Illness

Written by cycleguy on January 7th, 2014

Every once in a while something comes along that stops your heart.  It makes you take note of what you are doing and where you are going.  It makes you ask yourself if your priorities are right.  It causes you to question and affirm your faith.

There is often talk, even on this blog, about the role of faith and tough times.  Some give up.  Some hunker down and crawl within themselves.  Some buck it up and continue to fight.  There are many who question the goodness of God when tough times hit.  “How can a God who loves do something like this or that?”

Along comes a story that not only rocks your world,  it makes you do all the things I stated in the first paragraph, ask faith-related questions, and causes you to weep and/or say thanks for all you have.

This is such a story.  Would you please take/find 10 minutes to listen to this?  I believe it may be the best thing you did today.

What are your thoughts? 

 

18 Comments so far ↓

  1. Daniel says:

    That was quite inspiring to be sure. Thanks for sharing.

  2. the Old Adam says:

    Very moving.

    Nothing Christian about it, though.

    A Hindu or Muslim could have made that video.

    A few words about how Christ will raise him from the dead after he is finally let into the grave…would have been good.

    That’s what we ultimately need, really.

    • cycleguy says:

      it is one of a few coming out. Made mention of several others at end. Maybe his point is to first reach others with something similar.

  3. Eileen says:

    I recently watched his story. Powerful and beautiful

  4. In listening to that, I got the distinct impression that this was only the opening to his story, a brief overview. The meeting in the large building appeared to be about filming his interview and story. I’m not surprised you say there is likely more.

    I pray God was a great part in the filming process. It was a great reminder to me. And to be going through so much and STILL there is that one person going through more. It seems there always is. Funny how God touches us even through such things as that.

    Now, if I can just but stay touched and carry that reminder with me as I strive through whatever God allows to come my way, and likewise be an encouragement to others.

    • cycleguy says:

      MS: The big building was a giveaway as well as the message at the end of the video. I am sure God was in the filming. It is a great testimony. But you are right about how God touches each of us. May you find yourself focused and in touch with Him as you go through your day.

  5. We need those reminders over and over, don’t we? I can get caught up in my own problems and situations and forget that there are people around me hurting far worse than me that need encouragement. Take some hope and pass it on! Jesus is full of hope and He loves to share. Thank you, Bill.

    • cycleguy says:

      You are absolutely right Jason. WE/I need those reminders more often than I would like to admit. 🙂 We do need to pass hope along. Thanks for coming by.

  6. So inspiring, Bill. Thank you so much for sharing it. It’s making me wish I was still updating The Inspired Day!

    I had a patient with ALS when I was an intern. My assignment was to help him with eye blinking when that would be his only way of communicating.

    I kept praying for him and one day when he was visiting his family, he died. He never needed the eye blinking. It was so good of God to take him home before it got to that point and while he was with the people he loved. God just refuses to stay in a box.

    • cycleguy says:

      Thanks for dropping by Melanie. Always appreciate you doing that. ALS is quite a devastating physical disease. I would consider it good as well.

  7. floyd says:

    That’s a powerful reminder of the gift we have called life. “It ain’t over till it’s over…” How I love the simple statements that are always the most profound…

  8. Betty Draper says:

    Ace oldest brother died with ALS and we were there with him for the last two weeks of his life when he could not eat or do anything for himself. He had already buried his wife and son. How he kept going in those last years before he went and got tested was a testament to his love for his family. It was not long after the death of his son from an over dose that he went into his final months. He moved in with a younger brother who lived close to two sisters and they took care of him. God allowed us to be home for those last couple weeks of his life so Ace was a huge part of taking care of him. We all marveled at his humor and I could tell you one funny story after another but what I really want to say is my husband observation of Rod’s last weeks. Ace had led him to the Lord years ago and he had the chance to once again present the sweet hope of the gospel and Rod was able to communicate he did believe in eternal life by faith in Christ. Those few weeks were sweet and so hard. But I watch a dying man have great influence on his family that he would leave behind…he gave them hope. Ace says his brother taught him how to die. 2013 the oldest sister died of cancer…same story…she died well because of the hope she had of her eternal home.

    Rod has one daughter left, in a two year period she lost her mother, brother and father, got pregnant, not married, lost her home. We all offered our homes to her, she stayed where she grew up. Since then she has had twins, gave them up since she could not take care of them. I know she is just drifting through life so I am going to send this to her. I know if all three of her family could stand before her they would tell her to listen to this man and learn to live for the things that will count. Thanks brother, very moving clip…the message will be replayed in my heart for some time.

    • cycleguy says:

      Your testimony about Ace’s brother dying well moved my heart. I do hope the daughter is able to get herself straightened out with God’s help. I have to thank you Betty for confirming this was the right thing to do for today’s blog.

  9. Caleb Suko says:

    I’ve actually seen that video somewhere before. It is both sobering and a great reminder to focus on what is important in life and don’t assume that you’ll always have the health and same abilities that you currently have. For me it comes down to making sure that my life is solidly being built on Jesus and not on anything that is temporary or that could in some how be taken from me.

  10. It’s amazing the grace that God grants when we need it.