I’ve tried to start this post so many times. I’m not sure how many of you meet me here and also on Facebook where I’ve been sharing updates. But for those who might be wondering, I wanted to stop in to say hi and let you know where I’ve been.
Our family is going through some hard stuff, and I’ve needed to pull back and pull in close to the ones who need me most.
Three weeks ago, my father was hospitalized with kidney failure, we drove 20 hours round trip to Florida to be with him, and my newborn nephew was hospitalized and had emergency surgery while we were there. Two days after we returned home, Aster, our almost 3 year old daughter was diagnosed with a speech disorder.
School started, speech therapy started and my dad was transferred to hospice last week. A day later my mom started having severe breathing problems and we ended up in the Dr.’s office. She’s not been married to my dad for 43 years so this is all unrelated. We’re still waiting to figure out the cause of her health concerns.
Then, this Monday afternoon, my father took two deep breaths and was gone. His life ended and our walking through the valley of the shadow of death began.
We’re in Florida now. And the first thing I want to tell you is this: God keeps His promises. He’s been with us. His goodness and mercy is following us, His rod and staff are guiding and comforting us.
He’s met us here in our place of sadness and sorrow in ways I could not imagine. I’ve been asking Him to wrap His mercy around my heart and the hearts of my brothers as we grieve our loss – not only for the future we won’t have with Dad, but also the past we longed for but never had with him either.
But oh how our Heavenly Father has met us here… rushing to our sides and comforting our hurts, giving us courage to let go and perseverance to hold on – to Him and each other.
Dad’s memorial service is Friday so we’ll be here all week. But when life settles down and words come more easy, I’ll be back. To write and to announce the winners of my last two give-aways. Until then, let’s stay in touch on Facebook. Love you so!
Ps. I also wanted to let you know my friend Samantha has a Confident Heart give-away and Melissa Taylor with Proverbs 31 Ministries is leading an online Bible/Book study of A Confident Heart. We wanted to make sure you know that you are invited! For more information, click here.
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Renee,
I know we have never met in person, but following your trials and triumphs via your blog and Facebook have made my heart overflow with love for you, my Christian Sister. That is why my heart breaks for you, as I read about your recent loss. May God continue to wrap His loving arms around you, and take your hand as you walk through this time.
*Hugs.*
Rhea
Renee,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. My extended weekend was stressful, too. My mother had to make the decision to move from assisted living to nursing home care, my sister needs to have heart surgery, one of my daughters is headed to a stomach specialist, and I had my last check-up with my neuro surgeon after having spine surgery earlier this summer (that appointment was good). My siblings and I did not all agree on what was best for mom. My brother-in-law wemt back to Rochester for his cancer and other health issues…. God has been good through all the stress and uncertainty. I am able to look at it all and count all of our blessings because of the stress. I hope God and time will grant you the same.
Beth
May God wrap his loving arms around you and your family and hold you close. As my Pastor always says…”It is not good-bye but until we meet again!” Praying for all that you have going on in your life right now. Thank you for taking time to update us…it means a lot.
God’s Blessings,
Nicole
My best friend has just learned, with her family, that her mom has terminal cancer. Hearing of your struggles, really makes one wonder about what God is doing. At the same time, we acknowledge that God is good and is in control! Prayers for your family during this trial! Request you pray for my friend as well! Thanks!
Praying for you and your family during this difficult time. I’m praying for God’s peace and comfort as you have the memorial service for your Dad on Friday. Asking for God’s guidance with the other issues you are also facing. You are a blessing to me and I look forward to your return.
God Bless You!
Praying for God’s comfort and strength to surround you and your family during this time.
I will be seeing you in a few weeks at the RefresHER conference in Effingham, IL. I will have a huge hug waiting for you.
My heart is so heavy for you, but I am also smiling because you just refuse to stop giving God the glory. Your Dad, your Mom, your nephew, Aster. This world is so ugly and sick and flawed, and yet the glory and beauty of God will just not be overshadowed, as long as you choose to look for it. And you are making the right choice.
Hang in there. God has you. All of you.
Shannon
Renee, I’ll be praying for you. Know that you are loved and there isn’t anything too hard for God. He’ll never put more on you than you can bear.
Renee,
My heart is with you and your family right now. I am so dearly sorry for your loss. And even as you face your challenges, you still minister…sweet sister, may God show you and your family grand favor and blessings as you face today and the many days ahead.
Hugs and Love in Christ Jesus, our LORD,
Kim
I am sorry it sounds so overwhelming. praying for a calm heart for you in the midst of your sorrow and a peace that passes all understanding.
Love floods my heart for you at this time! Renee just look at all of this love as a huge bank account in which you have been pouring into for years!I You’re now receiving the love you have shared with all of us multiplied by the number of people that God has helped in someway through the ministry HE has given you!! And even with that number of people just because HE loves you HE is multiplying each of us by 10 in what HE is pouring back into you at this time.
I know our GOD is going to show out in how HE blesses you at this time.
Please be sure to share some of those nuggets with us as time passes:-)
Oh Dear Renee—I am so very sorry for your loss–wish I could give you a big hug. My prayers are with your Daddy and you and your whole family–Many Blessings, Barb wall
I am so sorry Renee. I am glad you are finding comfort from God. I know a lot of ladies are praying that for you and your family. For your mom we will pray also. Hope the new baby is doing well now after that surgery. Lots of love from all of us.
I am so sorry for your loss and send prayers for you through these difficult times.
Thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
I’m very sorry to hear about your loss, and about all of the stressful things that are going on in this season of your life, Renee. May God be with you and your family in your time of need and place of rest. Please, know that I’ll be sending thoughts of love and many prayers your way.
Just wanted you to know that you and your family are in my prayers.
Just joined your page lately, and had been wondering where you were. Then decided to go to your website and read you letter. I’m very sorry about the loss of your father, just know there are people praying for you. I pray the rest of your week is peaceful. Love and Prayers, Teresa
I was wondering just last night about where you were. God’s timing is always perfect. I am sorry to hear about all your difficulties and pray that you and your family feel God’s presence, love, and comfort during your time of mourning, the days ahead of working through your mom’s health issue and Aster’s speech therapy. Blessings.
Renee,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your whole family! When the times get too hard and you need to feel the arms of your Heavenly Father around you, remember to “Be Still and Know He Is God!”
In His Calm ~ Mary