By Dr. Joe Yelton
Interim Pastor
Much of the joy we experience is unadulterated. It is completely positive, overwhelmingly euphoric, and it leaves nothing but a smile-making memory. Every now and again though, wonderful moments get marred by the unanticipated, unwelcomed arrival of something dark.
As I write, my granddaughter Sophia today becomes one-month old. She is beautiful and growing. She is blessed to be in a home in which she is adored by her mom and dad ... a home that is already tuned-in to the importance of teaching her about Jesus. She will grow up being defended, encouraged, disciplined, celebrated and best of all, loved.
But today, one month to the day since Sophia’s birth, her mother, my daughter Rosemary, has learned that an ultrasound on her neck revealed something abnormal. Rosemary is strong and fearless, almost.
She is a well-educated Social Worker who works with the homeless of New York City. No fear! Rosemary goes into the jail/prison at Riker’s Island. No fear! On Saturdays she goes into Hell’s Kitchen handing out backpacks to the street-people, laden with foods, water, a small blanket, and more. No fear! However, a small, sore-to-the-touch place on the side of Rosemary’s neck ... something about the size of a pencil eraser brings waves of terror. Why? Normally, Rosemary would be stronger than most, waiting to hear from the biopsy next week before forming fears and dreads. What changed? Sophia! That tiny infant pushed Rosemary into places she’d never been ... terrifying places. Every good parent understands that kind of holy fear.
Generally, she handles it respectfully and courageously. However, when those “reality waves” come crashing in on her, she and husband Kevin (he’s amazing), nearly buckle. Her faith is immense but that doesn’t chase away the clamor in her soul as she now waits a week for a biopsy that may reveal... anything. Of course, we are hopeful that simpler explanations are at work. Of course we are asking God to step up. And of course, we are trembling.
It occurs to me, maybe this is how our God feels so very often when we go through something hard, something dangerous. All of us want to step in and make the terrifying experiences go away. We can’t. But we can be faithful, no matter what the outcome. We can witness to the presence of God as we traverse harsh trails. We can pray, not that “my will be done,” but that God be given free-reign to work out God’s perfect purpose in times like these.
My daughter has taught me so much about Jesus, sacrifice, joy, and remembering the “least of these.” We are asking for your prayers, but not at those with no hope. NO MATTER WHAT, our hope is overflowing ... our hope is Jesus.