Today feels heavier. I confess I deliberated whether writing on here was really something I should - even could - do this morning. But somehow it's cathartic for me in a way I can't really explain.
Conor and I were talking last night about how interesting our gifts are. He's outgoing, lively, fun to be around, approachable: the quintessential extrovert. I tend to find difficulty in human interaction at times. Not that I'm introverted - totally. But I struggle not to be. So know that this blog is really one of the best ways I know how to communicate right now. Sometimes it's easier for me to put my heart on paper (or a screen) than it is in conversation.
A lot of you have asked what you can do for us. It sounds trite, and I find myself laughing because two weeks ago I, too, would've found the request a little 'Bible-beater-ish'... but standing where we stand now, I sincerely mean it: we honestly need your continued prayer. I know life is busy, things get chaotic in the day-to-day, and so I also know that what I ask for is certainly hard for most to give. I guess all I know is this: my whole life, people have told me that there is "power" in prayer. It's a phrase you learn early on in Sunday school. I believed it then, but more with my head than my heart. Not only do I believe it now - I desperately need it.
In "My Utmost for His Highest" yesterday, Oswald Chambers talks about drawing on God's grace. Conor and I are learning how to do that. But it's easy to get ahead of yourself, to believe how good you felt yesterday will stretch into today - or that the heartache that encapsulated you last night will somehow stretch on into the days ahead, leaving you gripped with fear at how in the world you're going to walk it out. I guess what I would ultimately ask you all to do right now is to pray that we won't forget that unless we keep going back to God, keep tossing ourselves at His feet and crying out for the strength to get through the next 24 hours - even the next 24 minutes - our idea of "surviving" will be something of a joke.
8 comments:
Boothe, Conor, Sellers and Copeland,
We are praying for you. We pray for strength and peace. May you be strengthened today and draw upon God's Grace. As Oswald Chambers wrote, "Prayer is the exercise of drawing on the grace of God. Don't say - I will endure this until I can get away and pray. Pray now; draw on the grace of God in the moment of need."
Cole and Christen
To the Farleys,
You don't know me nor I you, but I received your emails through church and a group we were in at seperate times. Your story is touching people all over and prayers for your family are being spread like fire. I just wanted you to know that although we have never met, your family is lifted in prayer by my family and I'm sure many others. May your story show the awesome power of God through prayer, healing and trust.
The Tepner Family
I'm with ya, Boothe, on having the "head knowledge" of the power of prayer. I am UP for this challenge. I am thankful for something to "do" for ya'll. And I am grateful for the chance to experience the power of prayer in a real way.
Thanks for your open-ness today........
Julie
Dear Farleys,
Please know that we are praying for you many times throughout each day as you are brought to mind! I know that this is such a difficult time for you all but know that it is a season and it will get easier. Cherish each moment you have with each other and Sellers! This is such a sweet age and it goes so quickly! I am praying for strength for you each day! I am praying for rest as well. I appreciate the updates-it lets us know how to pray for you!
The McDaniels
The the Farley family,
We love you and continue in our prayers for you. Your faith has already been such a wonderful testimony to me personally, and I know it has been to so many others as well! May you continue to be filled with His Spirit. In Him,
Amy Ruf
To our Sweet Fiends,
We just wanted to let you know that you have been in our constant thoughts and prayers since we heard about Copeland. We will continue to pray for the four of you daily that God will give you peace, rest, strength and healing. With Love, The Ingram's
Boothe, Conor, Sellers and Copeland,
Thank you so much for sharing your hearts and your journey with us. Your courage to open your hearts to nuture and love your children, even through this difficult time with Copeland, is a testament to your deep faith and Gods great love for you. Please know that our family and our church family will continue to pray for you all.
The word "encouragement" literally means, "to walk alongside and give courage." I love that word picture..not just giving of courage, but walking the journey, the sometimes rough road and repeatedly giving courage. That is what we would like to do for you. In whatever way we can.
Also, some friends of our from church lost a child to Trisomy 18 and shared their journey with us. They had mentioned that they had purchased a "doppler", to listen to their babys heartbeat (the kind the dr.s use)..and that they found great comfort in that...
May the God of all that is good, lavish on you and your family, grace, courage, mercy, tenderness and faith....
Blessings,
Matt, Kristin, Harrison and Sam Pierson
Hey Farley's,
We have loved reading your blog and your emails and we so appreciate your sharing your heart with all of us. We are praying for all of you. As I thought about what I could say to comfort you, I realized that you are the one comforting me through all of this. I am inspired by your faith and maturity...but please know that Jay and I have a small idea of how very difficult this is. We can only imagine what you are going through right now and we want you to know we are here for you if you need anything. God is good. Blessed be His name in the good times and the bad.
We look forward to seeing all of you next weekend in Nashville.
Our love and prayers to you all,
Ginny and Jay Burns
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