I think perhaps this season more than any other makes me think of the miraculous, Gods goodness, His provision, and how He demonstrates His great love and care to us so often through each other. 2000 years ago He did this through a baby named Jesus. And today....he does this through people like YOU. So many of you know that a few weeks ago, our brother-in-law, Patrick Lee, passed away after a 2 1/2 year battle with cancer. (wcaringbridge.org/visit/patricklee1) Patrick was only 43 and left behind his wife Penelope (whom he had known her entire life) and three sons, Travis (20), Spencer (17) and Daniel (15). We prayed for a miracle, but the miracle of his body being restored this side of Heaven never came. Patrick was a paramedic who not only saved many lives as a first responder but also taught countless people how to save lives as a CPR instructor. Anyone who knew him would tell you--Patrick was always serving and taking care of someone. It was his passion and his gift. So it is only fitting that others have been rallying to take care of Penelope, a kindergarten teacher, and his boys in his absence. Cancer is not only a viscous disease it is a costly one in so many ways. Fighting any disease in our medical system for over two years hits you hard financially, even with coverage. And Patrick was physically unable to work for some time and Penelope had to miss work due to caring for him. So needless to say, the financial burdens have been great. Last week, some very generous donors, some of whom didnt even know this family, discovered that Penelopes car had 300k miles on it and a leak in the roof. And they wanted to help with this very specific need. So they did!!!!!! On Friday, we were able to watch as Penelope was completely surprised with a new car--a Toyota Camry. She had never in her life owned a new car before. You can watch this sweet surprise here: youtube/watch?v=WkaZ_MBBmbg We wanted to share this with you for a few reasons: --Because there are truly angels among us and some of them are human, and they, with Gods prompting and provision, are demonstrating the miraculous. Far too often the world doesnt hear enough about those who give so generously to those in need. God didnt choose to give us a miraculous healing of Patricks body, but He continues to demonstrate His love and care to our family in countless ways through various people. --Because if you know of a family fighting cancer or a chronic disease today, reach out to them. They need your love and support now more than ever. Its sooooooo hard--The hardest fight weve ever witnessed. --And finally, because this family is going to need some assistance for quite some time. Should you feel moved to help them specifically, here is a link where you can donate, with 100% of your donation going directly to this family and with it also being tax deductible. There are bills which have mounted, college tuitions to pay for, and that is all incredibly difficult on a teachers salary and bills left to pay. If you feel led to share this with those whom you know would want to assist this family in some way, please share this with them. Regardless, as a family who has witnessed a hard fought cancer battle for so long, we do encourage you to reach out to those you know who are suffering and help in whatever way you can. A kind word and a hug are more powerful than you know. A faithful prayer. Just cry with them when they cry. Keep advice to a minimum. Just love them. No doubt you will be blessed for doing so. James 1:27 says this: Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress... Thank you to ALL of you who demonstrate that so beautifully. Their burdens are fewer because you have been faithful.
Posted on: Sat, 27 Dec 2014 21:57:35 +0000
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