I've been so moved by your comments of support. I think Chris will be amazed to see that long lost friends from seminary (Danette -- it's sooo wonderful to see how facebook brings us together again!) and former churches and even high school buddies are thinking of him during this new journey into unfamiliar territory.
This post is mainly to test how the updated blogs work. I'm hoping that anyone who is a "follower" of this blog will receive an automatic email or facebook alert. But you can also type your email address into the field beneath the heading "Follow by Email" and you will be notified of future postings.
I'm happy to say that since the last time I wrote (although Katie posted the blog on Sunday, I actually composed the blog on Thursday night), Chris has improved just ever so slightly each day. This morning he had a lilt in his voice and was eager to hear about how we were managing without him. I can see the fog lifting and his face now reveals that he has been truly resting.
Please keep remembering him in your prayers. I am eager for him to return home again.
Peace and love,
Carol
Carol, we continue to keep you and the whole family in our prayers as you move through each day on this journey. We pray that Chris will find peace and comfort in knowing how many of us love and cherish the time we have spent with him. We hope you will call on us if there is anything we can do to make this easier for all of you. We love you!!!!
ReplyDeleteCarol, I did not get any notification via Facebook about your new posting, but I've gone ahead and signed up for the e-mail alert. I'm so glad Mark and Marsha Hopper let me know what was going on (via Facebook). As I type this, it is still sunny outside. I'm looking out my living room window at puffy clouds scattered across a blue sky which hovers over a deeper blue of ocean. You are six hours ahead of me, so it must be close to midnight in Atlanta. Truly amazing that in real time, we are still connected over the internet and through the prayers I offer for a peaceful, restful night in your home. Sweet dreams and God's peace be with you both. - Danette
ReplyDeleteDear Dr. Graham and the Graham family,
ReplyDeleteIt saddens me that it takes something like this for me to express something I should have shared long ago. I think I can speak for the entire youth community that grew from Alabama Road Baptist Church to Church of the Savior – we need to take a moment to celebrate Dr. Graham as a major influence on our lives.
My time spent in his presence and at COS certainly ranks among some of my fondest memories of my youth. The church offered a refuge from the stressful time that is middle and high school. Every Wednesday and Sunday was a time to come as you are, be yourself, and talk about things that might not be “cool”. Many people came and went, but some of my strongest relationships were forged there. As I move through life, I now realize that caring and compassionate people, real people, are not easily found; yet they were in abundant supply at COS!
Chris’ sermon was one of the highlights of my week, each and every week. I even remember thinking at the time that a high school kid shouldn’t enjoy someone preaching to him as much as I did. Chris’ perspective on the world is unique; it’s not something you’re going to hear in many other churches, or anywhere for that matter. Many people can preach the word and then try to relate it to real life, but I always felt like Chris looked at it the other way around. He had a way of separating religion from faith, making spirituality something tangible, something real that could be shared with others. The messages Chris brought, the youth culture he created, and the overall environment of love, acceptance, and growth that was COS, was instrumental in creating the man who writes this today.
Dr. Graham, my prayers are with you and your family. Mrs. Graham, thank you so much for keeping us updated on his progress.
Sincerely,
Blake Cauthen
I second everything Blake said! Michael and I continue to pray for your family each day!
ReplyDeleteBud and I are hugging Chris and the entire family with our prayers. We have many fond memories of you being here with us in Eldorado.
ReplyDelete