Thread by @BamaStephen

This will be a difficult thread to write. Another dear friend is dying due to #COVID. He and his son called today, so that he could say goodbye. He spoke with my Dad (who lives with me and my wife), gasping for breath and words. Dad had him on speaker so we could hear. ->

2. Dad had been carving the Thanksgiving turkey. He stopped and listened. His friend wanted to tell my Dad that he believed today was his last day. They have been buddies for almost 40 years. He told my Dad that he loved him and was thankful for their friendship. ->

3. He struggled to speak. So did my Dad, but Dad said he loved him and would see him soon “over there” in Heaven. We were all in tears. His son came back on the line, trying to maintain composure, but his heart is breaking for his Dad. My Dad comforted him, prayed for him, and ->

4. ... and expressed his willingness to help in any way. He told his friend’s son he loved him and asked him to keep us posted. And the call was over. We were all silent for awhile. I offered to finish carving the turkey, but Dad wanted to do it. Soon, it was time to eat. ->

5. Like many families, we kept our #Thanksgiving celebration small this year due to the rapidly re-escalating #COVID pandemic. My Dad, my daughter, my wife, and I gathered around the table, and I prayed a blessing. I’m not a believer in lengthy pre-meal prayers, but today ... ->

6. ... I was very aware of everyone who is suffering, so many dear friends, and so many more that we do not know. I gave thanks to God for these precious lives and for our loved ones. I thanked Him for His love and grace in the midst of such challenging times. Somewhere in ... ->

7. ... my prayer, I remembered to thank God for providing our food ... a beautiful meal prepared by my wife (who has suffered much this year, which is another story) and we sat down for a feast that was delicious, but salted a bit with tears. It’s been a very poignant day ...

8. ... for millions of Americans. Some chairs around tables are now empty. Some have struggled with job loss or depleted resources, or had to wait in very long lines just to have food today. Some face broken relationships, casualties of a bitter protracted political season. ->

9. And some sat alone today, battling fear or depression or loneliness. In the middle of all of this is a God Who loves us and will not leave us. We are not the first generation to face tragedy and crisis. We will yet see His goodness, even if hard times are still ahead. ->

10. So, take some time, before sleep, to pray, however you want. God is not afraid of your honesty, His heart is not hardened against you, His arms are not to weak to hold you. Pray for everyone who is hurting. Pray for our broken and divided country and a world in pain. ->

11. Reach out to someone else who is hurting. Do what you can to help. Don’t let anyone be lonely. Don’t let anyone be ostracized. If someone is crying, cry with them. If someone rejoices, then rejoice with them. Jesus is here, and He is present in our love for each other.
-END-

12. P.S. With all my heart, I’m asking you to take prudent measures to mitigate against the spread of #COVID.

#WearAMask
#WashYourHands
#WatchYourDistance ➡️

* not too weak

Even in my sadness, I’m irked by my typo. 😬