GOD'S FAITHFULNESS - Gifts by Grace :: Soaring Hearts

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GOD'S FAITHFULNESS

July 31, 2010 • By Barbara Parentini

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

Psalm 91:4 NIV

Dear Friends˜

My thoughts and poem posted in May reflected the anguish I felt witnessing my beloved Dad in peril. Dad's struggle with an exotic disease called Lewy Body Dementia, hurled him into turbulent waters, and left him holding on for dear life. God heard and answered our prayers. Through it all, His mercy and faithfulness abounded, turning heartbreaking trials into smiles of gratitude.

It is with joy, I share great news. Dad not only survived the trauma of this incredible journey (weeks of nighmarish hospitalizations), but his prayers to return home, along with the prayers of many, were answered. We brought Dad home in mid-June! Praise God!

Though I'm rarely at a loss for words, and a retired registered nurse, the trauma of witnessing so much suffering left me speechless. I could not bring myself to share it here. I filled notebooks with stories and journaling, and priceless conversations with Dad, but a veil had been lowered to the outside world.

Once I returned home, I retreated to a very inner place. I needed time to recover--sleeping for a week--after 24/7 caregiving; also, to catch up on two months away from home. Though hubby had visited me in Florida at the end of the first month, we followed each other around the house like newlyweds. In the sanctuary of our home, I had time to slow down, reflect, and refresh my empty vessel.

I've wondered how I could bridge the events that played out in Florida to the present. The experience was a little like being in a snowstorm, struggling to find a way to help Dad survive. Some days I froze in fear and helplessness as medical treatment served to worsen his condition. Other days, when I found God's shelter in the midst of the storm, I rejoiced. Small victories gave us hope with each sign of improvement.

For now, I'll save details about this amazing story because no doubt they will someday find their way onto the pages of a book. Once again, I can testify to God's mysterious ways˜ to hear, to heal, and to hasten His angels when Dad needed them the most. For every prayer you lifted up for Dad and my family, I am so grateful.

Have you ever cried out to the Lord and witnessed His faithfulness in your circumstances?

May God bless you richly,

Barbara

Visitor Comments (5)

God's faithfulness

Posted By SO_TWEET on July 31, 2010

Yes, I've experienced God's wonderful mercy and know that Isaiah 54:7 is true. So glad to hear your dad is doing better, Barb.

Welcome to both of you

Posted By SHELLEYWEBB on August 2, 2010

It's so wonderful to hear that your father was able to return to the place where he finds his comfort - home. And with your father's comfort, your heart can be comforted too.

I have cried out to God many times since I began caring for my father and although his answers were not always the ones I expected, they have been the ones that were necessary. And looking back, I see the goodness in those answers.

Many blessings to you and your family as you continue along the somewhat crooked paths of the dementia trails.

Shelley

Thanks to you all

Posted By BPARENTINI on August 17, 2010

I really appreciate your words of kindness and ongoing support. You've all been a blessing.
Barbara

God's faithfulness

Posted By RIVERWOODWRITER on August 21, 2010

Barbara, I am behind on checking in to your site, but this is wonderful news indeed! Thank you for sharing this evidence of God's faithfulness and for being honest about the darkness of your recent experience. Ironically, in my quiet time this morning, I read an excerpt from Philip Yancey's book "Reaching for the Invisible God," in which he addresses those periods in our lives when God seems absent and how often it is only in hindsight that we realize they were times of important spiritual growth, especially if we can persevere in our own faithfulness, in spite of receiving no visible affirmations. He cited a "dark time" in his own life in which he realized later he had "pursued God more earnestly than ever before...I came away with renewed faith and an appreciation of God's presence as gift rather than entitlement." In this area, I find the Psalms often speak for me when I don't have words of my own.

Elizabeth Cottrell
Heartspoken.com

Thank you

Posted By BPARENTINI on August 22, 2010

Thank you, Elizabeth. I appreciate your catching up and taking the time to comment. I'm happy to share this experience. Your support and kindness have been my gift.
Barbara