Called Home....Left Behind!

I just got an email this morning that I knew that without a miracle from the Lord would be inevitable. One of our neighbors in our community has been battling pancreatic cancer and last night, the war came to an end and the Lord called him home to his reward.

Now, his wife and family are left behind to pick up and move forward with their lives without the "rock" of their life ...their husband, their father and the man that loved life and all its trappings as he guided his family on a daily basis. It is a journey that far too many people have to travel these days.

So to these wonderful friends and to all those who have lost someone to the horrendous disease or who themselves may be in the midst of a battle with this foe...DO NOT LOSE HEART...God is still on His throne and He alone is the one who will decide when it is time to lay down your "tools of war" and go to home to be with Him. If you have lost a love one and they have gone to be with Jesus...May your heart be filled with joy and gladness that your loved one is free at last from the pain and suffering of this terrible scourge that so many bravely battle. It will take time to come to that place of rejoicing,but our time is coming too when we shall go home to the Father. I pray that you will each take solace in this and know that our Heavenly Father is just waiting over there to welcome you into His loving arms so you too will know His peace and love.

The following is a poem from our book, Bent...but not Broken! and I hope that if you or someone you love has succumbed to this foe after giving it their all, you will find hope and healing in knowing that in the midst of the valley, God is still there!

WHAT IF THE VALLEY WERE TOO DEEP?

What if the valley were too deep ....

the journey far too long....

What if we give all we have

But sing no victor's song?

What for all our loved ones us struggle with us each day;

When we've gone to meet our Father and they're left behind to stay...

To wrestle with the pain and grief...the lonely agony ?

What can we say before we go that will help them to see?

Do not mourn for us, for now

In Christ, there's rest and sleep....

And He was with us all the way

Though the valley was too deep.

We may not sing our earthly songs; we may not run the race...

For we've been called to our glorious reward in the Savior's abiding place.

Cry not for us dear family. Blessed friends do not weep....

For the Savior carried us in His arms when the valley was too deep.

We thank you for your undying love...

Each sacrifice you've given;

And we shall await the day

When at last we meet in heaven.

And then, at last, you too will know our Lord's promise He did keep.

The Father's love will see you through,

WHEN THE VALLEY IS TOO DEEP.

W. Patrick Queen

excerpt from "Bent...But not Broken!"