Hero ... (part 3)

You probably already know about my hero. If not, then check here and here. I did not think that Dad's earlier prayers could be outdone. Go figure?!?!? PrayerWarriorToo was there today and he heard it. Listen to Dad's words of strength spoken today:

• Oh, Lord, sometimes I cannot bear this anguish. Other times, I consider it a blessing and honor to suffer for you.
• I take captive all thoughts that would cause me to forsake you.
• Oh, Lord (... groan ...) how long?

It's okay, Dad, heroes get scared sometimes, too ...

Hero ... (Part 2)

If you have read about my hero, then you may have a new hero, too. Dad's prayers last night and this morning are equally heart-piercing. You have to realize that between each of these words or sentences, there is intense groaning ... signifying the excruciating pain ... making us wince.

Dad prays:

• Thank you Lord for saving my soul.
• Thank you Lord for making me.
• Thank you Lord for giving to me the great Salvation.
• Lord, we trust you where you are leading us right now.
• Thank you Jesus.
• I am so sorry.
• I am alone.
• Thank you Lord for forgiving me my sin.
• Thank you for your victory today -- we are more through Christ who gives us everything we need.
• Thank you Lord that you find us worthy to make this sacrifice.
• Thank you Lord for the victory.
• There is so much anxiety.
• Jesus is Lord.
• Thank you ... (groaning in pain) ...
• Thank you for the gift of salvation for those in Christ Jesus.
• Thank you ... who are called according to his purposes ... thank you.

Dad, the World is praying for you.

Hero

Dad is my hero. He is on a mountain top. At times, he feels lost in a deep valley. But today, he is as close to the Maker as possible.

..........................................

When I got that text from a friend this morning, I did not think twice about the words. After seeing Dad this evening, after talking to him through the pain, and after hearing his cries upward, I now know what my friend meant. The best I can say is: "Dad, you are my hero. Today, I, too, saw what it means to be a real man."

World, jump into my mind for a few minutes. See the blurred computer through my tearing eyes. Feel the lump in my throat as I swallow each breath. Calm the pounding in my heart. Hear Dad's prayers that he repeated today:

• Lord, this pain is spiritual warfare.
• I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
• Hallelujah ... Praise God ... I will rejoice in the Lord in all things!
• Through His stripes, I am healed.
• Protect me and my family from the arrows of the enemy.
• I thank God for everything ... meeting our needs according to your riches and glory in Christ Jesus.
• God, give me closure from the things I am seeing and the pain I am feeling.
• Oh, Lord, I need your rest. I need to be able to rest in Jesus.
• Oh, Lord, my body is filled with anxiety. Please give me relief.
• Overcomer, overcomer, overcomer.

Dad, keep praying those words. The World is praying for you. Your family is praying for you. Your caregivers are praying for you. I am praying for you.

You are my hero.

Update: World, I forgot to tell you ... If you are praying for Ray, leave a prayer here.