Many bemoan the negatives associated with the Internet and, to be sure, there are many. But, when used for God’s glory, it becomes a tool of fellowship and an opportunity to bear one another’s burdens. Having built up a network of homeschooling associates over the years, I routinely share info and prayer requests and stay connected with brothers and sisters in Christ, some of whom I have never met in person.
A number of years ago when my older daughter was heading to Scotland for postgraduate work, I sent an inquiry to over fifty contacts to see if anyone knew folks in Glasgow that she might be able to board with. I received thirty responses, one of which resulted in a wonderful living situation for her and the establishment of a life-long friendship.
More recently, sharing the news about my granddaughter’s diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF), I received emails of encouragement and referrals to people I could talk with and gather information and advice.
One such referral resulted in an hour-long conversation with a local minister (also a homeschooling dad) who, at the age of fifty, has defied the life expectancy for someone with this genetic condition. What could have been an awkward meeting produced a budding friendship, because we are “family in Christ.” His insights, experiences, and sense of humor were all helpful, not to mention his honesty regarding the realities of what may lie ahead for my son’s family.
Another referral, a homeschooling mother of six, with a son with CF, spent an equal amount of time with me, with words of genuine encouragement, without being sappy or pietistic. Like the man mentioned above, she confirmed that without the Lord Jesus Christ in her life, the trials and struggles that accompany this condition could well have broken her. She, too, remarked how her faith has been bolstered, the opportunities to share the love of God have been many, and her comfort in His sovereignty has produced a peace that passes understanding.
James says that the trying of our faith produces endurance. I would add it also reveals to God’s people that He has placed others in various places and circumstances, ready and equipped to help us during our trials.
In the world we will have tribulation, but thanks be to God, Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33).
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Sounds of Silence
Laryngitis has its upsides and downsides. I learned to appreciate both. My laryngitis occurred as a result of the heavy smoke covering most of California due to hundreds of forest fires. I never knew whether or not any sound would come out of my mouth when I attempted to speak. Each attempt at vocalization was filled with surprise. More often than not, all I was capable of were breathy sounds of silence.
Some reflections:
1. A sixteen-year-old daughter who has been homeschooled all her life makes an excellent personal secretary. Her skill in making phone calls, setting up appointments, ordering in restaurants, and obtaining much needed directions demonstrated that her education has produced excellent results.
2. At the end of the day, the same sixteen-year-old is glad her mother is going to sleep and the translator duties are on hold until morning.
3. I realize how much I use my voice in any given day, and how much of what I say could just as well remain unsaid.
4. It is totally unnecessary to carry a cell phone when you cannot speak. If you make the mistake of answering it or making a call, people hang up figuring there was a bad connection or you are a prank call.
5. With enough mental intention to compensate for a total lack of sound, “yelling” across a parking lot can still cause your daughter to turn around, figuring you were calling her.
6. When you whisper, many people tend to whisper back to you. They have no idea why.
7. People who don’t respond in a whisper tend to speak in a louder voice than normal. I kept telling them that the problem was with my voice, not my ears. They also think you can’t carry heavy things!
8. Many people don’t know what laryngitis is. When I explained to a waitress that I couldn’t talk because of laryngitis, she assured me she wasn’t prejudiced and had no problem seating me.
9. A husband with some hearing impairment and a wife who can’t utter a sound are an amusing combination. Rather than the blind leading the blind, we were the deaf leading the mute.
10. Many people laugh when you tell them you have lost your voice. And, they don’t explain the reaction.
11. Thinking before you speak becomes more of a habit.
12. Despite all the lessons learned from my week of silence, I’m glad to have a voice once again to lift up and praise the Lord.
Some reflections:
1. A sixteen-year-old daughter who has been homeschooled all her life makes an excellent personal secretary. Her skill in making phone calls, setting up appointments, ordering in restaurants, and obtaining much needed directions demonstrated that her education has produced excellent results.
2. At the end of the day, the same sixteen-year-old is glad her mother is going to sleep and the translator duties are on hold until morning.
3. I realize how much I use my voice in any given day, and how much of what I say could just as well remain unsaid.
4. It is totally unnecessary to carry a cell phone when you cannot speak. If you make the mistake of answering it or making a call, people hang up figuring there was a bad connection or you are a prank call.
5. With enough mental intention to compensate for a total lack of sound, “yelling” across a parking lot can still cause your daughter to turn around, figuring you were calling her.
6. When you whisper, many people tend to whisper back to you. They have no idea why.
7. People who don’t respond in a whisper tend to speak in a louder voice than normal. I kept telling them that the problem was with my voice, not my ears. They also think you can’t carry heavy things!
8. Many people don’t know what laryngitis is. When I explained to a waitress that I couldn’t talk because of laryngitis, she assured me she wasn’t prejudiced and had no problem seating me.
9. A husband with some hearing impairment and a wife who can’t utter a sound are an amusing combination. Rather than the blind leading the blind, we were the deaf leading the mute.
10. Many people laugh when you tell them you have lost your voice. And, they don’t explain the reaction.
11. Thinking before you speak becomes more of a habit.
12. Despite all the lessons learned from my week of silence, I’m glad to have a voice once again to lift up and praise the Lord.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Speechless
My heart is full. There is much I want to say. But my vocal chords are too swollen to accommodate. My precious granddaughter fights congestion in her lungs as she fights a condition her almost three-week-old mind can’t fathom. The minds of her parents, grandparents, friends, and those of the Body of Christ who are praying for her are also having a difficult time comprehending the answers to the question: Why, Lord? In a strange way, I feel closer to her as I fight the effects of the smoke filled air in California that has taken away my ability to breathe and speak freely. I am strangely silent.
There is nothing like suffering to make academic and theoretical matters very personal. Nothing like suffering to force one to contemplate the weightier things in life with eternity in view. Nothing like a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis to change the colors in the palette of life.
So, as I have been unable to communicate easily these past few days due to laryngitis, a weak internet connection at my motel, and a sizeable geographical distance from my son and his family as they deal with this medical crisis, I have poured out my heart to God. That line of communication, praise God, has remained open during all hours of the night. How glad I am that He neither slumbers nor sleeps.
Yet, there is much for which to be grateful. A son who is demonstrating he knows what it takes to be a husband and father. A daughter-in-law who is willing to be weak so that the Lord can be strong. An 18-month-old grandson, too young to understand the medical issues surrounding his baby sister, but who still manages to make his parents smile and provide them with joy. A medical team at UC that is helping little Ellie fight her infections and breathe. Prayer warriors around the country who have placed this precious child and her parents on their list of petitions to God Almighty.
There is nothing like suffering to make academic and theoretical matters very personal. Nothing like suffering to force one to contemplate the weightier things in life with eternity in view. Nothing like a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis to change the colors in the palette of life.
So, as I have been unable to communicate easily these past few days due to laryngitis, a weak internet connection at my motel, and a sizeable geographical distance from my son and his family as they deal with this medical crisis, I have poured out my heart to God. That line of communication, praise God, has remained open during all hours of the night. How glad I am that He neither slumbers nor sleeps.
Yet, there is much for which to be grateful. A son who is demonstrating he knows what it takes to be a husband and father. A daughter-in-law who is willing to be weak so that the Lord can be strong. An 18-month-old grandson, too young to understand the medical issues surrounding his baby sister, but who still manages to make his parents smile and provide them with joy. A medical team at UC that is helping little Ellie fight her infections and breathe. Prayer warriors around the country who have placed this precious child and her parents on their list of petitions to God Almighty.
If God be for us, who can be against us?
Consider it all joy, brethren when you encounter trials and tribulations. For the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you are with me.
For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory.
Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His mercy endureth forever!
For he that will follow me must pick up his cross daily.
Children are a heritage of the Lord. Blessed is the man who has his quiver full of them.
Who sinned Lord that this man was born blind? He or his parents? Neither….but so that the works of the Lord may be made manifest.
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