I was thinking about the Paddle Out today .. how lovely and honoring, at the same time how sad and sorrowful it was. When Joe lifted Joey's ashes while praying to God, my heart just broke down. Many of us have been thinking of the verse "the Lord gives, the Lord take away, blessed be the name of the Lord" during this time... but at that very moment a different verse came to my mind. It's a verse of agony. As I hear Joe praying, I can imagine Jesus praying in the garden of Gethsemane saying
"Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me. Yet not my will but yours be done." (Luke 22:42)
***
On May 30th, I posted a song in my blog called "All I Can Say" that I dedicated to the Johnsons. I thought I should post it here also. Lyrics can be found here.
The Johnsons are grieving deeply. There are no words to describe it. I know that all of you reading this blog are praying for them. It makes a huge difference. More than we can ever know, the prayers are carrying the Johnsons in this time of grief. Thank you so much for bearing this burden with them. This blog will continue. It will not always be a somber post. There will be times of rejoicing and inspiration as well. Fun and joyful posts will come. But for the next few days, we will join them in weeping.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
All I Can Say ...
Posted by Liza on Maui at 1:16 AM
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5 comments:
Joe & Karen & Jo Anne & Jamie,
Psalm 57:1 (David's Prayer)...
"Be merciful and gracious to me, O God, be merciful and gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge and finds shelter and confidence in You; yes, in the shadow of Your wings will I take refuge and be confident until calamities and destructive storms are passed."
(Amplified Bible)
Joe & Karen Johnson & family are people who breathe & live God's grace, love & forgiveness. They draw continually on the goodness of Jesus and power of the Holy Spirit. They bring God's love, mercy, forgiveness, strength, and wisdom to the challenges & conflicts of daily Christian life.
God delights to breathe His grace through Joe & Karen as peacemakers and has used them mightly to improve biblical understanding, to encourage love, repentance and reconciliation in Christian individuals & families...
Joe & Karen now have broken hearts & wings, which God will tenderly heal and mend. They understandably do not feel like walking or running or soaring right now...
However, the Lord will once again raise up and use Joe & Karen in a "new & powerful" way to breathe & live God's love & grace to all those around them.
God will tenderly mend Joe & Karen's hearts and wings...
Isaih 40:31 "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles"
God's Peace & Comfort & Healing.
Love & Hugs & Prayers,
Kevin & Shirley
thank you Liza...thank you Kevin and Shirley...you understand. love you.
Joe's prayer broke all of us but what struck me the most was his strength, character, faith and deep love for the Lord when he started singing; Blessed be the Lord.... "He gives and takes away."
Gary
Inspired by the Holy Spirit, and beautifully written, Kevin & Shirly
Joe & Karen
Just wanted to say we are praying for you today, as yesterday and the day before, and we will be tomorrow too. We have been so touched and blessed to learn so much about Joey's life, and how much he has meant to the both of you, Jamie & Joanne and so many others. You guys did an amazing job and have inspired us and I'm sure so many others to better and not take one moment for granted. Joe, your words ring in my ears,out there on the water:
"I can't say it enough, Love your kids, spend time with them, be good parents, grandparents,
uncles and auntie's.
Thank you! We receive that!
Still praying . . . .
I love you very much,
Trish
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