The Good News

Doug Grace

“You never know how strong you can be until it is the only choice you have.” This quote comes to mind every time I think of my baby sister, Sandy, and her Angel of a husband, Dave.

I have a very intentional reason for telling this story. It has to do with the importance of finding hope in the most devastating circumstances imaginable.
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Let’s begin with me sharing what happened about 10 days ago: I walked into the church office mid-week, with the intention of posting a flyer seeking a medical care giver for Sandy. We are reaching the stage of being desperate to find help. The first person I ran into was Donna Brundage. She immediately was able to provide me with a referral.  As I proceed into the church office, Susie greets me with a big welcome smile and says she would be more than happy to post my flyer. About that time, I ask if Pastor is in and McLane appears from his office and then Janet walks by and shows interest in my project.

Within minutes, I’m surrounded by people brainstorming ways to help me with my mission. This kind of love and support is the epitome of the culture of 1st Presbyterian.

In the words of Paul Harvey, “In a moment, the rest of the story”.

On July 16, 2003, a life-changing event happened to our family. My little sister (a youthful 53 at the time) suffered an accident that would change the trajectory of our lives forever. A pool accident left her paralyzed from the neck down and vent-dependent to breathe.

Fast forward 21yrs and the lesson that we learned is that through faith you find hope and with hope you find peace.

“…We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” (Romans 5:3-5 NIV).

What does all this mean? Sandy’s accident was likely no accident at all but an event that will provide a pathway to eternal life for all of us who have walked this walk with her. We can see God’s hand in every step of the way. To paraphrase Paul in Romans, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed to us…”

Who would have ever thought that the tragedy of my little sister’s accident would give us Hope (on steroids) of things to come?

The Good News: Have faith that God can transform your suffering into personal character and the hope that springs from it.

“What happens to good people when bad things happen to them? They become … better people!!”

In His Name, Doug

P.S. As of today, we have still not found a person to work with Sandy. If you or anyone you know would like more information on this paid position, please contact Doug at 208-755-9034.