#48 It Took My Breath Away. Thoughts from the Back Deck...

I stood at the door with two police officers to tell a woman from my church that her son had died. She let out a howl of pain when she saw me with the officers. She knew what we were there to tell her before a word left our lips. It took my breath away. 

I stood at the front of the church. People looking at me. Suddenly they all turned and looked to the entrance of the church. My bride-to-be came around the corner and made her way on her father's arm toward me. It took my breath away. 

I was sitting in our home in Alaska, relaxing with my kids playing on the floor. We heard a rumble in the distance. Next thing we knew, before we could even get off our backsides, the house pitched and shook. Earthquake! Seconds seemed like endless minutes. It took my breath away. 

Many hours passed. There is little an expectant father can do. Ice chips. Help your wife move. A back rub. A walk through the hospital halls. Words to coaching. Words of prayer. When I was finally handed my firstborn and our eyes met (and true for each birth), it took my breath away.

Cancer. It takes my breath away.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

At creation, the Lord breathed the breath of life into Adam. In due time, the Lord created Eve from Adam giving them both life and breath. 

Life continues today at the will and desire of our Creator and Father.

When our breath is taken away by something, remembered as God has given us breath, He continues to breathe life into us through His word. 

Everything we need, for every problem we face, for every moment of life we celebrate, and every tear we shed finds its voice and way to move through and forward in the breath of God. Through His word and through His love for us made complete in Christ Jesus... Remember to breathe!

Amen. 

Peace out,

Andy 

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