I'm hearing from so many that my daughter-in-law's and now grandaughter's stories have them in a full Nelson. I fully understand. The only time my lap top isn't on is when I'm in the car or asleep. My work is piling up. But somehow that's OK. Everything else is now on hold.
Why is it that this story has captured so many? Let me suggest a few reasons.
We're all looking for something to cheer for, especially an underdog.
We live in a culture (for better or worse) that thrives on "reality" entertainment. I'm here and this is as real as it gets.
We're always looking for heroes. Many of us have found them through Tricia's story. I know I have.
Miracles aren't every day occurances for most of us. I think this story qualifies.
Most importantly, many of us are looking for the kind of faith, hope and courage you're finding in this story. Some have told us their faith has been renewed. Others, we trust, will discover how to possess the same faith in Christ Nathan and Tricia live by.
One day I'm sure we'll look back on this and have a fuller appreciation for all that took place. Right now it's hard to process; at least it is for my mind. My life is currently consumed by their fragile lives and their unbreakable faith.
However, when the dust settles your life and mine will go on. But I know that my life cannot ever be the same again. And I sense from many of you who have called, commented and emailed that you feel the same.
It's OK to be consumed by something. Just make sure what consumes you is of eternal value.
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Many of us are coming to you through Asher's CB site and a ministry that Asher's "Auntie Laura" started. I hope you've had the chance to see that site for on it is a quote from William Law -- "There is nothing that makes us love someone so much as praying for them." The internet is a wonderful tool that allows us another avenue to connect with each other as fellow human beings as we live our lives. Being able to "stand shoulder to shoulder" with you and your family is a blessing. My prayers are with you and your dear daughter-in-law and grand daughter. My heart has been captured by your miracles.
I so understand your post...it IS hard to walk away from my computer since Tricia was admitted for this hospital stay.
My drive:
to spread the prayer request.
my prayer is that others will have their world ROCKED by Jesus, the blood that He shed for all of us. That ALL would be born again through His blood.
God has ROCKED our lives (my husband and my lives), especially these past 15 months...I want ALL to know how awesome God is. And I can't do that setting on the sidelines. Blog world is just one way that He uses me to encourage others.
HE is the reason I am consumed with passion for others. Hurting because of a lost soul, a lost loved one, or illness. HE is what will deliver all of us from pain and suffering.
no, we won't be perfect, but we will get through because of HIS love, mercy and grace.
Thanks for your encouragement!
I haven't commented on any of your blogs yet, but this one applies to me so much. Following the story of your family has encouraged and stregthened my faith. It's renewed and refreshed my relationshiop with my savior. It's added vigor and urgency to my prayer life, and it's given me a venue to share the great Love Story of Jesus with those around me. Thank you for allowing us into your lives, the lives of your family. You all ready mean so much to me, Andy being my closest friend even though distance separates us. Now through this I feel (along with the rest of the world, I think) closer to you than ever before. Thank you again for the window in your lives. Know that Carlee and I and our youth group and church are in prayer for you!!!
I don't know Tricia or Nathan, but found their story through a friend. Like so many others, I have been glued to their blog over the past days, weeks and months.
Although I come to their blog for a number of reasons, one definitely stands out in my mind. As humans, I believe that it is easy to become focused on our own lives. We get caught up in our daily routine of family, work, friends, church, school, self, etc. While those things can be good, there is so much more that God desires for us as His children.
As I read each of Nathan's posts, my focus is moved away from my own life to where it should be, on Him. My faith is strengthened... my prayer life becomes more vital and alive... I am given yet another opportunity to share your amazing story and our mutual faith in the Lord with others.
It is an honor to pray for your family.
Amazingly, you have described every reason why I have been drawn into the lives of your family. As you said, the most important reason for me has been the amazing example of faith and trust in Almighty God. It has also revitalized my prayer life. Nate, Tricia and Gwyneth are constantly on my mind and therefore, I am constantly lifting them up before the throne. Being in a constant state of prayer has changed me. It is also amazing to know that I am part of such an enormous corporate effort. It's exciting to realize that God is answering our petitions in a very real way. And as others have said, it's an honor and privilege to pray for your family. Thank you for sharing your lives with us.
Beautifully said. And, hopefully, read and absorbed by thousands upon thousands.
I think why this story has touched me so much is due to the fact that I have CF and there has been so much brought to my rememberance of when we had our little girl. Not exactly the same situation as Tricia and Bryan, but was very scary. I just keep praying that Tricia will be able to take care of her beautiful little girl the way that I have been able to take care of mine.
Last night I was absolutely exhausted from the constant warefare that was held in prayer for you guys...wow, what a day....I can only imagine how you all must feel....
This story also reminded me that this is the way we should approach the father, never ceasing, storming the gates of heaven, keeping in contstant contact with him, always...and always remembering and accepting that he is in total control...
thank you for your families faithful witness. I do not live far from durham and am hoping to pop over when things settle a bit.
sorry I don't know why I wrote Bryan, I meant Nathan.
AMEN and AMEN We always need to be ontop of what consumes us, especially in this day and age where are thoughts can be held captive by anything but eternal things! I didn't have the chance to meet Tricia personally, but we were playing a bit of email tag this summer! I emailed her a picture of our family of four girls. Our oldest has CF and the youngest two are adopted from Korea. Please let Nate and Tricia know that I have been praying for an 'eternally minded role model' for my daughter to look up to and Tricia is an answer to those prayers. Bekah has a heart for God, she has a heart for missions, and she's also at an age where she's dealing with the realties of CF, and personally having to go through what we know would always come. That is Bekah dealing within herself with the scope of CF....and sometimes the toughest thing...not dwelling on what it 'could mean', but dwelling on what is TRUTH. Since her diagnosis at 9mts old, we have been pointing her to God's Love for her and His perfect plan! Everything in life, especially all our weaknesses are to point others to Christ. I told her that I know it is more important for her to have a weak body and a spirit dependent on the Lord than the other way around. Tricia looks like the 'grown up' version of my dreams for the Spirit of my little girl..........and I look forward to Tricia one day being able to share with my precious Bekah how God has done the impossible in her life and her family! These parents hearts are with you as you leave your precious "kids" in the capable hands of ABBA FATHER! So when you get a chance to get into see her....or ask Nate to whisper in her ear......that there is a little blonde haired, blue eyed firecracker in PA who wants to meet her hero one day, so they can talk about all the great things that God has done, and dream about what He can do!
Resting in His promises,
Karen Weigner (Quakertown, PA )
PS I wrote on Nate's blog that he is a picture to me of my prayers for a soul mate for Bekah. I can't imagine passing on the torch of care for Bekah one day, though I know I need to prepare mentally for that now. Seeing Nate's example, his humbleness, His heart for God, reminds me that God hears everyone of my prayers......and He WILL provide with as rich a heritage of spiritual strength as you've given your son. Thank You for Your Faithfulness in pointing Nate to Jesus!
This miracle that is happening now was planned out by God before Tricia and Nathan were ever born. When I think of this, I am so honored to be part of a worldwide prayer team for these two that I have never met, but have stolen my heart. We are related through Jesus' blood, for eternity. I continue to pray for your families and especially for Tricia to wake up to the excitement in Gods perfect time and for Gwyneth to grow and thrive as her ministry has just begun. God Bless all of you!
Laurie in Ca.
I only "met" Tricia through cf.com because I have CF also. Her being a fellow Christian really attracted me to her, but seeing how strong their faith is and the example they set make me want to "be around them more." I want to support them in any way I can. And I see how their testimony is touching some non-believers in cf.com and it makes me want to cheer them on more.
On another note, I didn't know how to contact you to ask this personally...When I read that 75 drs were in the ER I thot "Wow, that's going to be a big bill!!" And it made me think of the expense of all of this for Nate and Tricia. Could you email me so that I could discuss this with you? jdhoward@nexband.com. Debbi a/k/a Aspiemom
I just wanted to say that I am in awe of your son and daughter-in-law! Their faith amazes me, surely you had a great impact on that!
I am mom to twin preemie boys, so your little Gwyneth is on my prayers. We lost our little Logan after 5 months, but his twin Cooper is 2 years old and the absolute love of our lives.
My husband and I got through many rough days by reciting Psalm 34:18. I hope it gives your family comfort as well.
I will be praying for your precious family. God bless!
Your words are so true. I find myself glued to this laptop checking Nathan's blog constantly. I found out about this story from a myspace bulletin yesterday...then I realized you guys are from the same area as me. It really hits home. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless.
Tami Foytik
Powells Point, NC
Hi, this is Audrey McCain, I just wanted to tell you to let everyone know that my blog is www.lovingrandma.bloggspot.com
Our MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group has come across your story and we just wanted to tell you that a group of women from Southern California are praying for your family.
hello! I know you don't know me but I am friend's with Tricia's sister. We are praying for all of you!!
I guess congratulations pop-pop.... take care
They are blessed to have you there supporting them.
beth
It's hard to imagine that in your world all this is happening when in my world life seems status quo. I don't know you, Nate, or your daughter. Your blog was forwarded to me by a friend who also "randomly" came across it. However, I don't believe in the "randoms" of the world. I am now tuned into your life and my husband and I are praying for your precious children and grandchild. We serve such an awesome God! I'm amazed that he would allow people from all over to pray with you and be forever changed by your life and your testimony.
Thanks to you all.
Isn't it great to be part of something way bigger than self?
A friend told me about your daughter in law and I have read through most of your sons blog.
The entire family is in my prayers.
Rick, thanks for posting and sharing what God is teaching you and your family through this incredible ordeal!
I don't know what God is going to do, ultimately, but he is definitely doing some amazing things!
I know one reason that a lot of people I know are following Nate and Tricia is to be a part of what God is doing and to see his hand at work with our own eyes.
For most of us in our blogging circle we spent months praying for Jordan and Patience and although we didn't get the outcome our hearts wanted seeing the lives change for Christ was definitely worth it. I cannot begin to tell the number of lives that were change by Isaac's testimony and these were the ones I witnessed firsthand. If you read their comments you'll see hundreds more and truth be told we'll never know til heaven just how many lives one baby changed. The testimony of his parents and their faith and their eyes looking toward heaven.
So of course we see another family with their eyes looking toward heaven in the midst of a storm and we want to be a part. We need to be a part in faith in prayer to be where God is at work.
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