Friday, October 19, 2007

for a friend

We heard Don Piper (not John Piper) tell his story on the radio about how after a car accident, when he was already in heaven, people prayed and the life came back into his body. (Your comments are always welcome, but I do not intend to debate the veracity of his experience.) I turned to my wife and announced, "If I got to go to heaven and you prayed me back, I'd be awful mad." I know the day must come, and look forward to what awaits the other side of the transition.

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While the neighbors are away, we are taking care of their fish. Well one of those little guys got roughed-up by the filtration system and Mrs. Craver found him alive, but doing an abnormal back-float in the tank. His fins were shredded, and he couldn't swim properly. We told the kids that the frayed fins would probably cause an earlier-than-expected expiration date.

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Life is fragile. Every minute, we're losing sand from the top of our hourglass, and we cannot know exactly when it will run out. My friend Charity was given a painful reminder that the sand is running out, but I am praying that the Lord glorifies Himself through healing her body and extending her days.

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But again, what concerns me most about my own personal journey is not the destination, and I know this to be true for Charity as well. By God's grace through faith in Christ, the empty hourglass will yield more joy and hope than we can even comprehend.

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Charity is entering into a fight against cancer. The battle is a tough one and, among other things, it may cause this fragile flower to lose her petals and maybe she will begin wearing a cap. But in the hearts of her friends she remains as lovely as ever.

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Dear sister, if you feel like your fins are frayed, and get tired, afraid or discouraged, know that we will be here to pray you back.

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Original painting by Charity Singleton, used with permission.

11 comments:

L.L. Barkat said...

What a beautiful reflection, Craver. Thank you for your loving care.

Lin said...

My prayers, too. We can't afford to lose lovely people who create such lovely, positive works.

jazzycat said...

Charity,
I will keep you in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

I don't know any of you, but we will spend an eternity together. Some will go before us. Some will come after us. Praise God for His amazing grace that makes it all possible. May His truth bring comfort to your soul.

Anonymous said...

Craver --

Thanks for these kind, uplifting words and prayers. I am feeling a little bit like my fins are frayed and appreciate the care with which everyone is picking me up and placing me back in the tank.

Shammickite said...

What a caring post. My thoughts are with Charity, trying to send her some good vibes for a healthy recovery.
BTW I posted pics of The Wedding, perhaps I will post some more tomorrow. We had such a great time, I'm exhausted!

Lee Shelton said...

A touching post, Craver. Thanks. This is something my wife and I have been thinking a lot about lately. Her mother started chemotherapy a few weeks ago.

Craver Vii said...

I see all kinds of people expressing kind thoughts in their own ways. For my part, I intend to continue to hold Charity up through frequent prayer. Charity, I would appreciate being included if you send email updates, okay?

Lee, ouch. God's grace to Dawn and her mom.

Lifelong Learner said...

Great post. You always have the right words. :)

L.L. Barkat said...

Oh, wow. Both times I was here I missed that the painting was by Charity. How great to see more of her visual work.

23 degrees said...

Way to go, brother.

Life is so fragile and beautiful.

Joining you in praying for Charity's healing.