This is a #FiveMinuteFriday post of a different nature. Coincidentally (are there coincidences with God?) this week’s word prompt is Hope. I trust you will be blessed by the life of my friend, Carl and his unwavering Hope.
“If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.” 1 Corinthians 15:19 ESV.
Today we are traveling to sit with a family, who without a miracle will say their final “Goodbye’s” to their husband, dad, brother, son and friend. Diagnosed just a year ago with a brain tumor, Carl has fought hard and held on to his faith.
We first met this man over ten years ago when we assumed the pastorate of the church he attended. Carl was blessed with a most beautiful family. His wife Cinda, and four of the most adorable kids born to one family: Jessica, Ridge, Tyler and Spencer were some of the best behaved, polite and considerate kids I had ever encountered. Of course boys will be boys and if one of them didn’t give their parents fits every once in a while we would have thought something was wrong! They have all grown up to be most impressive teenagers and young adults.
Carl loved to talk and he was very educated. Cinda would pull his coattails and try to hurry him along but Carl would be stuck on a subject, an important subject to him, and he wasn’t ready to go until he had told you all he knew.
One thing I remember about Carl was his Hope. He had Hope that his kids would grow up to serve God, stay in the Church and be a vital part, not just sit on a pew. He had Hope that the local church would grow and he worked hard to see that it did, he drove the Sunday School bus, did odd jobs around the church when necessary, and served as sound technician regularly…we all know that is a thankless job.
But Carl could handle criticism, everyone else was wrong, he was right!
Carl was always coming up with a new and unique way for the church to raise money. From sending kids to camps and conventions or a project in the church building, he was on it. Carl made (and sold!) sno cones, bloomin’ onions, cotton candy, elephant ears, funnel cakes and much, much more. He would set up at a grocery store, festivals like the local Chautauqua, and even Wal-Mart. He could have been putting the money away for his kids’ college tuition or other personal uses but instead he was out there, with his kids, teaching them the importance of working for the Kingdom.
It wasn’t just about raising funds either. They were always looking for ways to impact the community: enter Angel Food Ministries. Carl and Cinda and all four of their children would come early in the morning, once a month, to box up grocery staples for others in town. They took care of everything, and because they we’re involved, their extended family would be there as well. They were influential without even realizing it.
Carl also had Hope that no matter how crazy the world became (I would love to have heard his take on the SCOTUS decision and countless other changes we are seeing) he knew this wasn’t our final destination. He lived for two things: to see Jesus face-to-face and make sure his entire family was standing around the throne with him.
For the last year Carl’s family has held on to Hope. He has been to Mexico for experimental treatment where he left quite an impression on the way there and back. I was reading his Facebook timeline, where so many are leaving their thoughts and prayers, and came across this testimony from the desk clerk of the hotel where Carl and Cinda stayed while on their way to Mexico. Jamie Manning Sheets sums up Carl best I think:
“This man is one of the strongest Christian warriors I’ve ever met. His love for the Lord never wavered; he was only concerned for his family. His effect on people was so powerful that I’ve had guests come back to the hotel & continue to ask for updates on this wonderful man. Carl, I pray for one of God’s many miracles, but I know that either way you will continue to walk with the Lord. Godspeed my friend…. I thank you for touching my life & so many others, & being such a powerful example of one of God’s finest.”
I echo that today for this giant of a man. I am praying for a miracle that I know he will receive one way or another. I know God is able to heal him completely but I also know the greater Hope isn’t here on this terra firma, he lived for an eternal Hope. He has been able to share this Hope with countless people through his illness this past year as is evident by the testimonies of others. I am sure Carl considers that a great honor and privilege.
“We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 1:3 NIV.
Work produced by faith
Labor prompted by love
Endurance inspired by Hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
This verse could have been Carl’s mantra. I pray it will become mine and yours today.
Sharing with Grace & Truth, Fellowship Friday, Looking Up, Faith filled Friday, Weekend Brew, Still Saturday, Faith and Fellowship, Dance with Jesus, Sunday Stillness, Making your home sing, Inspire me Monday, Amaze Me Monday, Good morning Monday , Modest Monday, Tell me a true Story, Titus 2 Tuesday, Testimony Tuesday, #RaRa Linkup, Intentional Tuesday, Me, coffee and Jesus, A little r& r, Homemaking Linkup
Thank you so much Katie. They are holding on to the Lord and enjoying His peace and presence. ♥
Stopping by from #TellHisStory. Praying His hope fills you as you love those around you.
Thank you so much Julie…God is good and we trust Him in all things! ♥
Thank you Debbie. I agree, I pray I can leave a legacy intertwined with my faith that will impact others for Jesus! ♥
Thank you so much Rebecca, we had a great weekend with the family at the hospital and Carl was even able to respond a little bit. He knew we were there and even smiled a couple of times. God is good. Thank you for your thought about the things that pass away. Such wisdom there! A life spent for Jesus is what it truly is all about. ♥
Thank you so much Crystal. They are holding on to God and each other. ♥
Thank you so much for your prayers! God bless and thank you for Good morning Mondays ♥
No greater legacy to be sure! Thank you for visiting. I have enjoyed your blog as well. Blessings!
Thank you Kaylie…we had a great weekend with Carl and the family. He was aware we were there and even spoke a few words to us. God is good and in control. It does make us think of how we live our days. Blessings to you!
Yes he has been a great example for so many. Carl taught an alcohol/addiction//treatment program for those picked up for drunk driving, etc. He has touched hundreds, probably thousands of lives just through that program. God always knows what He is doing and you are right, it may be revealed to us later on. The goal is always the same: making sure we are ready to meet Jesus. ♥
We had a great weekend with Carl and his family! He was awake and alert especially the last day we were there. He even spoke a couple of words, we were thrilled. The Lord is truly strengthening them and giving them all peace. Thank you for your prayers Sharon!
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful testimony at Good Morning Mondays. What a wonderful man and family, they are such an example to us all and there is so much to be gleaned from them. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to pray for Carl and his family and friends, may you all be blessed. Thank you.
What a beautiful tribute! My father, a career minister, has made it his life’s mission to see all his family make heaven. No greater legacy. Prayers for this family. (Good to connect with you on #TellHisStory)
Nannette, I am saying a prayer for Carl and his family today. May we follow his example: “Work produced by faith, Labor prompted by love, Endurance inspired by Hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you, Nannette, for introducing me to Carl through your words and sharing your heart at #IntentionalTuesday on Intentionally Pursuing. : )
What a wonderful testimony of a life well lived for Christ. Homes fall in disrepair, cars grow old and wear out, power is fickle and wanes, but a life spent for Jesus is riches, indeed. Praying that you are able to reach Carl and his family to surround them with God’s love. And that Carl may continue to feel Jesus, here or in glory, in all he does. Thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Thanks for sharing a great story. We should all inspire to leave an impact on our world. We can with Jesus shining through.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful, yet heartbreaking, story. Praying for a miracle, and praying for Carl’s family. What a gift to have such a man in your life! Blessings to you. Following you at #WordsWithWinter.
This story is both so beautiful and so heartbreaking. It makes me reflect a little longer on what my legacy to my family will be and I pray desperately it will be one of hope. Thank you for your words today!
What a wonderful example he has been and a legacy for his family and friends to follow. We question why some are taken so young, and are not healed by a miracle. God reminds us that some things are secrets for him to know and for it to be revealed to us later on. Thank you for sharing this touching story with us here at Tell me a Story.
Heartbreaking story – but also so inspiring. May God be with Carl and his family during these days. I pray that Carl’s journey – whether it ends with a miracle here on earth, or the miracle of his homecoming – I pray that his faith stands as a witness to the Truth of God’s salvation.
Praying for strength and peace for his family, and for you as you minister to them.
GOD BLESS.
Yes he is Ruthie! Thank you so much for your prayers, the family appreciates them all ♥
Thank you Joanne. We have had a great weekend thus far with the family. Spent some real quality time and he has even responded to us a few times. God is good and we are praying His perfect will. ♥
Beautiful story of hope and how when we have completely surrender ourselves to God, He gives us this hope. I am praying for all but rejoicing that Carl’s legacy has already touched so many people. Blessed you shared this at The Weekend Brew.
Oh. I feel for you – I feel for this family. There is so much I don’t understand about why Carl has to go through this, but I do know the Lord knows what he’s doing. Thank you for sharing – thank you for letting us pray for him and his family. Blessings Chris~
will be praying.
I do hope that you and Doug are able to make it to his bedside before he passes. I’ve been praying off and on since you let me know about Carl’s dire situation, Nannette. Such a tragic loss, but as you’ve said, we have a Hope as believers that sustains us no matter our lot. And as Carl steps into eternity, that loss of his life here will be hugely eclipsed by His joyous meeting with Christ on the other side. But my prayers will continue for his family who, I’m sure, will grieve for his loss tremendously. My prayer is that they will feel Christ’s comfort more and more with each passing day. Thank you for sharing his story.
I am so sorry to hear about Carl. But I rejoice in knowing what lies ahead for him. What a blessing he has been to so many around him. I will pray for his family and you all today.
Praying for Carl and his family! Thank you for sharing his hope with us. He sounds like a wonderful, determined guy who loves the Lord very much and knows that the here and now is not the end result. Praise God, we have that HOPE!
I’m your neighbor today on #FMF, nice to meet you! 🙂
Nannette, what a beautiful testimony of the legacy this man will leave which will have a lasting impression for all eternity. Praying for him & his family this morning. May our God be with them as they walk through this hard time. Blessings.