and souls. None of this was contrived or formulaic. People can criticize our faith but they would just not recognize the eternal truths expressed today in the Millsom living room. What a shame.

If there was ego or pretense in that space … well, let’s just say there wasn’t any.

Kiki led this morning. What a beautiful woman Kiki is! Her heart bursting, she knit together a space for us to live out our yearnings. She helped all of us focus on what is truly important. Love. Surrender. Trust. Hope.

Kiki is a teacher and, laughingly, presented us with a visual. I’m big on visuals, too. A painting of Jesus walking on water.

People are welcome to believe what they will. But our God walked on water. People scoff at miracles. Our God is a God of miracles. I have seen them and experienced them and I know the difference between a phenomenon and a miracle. As clearly as I know the difference between night and day.

We do not know what is going to happen with Shannon in the next couple of days. We know what we hope for. Pray for expectantly. As our angel, Connie (confined to her wheelchair by disease … and having suffered the worst of tragedies), spoke boldly and with radiance: “I fully expect healing until I hear otherwise.”

But, Jesus invites us out of the safety of our boat … to do the impossible … walk expectantly towards him. Towards his outstretched loving arms.

I have to say that the boat is a relative place. This Little Band of Believers has stepped out of the boat before … and has been living in that place where security’s anchor has lost its hold. Instead, the invitation and the Security that transcends all understanding is the path across the water. Now, although we’ve stepped out before, we step out again. Stepping out is a daily practice, just as flawed Peter did and found himself sinking.

Please continue praying for Shannon and her family. I won’t tell you what to pray for. I think you’ll know if you sit quietly for a few moments and listen for the words.

 
On a less urgent note, please continue to pray for Diane and me. I’m Ok but am swamped. Emmaus and church and family issues (not immediate family) and some other things requiring my attention are threatening to overwhelm. Not sleeping much. I wish I could say that I have the tools to adjust the RPMs easily … I’m much better at that than many years ago. It’s still a weakness, though. Enough said.

Lord, thank you for showing us who you are and what we can be with you at the center. Thank you for Shannon, a beacon of light who has touched so many lives. Who has given selflessly and lovingly. Who has spread joy and comfort to the many. Please hold her closely. Hold her family closely. You are the God of miracles and we plea for one now. But, most importantly, we turn all of our lives over to you with the knowledge that your embrace is eternal. Amen.

I know that some of you reading these words faithfully are not Christian. Bless your hearts for following and letting me know once in awhile that you can connect on different levels. That touches me deeply. I have referred to this song before but have not included the lyrics. It is performed by Hillsong United and is entitled “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” I listened to it after returning home from our group. It perfectly captures this theme and depicts the place Diane and I live our lives, especially when facing tough challenges. Our Little Band is there, too. This is probably not for everyone, which is fine. I found a link to this live version, which I’d never seen, although this is the version we know. I play it in the car and at other times. Loud? Yes, at times. But, if you stick with the whole piece, there are times of near silence. Too much visual? Close your eyes and just meditate on the words. 🙂  For me, there are many times when I sit in silence or have some quiet contemplative music playing. But, faith can also be bold and full of life and it’s my feeling we can express it in such a way as this. You may know Diane and me in a certain way. But one way is the knowledge that we would be completely at home at this concert.

Brad