For several years we scarcely mentioned the Church, or Debbie`s death. In fact it has been only the past year or two that we have actually verbalized our disagreements with our Church. That`s how much we had them on a pedestal. I know this probably sounds crazy.
When Debbie died it was like our world was turned upside down. I`ve lost other members of my family, but the loss of none of them affected me so much as that of Debbie. Why was that? I think part of it was that I had convinced myself, through numerous scriptures and promises, through optimistic "Word of the Lord" encouragements from various members of our fellowship, that Debbie would not die. I tell you, NO one wanted more to believe those positive predictions than I myself.
We just did not have the emotional resources in ourselves to offer the help they truly needed. Ultimately, I returned to college, something I had wanted to do without realizing it for a long time. Our older kids all had a rocky time of it through high school, but all of them (except the second son) are straightening out their lives now.
The second son, Ben, just could not move on. A judge friend commented to us that Ben just had so much anger. He is incarcerated right now, after many chances. Jesus loves him and I love him, but you just can`t assault people and bully people, and carry a chip around on your shoulder looking for a chance to unload on someone.
But now, thankfully, even Ben is reaching out, is opening up to receive that healing balm in Gilead. He has been blessed with a chaplain whose patience and perseverence is breaking through barriers that hot and hasty judgmentalism never could.
And Ben has found some Christian pen pals, I hear. Godly, loving people who, by mail, share with him, and witness to him, and lift his spirits.
To see current DETAILS about our son, Ben
for "Peace Comes" Dad's view for "Mom's Perspective" Our big family for "robbi's" Prison outreach and penpals
for a big family Support Page (big families)
for America's Love affair with God
for "Missing Link" Helping troubled Youth
for "RobtShepherd's" A Reason for Living
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for "Nelson Mandela" Sing the beloved country for "CorneliusGillick's" Meeting Jesus Christ for "Dark Sorrow" Gorgeous Page [thanks Liz] for a big family ONLINE Resource Site for "Midnight Rain" You gotta have Hopefor "hero's Quest" a boy's yearning for "Picture Page" Shepherd kids, 1983
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