Light out of Darkness

Ed Thomas, head football coach at Aplington-Parkersburg High School in Parkersburg, Iowa was killed by a former student on June 24th.

The coach was admired nationally for the juggernaut football program he built, the successful men he shaped and the resilient town he helped rebuild after a devastating tornado last summer. News of his death has flashed around the country.

He won 292 games and two state titles in 37 seasons, and ranked 32nd among active high school football coaches nationwide in victories.

Thomas coached four players who are active in the National Football League this season. Since the school has fewer than 300 students, per capita, no other high school in the nation has ever had as many NFL players among its alumni.

At an afternoon news conference, Thomas’ son, Aaron, thanked community members for their support and prayers.

Mid-way through his 3 minute statement…Aaron said: “God always has a reason. At this

time, it’s very tough for us to understand that.”

As I heard those words my heart went out to him. I thought, “We should do something for him and the family.”

Upon reflection, I recognized that his slain father had already done that.

Aaron was speaking from a foundation of faith that his father had helped him establish. It was as if Aaron was quoting Job’s unflinching trust in God during the devastation in Job’s life.

Job grasped tightly to his belief in the character of God saying, “Even if He kills me, my trust is in Him.”

Even though he can’t understand the reason for this tragedy, Aaron is leaning on God.

So back to the “we should do something” thought. Am I close enough to God to withstand such a tragedy? Are you? And what are you doing this week to deepen that reliance on God?

And second, for parents—is it a part of your plan to raise your children to develop such a foundation? If so, you know that it is a process that has to happen daily.

Are you helping your children to understand God’s power in creation? His goodness even in the midst of trials? How God is still there when your friends aren’t? Why “no” is often the most giving response to a request for some thing? How you’ve trusted God when the chips are down?

Now is the time to do this…before you need to…before the darkness comes…show them the Light.

Mom Report Day 38

A little more than a month has gone by since my mom's 6 and 1/2 hour surgery. When I talked t her on Tuesday, I was informed she had made a major breakthrough--she had eaten a White Castle hamburger!

This is momentous because White Castle "belly bombers" are her favorite. And I took an empty box to her ICU room and posted it on the bulletin board as an incentive for her. So, early this week she reached that goal, which I'm sure is a true test of her digestive system.

Mom Report Day 34

My mom is doing pretty well at home. She is a little more comfortable there and no one is waking her up every two hours to stick her with something. She left the hospital with a feeding tube and a gastric drainage tube that were supposed to be removed Tuesday. Unfortunately the doctor said “they weren’t ready to come out yet.” I know my mom was really ready for them to come out, but apparently there has to be some more internal healing before they “will” come out.

She is eating really well which is a good thing; she is becoming increasingly active which is also a good thing. My sister said she was out for a walk for a little while…a really little while, but is making good progress.

When I talked to her earlier this week, she said the cancer surgeon told her the surgery did not get all of the cancer and she would need chemo. I don’t know how she sounded, but I’m sure very worried. I’m going back during the first week of July—my dad’s 80^th birthday, and to spend some time with her.

Mom Report Day 28

Less News is Better
Mom is enjoying the comforts of home now. In talking with her last night it is apparent that she continues to get more energy and is becoming herself more and more. She said she is not in any pain; is still weak; and is still "carrying this walker around."

She will go tomorrow to have the abdominal feeding tube and gastric drainage tubes removed.

Letting Go

Speaking with a ministry friend about the struggle of breaking free of addictions. As we talked it struck me that letting go is always scary. Letting go of jobs, people we love; control...Faith is about letting go.

Sports Meets Faith

ESPN's Sports Center this past Monday carried a story about an Orlando Magic fan sending Dwight Howard a box of mustard seeds. The reported explained that the she idea came from the Bible where Jesus had told the parable of the mustard seed--saying if someone has the faith of a tiny mustard seed, they can tell mountains to move and they will.

While the fan hoped to inspire and encourage Howard to have faith that his team still has a chance to comeback and win the championship, it is amazing tat millions of people were exposed to the Bible on national television that morning! Did ya happen to see it yourself? And it helps show the truth that the Bible is relevant to your life.

Mom Report Day 24

Two to One Aren't Bad Odds

After 23 days in the hospital, my mom went home yesterday. The interim step to a rehab / care facility was bypassed and she is home!

I talked with her last evening. I could tell she was glad to be out of the hospital and in the familiar surroundings of home.

I think she goes back to the surgeon on Tuesday to have the last two tubes removed, that have remained as a precaution. She is continuing to eat more and more often.

When we talked yesterday, she made some comments about wanting to talk with me about religion and some areas of service in which she can participate--based on her experiences battling cancer. That's cool. And I think I"m gonna try to find an Alpha Course in StL for her.

Mom Report Day 22

More Progress

Report from my sister yesterday is that the fever is gone...and will take a day or two for labs to come back to determine the initial cause.

Mom was up and around a lot Saturday and Sunday; not real excited to have a bunch of visitors, though. I think she is getting restless and wants/needs to go home, but is still a little scared of making the transition from the hospital to home.

She is eating a little more each day--half a tuna sandwich yesterday along with some other stuff, and she is only getting tube feeding duing the night to supplement her nutrition needs.

I think the current odds are: going home Wednesday 2 to 1, and even money for Thursday.

Mom Report Day 20

One step back...

Thursday night was not a good one for mom. At 1am she was up puking, had not felt well most of the day...coughing...skipped breathing treatments...and then spiked a fever of 103.

Yesterday she was feeling better but temp was still at 100. Blood cultures were taken, as it is near certain she has an infection somewhere.

All of this happened on the verge of the hospital releasing her today to spend a few days at a rehab facility.

Her spirits are holding up but her old body is not keeping pace in the recovery.

Mom Report Day 19

My sister Jenise told me mom was up and walking (with the physical therapist) twice yesterday; was out of bed and sitting in the recliner when I called; and is being given soft foods 6 times per day as the amount she is receiving from the feeding tube has been decreased by 60%.

Also one of the drains from her abdomen has been removed. All good sings as mom continues to make slow progress.

My mom and dad desire the next step to be a short stint at a rehab facility. With all the tubes and limited mobility a few days to transition would be good. Apparently the insurance company denied the request but my dad is pursuing other options.

This would be great for my mom and dad, and also for my sister. She has pulled about 2/3 of the night shifts at the hospital with mom, and it is wearing her out. I encouraged her to help speed the transition by telling mom she can't do it any more and so it is take the next step or be their alone at night. Jenise, however, just can't do that. She said, this is the only thing mom asked; how can I say no?

Out of the trials of life a simple command like honor your father and mother is lived out.

Mom Report--Day 18

No report from yesterday. Trusting (and praying) that healing continues and strength returns rapidly.

Mom Report Day 17

It has now been 17 days since mom's surgery. I spoke with my sister Jenise last night. I don't know which is harder--being there with her as she struggles to recover or being 370 miles away...

Th good news is that mom continues to get better. Yesterday she began to eat "soft food"--mashed potatoes, and had a bunch of visitors, which she had previously avoided. I know it is tough just being in the hospital doing not much of anything and not getting any real rest.

Mom is continuing to do some physical therapy, walk, and spend time out of the hospital bed.

I'm praying that she continues to heal; gets to go home soon (Saturday?); and that God is preparing her, and my dad, for the difficult next steps in the treatment process.