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Friday, January 28, 2011

my trust and my hope is in Him

I was blessed with fabulous parents. They always wanted the best for me. They always supported and encouraged me even when they didn't necessarily agree with my choices. I always felt loved. I don't ever remember a time that I didn't feel safe and secure. Even after my dad was swept out of this life and into eternity with Christ, my mom has been my greatest supporter. I am sure of her love for me.

After my dad died, there was such a void in my life where my father played such an important role. And even though nobody could ever fill that place that solely belong to my daddy, I have been so blessed with a wonderful father-in-law that comes a mighty close second in that area. He has been there for me in the last 16 1/2 years and filled that void as best he could. As good as anyone can fill an unfillable void...

He has been sensitive to the pain I feel each Father's day. He remembers when my dad's birthday is around the corner and always try to let me know he remembers. And that he cares. He has been such a rock for me and I love him for loving me that much.

Papaw has been the true patriarch of the Herring family. Everyone loves him. Everyone depends upon him and his knowledge. He holds the family together. Even after he retired from preaching several years ago, he is still a much sought after Pastor and still fills the pulpit with grace and truth.


(Jimmie and Lucille Herring)

At this very moment, my husband is in Houston with his dad, awaiting the beginning of a series of appointments at M.D. Anderson starting this afternoon. On Monday, he will meet with the doctor to determine the course of action that will be taken.

About 10 years ago, my father-in-law was diagnosed with lymphoma. That came on the heels of a heart attack that came very close to taking his life. But God raised him up and he beat the odds. He had to take a very strong chemotherapy for his cancer that proceeded to shut down his kidneys and was almost too much for his body to handle. They had to begin radiation instead and after his treatments were over, Papaw had beaten cancer with the healing Hand of our Savior leading the way. He has remained cancer free until now.

After some routine blood work showed some elevated levels in his liver, they began keeping an eye on it. His levels kept rising and he began to show signs of jaundice, so they decided it was time to go a little further with their testing. After an ultrasound and CAT scan, it appeared that a gallstone was blocking the bile duct and causing the problems with his liver. On Monday, my husband took him to the surgical clinic where they were going to remove the stone through an endoscopic procedure. Only it turns out it wasn't a gallstone. It was a mass on both sides of the duct. A malignant mass. And it looked like it was also extending into the pancreas. Not a good thing.

So now he is at M.D. Anderson again. Waiting. In the meantime, we are putting our trust in our Lord.  I get my solace and my peace in the Word of God. Only there can I find the comfort and assurance I need to get me through trials. Only there can I find the sweet embrace of a loving God.

"Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is." (Jeremiah 17:7)

He is my hope. He is my only hope. He is my refuge and my fortress. My deliverer. My peace.

For now, my father-in-law is in the hands of God. He has ordained this from the very beginning and He knows exactly what will take place. It is up to us to allow Him to do His work the way He knows best. We are praying for healing if it be the Lord's will. We are praying that God be glorified in whatever the outcome is. I love my father-in-law with all my heart. He has been part of my life for more than 26 years now. But he belongs to God and his life is in His hands. And that is where our trust and our hope reside.

For now, I am holding on to the verse God gave me when Melissa was in the hospital with Malaria. It spoke volumes then and I am praying that it speaks mightily to my heart now.

"For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds..." (Jeremiah 30:17)

Seeking Him,
Beth

16 comments:

Kathleen said...

"For now ...". What a great preface for all of us as we trust and hope in the Lord.

I'm so sorry your family is having to endure this challenging medical situation. To walk alongside such a beloved family member while they take such huge next steps is never easy.

Praying you all are enveloped in God's amazing peace.

Kathleen

Nana's Nuggets said...

Hi! Beth, I have added your FIL~ as we speak to my prayer lists! I have just expierenced going through with my BFF, double breast cancer this past week for her surgery! To God Be the Glory for great things He has done! Most of all Grace and Mercy be with our loved ones! In Jesus Name!

Unknown said...

In my thoughts, lifting in prayer - Nita

Terry Laudett said...

I'll be praying for your father-in-law.

Denise said...

The peace in knowing that he was and he is and he will always be in the hands of God...praying for your father-in-law, the family and the medical team.

Shalom,
Denise

Anonymous said...

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty."-Psalm 91:1

When you read the scripture above I hope you feel the presence of the Lord surrounding your father-in-law,mother-in-law, Jimbo & you, and your family.
I am praying my dear sister and please let me know if you need anything.
Love & hugs,
Miriam

Dawning Inspiration said...

You've all had so much going on lately... praying hard for you all!

Unknown said...

You have painted such a beautiful picture of your fathers. My heart go out to you Beth. I'll say a special prayer for your father-in-law.

LOVE, MERCY AND GRACE...GOD'S GRACE said...

Praying that God will give wisdom to the doctors and peace in all of your hearts! God is in control!

Blessings and prayers!

~Beth

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

I join you in prayer right now Beth, for your dear father in law, for God's grace and wisdom in whatever tomorrow holds. It's not easy, it brings me right back to those days with my own parents. I read Psalm 139 this morning, I can't read it too many times. He knows every day of our lives, and He will not leave us for a second.

May you be comforted today by all of His promises, for you and for your loved one.

Praying...

Greg C said...

I will pray for him Beth. My Brother in Law just returned from the hospital last night and again is recovering. Three years ago they said that he would never return home but somehow he keeps doing it. He has his moments but every day is a miracle for him. He seemed pretty chipper last night and I pray for the best for him and your father in law.

Solid Rock or Sinking Sand said...

Thank you so much for sharing this with us. God bless, Lloyd

Dontmissyoursunsetlady said...

I have been praying for him you, and your family! MY HEART goes out to you! Thank you for being such a sweet supportive blog friend!

Toyin O. said...

Your father in law sounds like an awesome man, praying for him.

Warren Baldwin said...

This post is a wonderful testament to your father-in-law's life and influence. Something for all men to aspire to. I will lift up his name in prayer. wb

Ella said...

We will be praying for him Beth. Beliving with you.