As I sit here and really think about those words I am with you always–I remember how many times I felt completely alone in my circumstances. I think back on opportunities lost, because I didn’t feel I was capable of meeting the expectations required to get the job done. I reflect on the moments in my deepest despair, screaming out as loud as I could to God, thinking He obviously wasn’t hearing me.
"Heather, I am with you always."
How often I forget that.
I remember the times my husband and I walked through the hospital halls, taking a break while Emma slept or was having a procedure done. I remember looking at people's faces, many covered with exhaustion and fear.
This is how we met John, walking the halls late one night. His family will always be precious to us, and his story will always stay with me.
His family was coming home from Christmas vacation, John was driving. He somehow got lost, and couldn’t see a stop sign. Their car was hit by a Semi. His entire family, except for John, was in the intensive care unit. His wife had shattered her hips, all three boys were in critical condition.
We would see him sitting outside his oldest son (who was in the most critical condition) reading his Bible and praying. Mark and I introduced ourselves to him and a friendship was formed that will always be there. His wife and 2 of his boys (one being an infant) recovered quickly, but his eldest son would never be the same. He had suffered major brain trauma.
The strength I witnessed in that man, who could have blamed himself (and honestly, sometimes did) was amazing. His witness and his fortitude touched me in a way that I cant describe. His son, who was 12, will never be the same. I will never forget his words to Mark and I while we talked (which was so very often while we were in ICU).
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Kristen@Moms Sharpening Moms says
I love this…especially the reminder that Jesus means what He says.
Or, to phrase it like my Daddy used to, “I’m not just whistlin’ Dixie, young lady.”
Thank you so much for writing this! Have a wonderful weekend!
Karen says
Now that was exactly what I needed to hear today. Thank you so very much for sharing.
Mary @ Passionate Perseverance says
Blessings and grace to you and your family Heather. We walk those hospital corridors with you. I know that God has a plan for our profoundly disabled daughter and He will reveal it in his time. He has a plan for how the rest of the family is to care for her and love her in her uniqueness. It is revealed to us each day as we put one foot in front of the other and walk in faith knowing HE IS ALWAYS THERE! Thank you for reminding me of that.
Jenna H says
I’m new to the site and so needed your post today. God has been teaching me this very same thing….even times when I am in the valley and don’t “feel” like He’s here…He is! It’s all about faith! Thanks so much and may God bless you and your precious family!
Mrs Tina says
Thank you Heather for that reminder.
Sometimes going through the day-to-day things in life, I can forget that. And then I am reminded that He is indeed always with me and will never leave me. This brings to mind the poem-Footprints in the Sand- the last part saying,
…the LORD replied, “my precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you”…
What a picture that brings to mind, the Lord picking me up and carrying me through those times when I just don’t think I can keep going for one more minute. WOW, that’s amazing!
Blessings, MrsTina
Kerry says
Amazing..Heather isn’t it that we are never alone! He is always there with us! Always.
Blessings to you and yours.
A Simple Country Girl says
“…and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross” ~ Hebrews 12:1-2
Thinking of you and yours (and John’s) this day.
Blessings.
Christine Smith from LifeVerse says
God is with us always, even when we don’t see or feel His presence. Sometimes in a busy world, we forget to look for Him, turning to Him only when crisis hits. Yet day by day, the LORD is with us. Minute by minute, as we make decisions, He is with us. He knows the decisions we will make, before we make them. He knows the outcome of those decisions, before we experience them. God, Maker and Creator and Center of our Universe…He is always present.
I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matt 28:20
I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. Psalm 73:23
The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone-John 8:29
Faith Barista Bonnie says
It is an incredible testimony that you can go through all this and still say, “He is still here.” Heather, you are a wonderful and powerful example of faith to me.
Tammy says
I so needed to hear that as we have had a rough week at our house. Thank you for the reminder and for sharing your heart.
blessings
Mel's World with Melissa Mashburn says
Heather, your words continue to encourage and inspire so many. Thank you for sharing your story, your heart, and our AWESOME God!
I too remember those moments when our son was in the PICU for 51 days clinging to life…there was ONE verse that stood out as a beacon of light in those dark and scary times, John 16:32 “Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.”
Much Love,
Melissa in Mel’s World
Fran says
Heather…you are an inspiration for true faith.
I love your heart and your honesty so very much!
Thank you for your perspective and reminder. He IS always with me. He is. And I believe He is.
Hugs,
Fran
TN
Lesley says
Heather~~ I honestly needed to read this today. My daughter is going through an illness that is taking its toll on us. I know that God is always there, but it is still good to be reminded. Thanks so much for sharing this. I posted it on my Facebook page.
dawn says
fantastically beautiful. truth so easily forgotten when circumstances bury us, and we can’t see the Light as easily.
Thanks Heather.
Marianne says
Thank you!