Day 233 - February 2 - Input?
I've been thinking (and yes, I realize how improbable that sounds!). I've been thinking that if someone asked me what the ConnorWatch site means to me, I'd have a difficult time answering. I mean, in those frantic days immediately after his accident last summer, the blog was (and to a large extent remains) a place for family and friends to keep track of Connor's situation. I use the blog as a sort of catharsis, but that's not all it is for me, and it certainly isn't all that it is for you. And the blog is only a part of the whole of the ConnorWatch site; and the site itself doesn't define the community of people who have grown up around the boy over the last 233 days.
So, I got to wondering - what is ConnorWatch to the folks who read it each day? What does it mean to them? How does it help them - what do they gain from being a part of this community? And as I pondered it, I realized I really wanted to know!
Having thought of that, I decided that it was time to ask, so here I am. If you think ConnorWatch is significant to you, I want to give you an opportunity to tell us about it. Likewise if you think things should be different here. What does this "place", this community, mean to you? Is there something going on here that's important in your life, and if so, what and why?
Here is the opportunity to share a small part of your own story with us. So if you would like to offer your perspective on ConnorWatch and what it means to you, please comment to this post. We would love to hear from all y'all!
Eric
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posted by Eric Williamson @ 10:45 PM
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39 Comments:
Hi Eric:
Here are a few thoughts...
I get to watch a miracle unfold as I believe Connor will be rehabilitated.
I am challenged to further define my own faith in God.
I am inspired by watching an intense struggle.
My faith grows when I witness His provision in your lives.
My faith grows when I watch you and your family being faithful even when you have yet to receive the one thing you want most.
I can relate to you, Eric, when you are transparent, vulnerable, frustrated...yet inspired when you don't relent in asking for help.
I am reminded here that it is a blessing to be able to perform simple tasks and one that should not be taken for granted.
I am reminded to cherish every day, every moment and that our relationships are what matter.
This is a good time to say thank you to all who invest in this website. As you can see, it is a blessing.
Lynne Piper
Houston, Texas
Wow...does Lynne live inside MY head? She said everything that I think this site is all about and more.
I check ConnorWatch almost every day to see how things are progressing, to see how the Williamson family is doing and to lift you guys up in prayer for specific things that get listed.
It's funny how someone you have never met can be at the forefront of your mind first thing in the morning.
I so appreciate your openness in this trial. It has helped my Christian walk immensely.
What Lynne and Claudia said, are all the things I feel too! Even though we haven't gone through the same things, we have boys around the same age, and it hits us that this could be us too! And we can only imagine how extremely difficult this would be. We cry out for you all in prayer.
We feel we all are a family that can hold each other up and pray for each other, and the best we can, to encourage.
And the other women are right, it does help us to put our own difficulties into perspective, and they don't seem "so big" after all. We're all in this difficult life and can struggle together, so to speak.
We do want to hold you up in prayer and keep you all in our thoughts, so we can pray for you through the day!
Thanks for sharing your heart, and story with us all.
You're in our thoughts and prayers!
In Him!
Kim
I have been reading the blog since it was posted, but have never posted a comment...mostly because I've never known exactly what to say. But, since you asked, I have appreciated and been challenged and encouraged by the transparency, honesty and openness that the postings have. I have laughed, cried, and prayed with you all along the way. I have been so impressed with your family's willingness to share your journey with all of us, and look forward to what God has in store for all of you. Know that I continue to lift you up in prayer daily.
The Lord has given me a gift of prayer, and I desire to walk in the fullness of that. That sounds really spiritual, but it just means that I strive to pray as I ought all through the day, every day. ConnorWatch reminds me to pray for the Williamson family. I don't always read every word of every blog entry, but I do try to send up at least a quick prayer every time I read it.
Blessings to the Williamson family, and to all of the ConnorWatch community.
Jody McRoberts :>}
ConnorWatch has become a touchstone for me; a place of remembering God.
In no particular order:
ConnorWatch is a catalyst for my personal prayer time.
It keeps my mind focused on what's really important; which is my daily walk with my Savior.
When I read about Connor's situation, I more appreciate my life, with all of its faults and weak spots. I remember that God allows trials and tailors each one to the individual and that He provides sufficient grace to handle each moment.
Reading ConnorWatch allows me to stay closer with my friends both spiritually and in cyber-space than I am able to do otherwise. Schedules are challenging and we are all jugglers in this life!
Your personal candor is inspiring. There are times that each of us feels that we are the only ones who experiencing wavering faith; that nobody else struggles with accepting God's sovereignty; that no other believer is really as weak as we all know we can be.
Your willingness to share your roller-coaster ride is a reminder that, even when we are ratcheting up the hill at a snail's pace, there is a great ride coming soon!
ConnorWatch has helped me to remember and give place to loving my brothers and sisters in Christ; and being willing to say so.
Watching Connor is an inspiration.
He is a great example of what God can do in a life given over to Him.
I've had the pleasure of knowing that Connor is not perfect and the blessing of knowing that he is perfectly loved.
I love your family.
Thanks for sharing with us.
Jeff for the Slavich family
I heard about your son through our youth group, who were at the same camp. My initial intent was just to find out how he was doing and pray for him and your family. But I have been blessed by your comments and writing as you have gone through this. I am not a writer so have never put any of this down. We are going through struggles with my husband's health and pray for wisdom also but sometimes I look more to the internet or knowledge than God's wisdom. Although you struggle too, you bring us back to what God wants, His perspective. I thank you for that and continually pray for you and your wife, as any stress on a marriage is difficult but this even more so. Praying God's strength for you today. Ann
ConnorWatch helps me put a day and my life in perspective...specifically God's perspective. I am healthy, and though aging, suffer no physical disabilities. This leads me to praise the Lord for that and also to lift up those who are suffering -- it is far too easy to just walk in my own shoes.
My other interest is as a parent. I have had my fair share of struggles in that regard, and hope to learn and bless Eric and Cherie as they continue this journey. Faith in God has been a pillar of that parenting, though never easy - so I want to encourage and pray for you all... Blessings on your week,
Hi Williamson's It seems that we all have almost the same feelings, thoughts and reasons for coming to this site. For myself, I check the site daily and it just helps to keep reality in check. It's a place I can turn to for support, encouragement and most of all a true feeling of God and his love for us all. We go through our lives on a daily basis and take many things for granted. It seems like this site brings us all together for the same purpose and that is we all feel so strong about the full recovery of your son and about our faith in God and how wonderful he is and how much he truly loves each and every one of us. I have never met your family but was introduced by a mutual friend and have been coming to this site since it began. You are all truly an inspiration and my prayers will continue for all of you. In God's name.
Amen to all of these thoughts.
We were created for relationship...first with our heavenly father, then to the world.
I believe that we long for relationship to just survive day to day. God knew it was the best thing for us to reach for and to work at continually.
We all feel so much better in a community..sharing positive affirmations, joys, fears, sharpening one another in our faith. If we falter we have one another to hold us up.
I look forward to the blog every day and I do visit the site for pictures and guestbook.
Thank you for the time and energy you put into keeping ConnorWatch active.
Kathleen
I check in on Connor because I have worked with his Uncle Kent and I know the faith of the family. Also, because I lift Connor up my name each day to the Lord and I stand on God's word and promises for him. I cry out to the Lord for all you. I want to share in your good times and not so good times. Even though I am not there in body, I am there in prayer.
In Him Who loves us first!
Cathy
It has really all been said in the last few blogs, but it's about that feeling of community, seeing how others walk through really tough times, and seeing God is faithful even when things don't work out the way we would like them too. All these things we here, it's lived in your blog day by day. This isn't about a prosperity gospel, or about praying the right way to get what we want, it's about living for God and wanting His will and that's what is so hard often for us as Christians to understand.
Thank you for that, we continue to pray for you in all of this. Praise God that Connor's room is now set up, it looks so nice!
Alison Smith and family
Everything that has been written above fits my own experience here.
Is there any doubt that God's purpose for Connor's life and experience is to touch people so deeply and bring them closer to Him?
Thank you, Connor, and Williamson family, for your faithful service to His will.
I will continue to pray for your strength and rehab.
Victoria
Hello Eric and family ~
ConnorWatch has been a special connection to a very vital part of fellowship and support in how to pray for you all. I have been here since day 1 and althoguh we only met your children 1 time when they came to our house for an AWANA party, I feel as though I know them. That is what it has been for me...as for you Eric, I wonder what it would have been like if you did not have this "connection" to a vast amount of brtohers and sisters in Christ and the like. I would hope that you would continue, but if you did not, that's ok too. I will continue to pray for you all and look forward to saying hi when I bring a meal for you all.
Love to all, In Christ ~ Mary Sue WHCC
I have never met Connor, but I know Joelle just a little from school. When I heard about Connor's situation this summer, it just struck a chord with me because I've been to Hume Lake so many times and because it's such a shocking and traumatic thing to happen to such a young man. I've kept reading because it's incredible to see the way that your family has hung together through all of this and to see the way that God is slowly beginning to heal Connor. I may never meet you all this side of heaven, but I know that I can keep reading about the way He is sustaining you through all of this pain. It is refreshing to read your honest questions alongside your strong faith, and I am inspired to be thankful for what I have.
Eric, I can say that what most of the others have said. I want to see what God is going to do in Connor's life and in your life. God is good and works in many ways. I find myself checking my own attitudes when things don't go my way. Your messages are so open and honest. May people would never do that. It shows that we, as Christians, have struggles just like everyone else, except we have Christ to bring us through them. I also, have a praying heart and enjoy praying for Connor and your family.
May God's power be shown in a mighty way through your family.
Marge, from Spring Creek, NV
Eric,
You don’t know me and we’ve never formally met, but I am certain we have spoken to each other thousands of times, albeit in very short and quick conversations. I am a commercial pilot based at SFO and routinely fly out of SFO/SJC/OAK over the past 10+ years. I also have kids that have attended camp at Hume Lake so I have certainly felt a connection to you and Connor’s tragic accident.
The site offers a cathartic reminder of what is important in life: God, family, and friends. Life is very hard and I am certain that all who come to the site have endured tragedies and/or hardships of their own and can relate to the ebb and flow of emotions that is seen through your writing. Most importantly, we are reminded to place our trust and faith in things that are eternal (God’s love) and not things that are ephemeral (of this world).
Prayers during our darkest hours are very important and will be heard. But let us not lose sight that praising Him for all our blessings, even the small ones, will also be heard. During this time of great crisis with health, finances, job losses, foreclosures, etc… we all still have very much to be thankful for; namely God’s grace and the promise of eternal salvation.
We continue to pray for Connor’s physical health, but also for his emotional, mental, and spiritual health as well.
Fred
Pretty much what every one is saying holds true for me as well. I go to bed praying for you guys and wake up praying.
I like to read biographies of other people's lives, more for how they dealt with life as it hit them, hoping to learn from them as well. This is your family's biography and it is not sugar coated, but even in the midst of your suffering, you still have a sense of humor (which I love). So, I guess what I am saying is that I learn so much from you and those that blog to really try and walk close to the Lord and know his Word.
Laura
Dear Eric,
I love ConnorWatch and read it faithfully each day and also check it a number of times a day .I cry with you all and pray for you all. Through your situation i learned what really matters and what doesnt even start to matter. I realized to not take anything for granted but to be thankful for each moment for each silly fun serious or difficult moment. I fell like ConnorWatch made me instantly in tune with what i wanted to be about as a christian.Its about glorifying God and trusting and holding fast when the situation looks bleak.Seeing and knowing God and his faithfulness and how to trust God in the dark difficult and alone times . Through Connorwatch i get it. I see we are all in this together. We all have hardships to one degree or another but its how we go through them that glorifies God.Its not about us so much as its about God having a plan for us. You my friends have done a wonderful job of being real, asking real questions about your faith about God and about how to get a real grip on all thats come your way.You have asked all the same questions we would have given the same situation. Its been inspiring. Uplifting. I share in each of your victories. I am awe struck at how you are able to put into words all thats happened this past year. Connowatch is a blessing to me in so many ways. I am a different kind of christian due to your blog and your situation. God is good. He is the lifter of our heads. I have seen that so much in all your have written. I stand in amazement of all God has walked you guys through and i also stand and believe with you in Connors complete healing.
with love and thankfulness for Connor for ConnorWatch...and for letting us be a part of it all with you.
love always , Mary Carlos
I loved all Mary had to say above, especially, "Through Connorwatch i get it. I see we are all in this together." She's so right, we all are in a great struggle of some kind in this life.
In your case, I feel like we are seeing the life of Job, in the old testament, lived out. How exciting to see that even like Job, when others asked him to turn from his faith or question his faith, he remained steadfast. He knew God loved him and had a reason for all he went through. He didn't understand, and did ask why, but God brought him through the horrible turmoil he was going through, and God blessed him in the end. Don't give up, keep the faith, just like Job.
This has strengthened my faith as well. And we pray as you go through this tough road, it will strengthen you all as well.
Love you all in Christ!
Kim and also Ken.
Helloooo everybody!
So as you alluded to, Connorwatch has changed its significance for me since the summer. During those initial months I would go on to see how you, Connor were doing physically and spiritually and what I could specifically pray for. It still is a place to get that kind of information, to call on the Lord for all of you guys when you are too weary to do so. I come on now to show my support for the family, to say I’m with you special people, you’re surrounded with family.
Also, I find that though we are a church body sometime I do not get my fill of “thinking on things above, where Christ reigns”. Our daily conversations and entire lives should be penetrated with God’s word and to speak of things that would honor Christ and encourage each other. Here you move from temporal subjects to eternal priorities: pinpointing the invisible things like faith and trust as we go about our daily lives. We see and interact with everything around us at our jobs, school, and homes but on the CW blog I see you focusing on how God invisible is moving in your lives.
As I hear of how you cope with each days struggles and joys I count myself blessed beyond imagine because God provides in my life and in yours. I have yet to face a life changing trial but I have gained lots of wise advice through your journey so far. Lastly, I connect with you to spur you on, to leave note that a whole bunch of people and I love you and want to bear your burdens as you march on this path God is laying out for you. In a nutshell that’s what this site means to me, but I am sure I’m leaving something important out. : )
Till next time,
Monica
I love it because it:
1. Reminds me count my blessings.
2. Reminds me to pray for my friends.
3. Shows God's goodness to me, even through trials.
4. For the encouragement that your family gives me.
5. It gave me new friends. :)
I haven't read anyone else's post yet.
For me, Connorwatch is a modern day Bible story. This is not a good thing, but I have always been inconsistent in my Bible/quiet times. I have been more consistent with Connorwatch over the past few months than most anything else in my life. I respect Eric's transparency. Sometimes my faith is so strong and I know God is up to something super big and I thank Him for it. Other times I just weep because the process is so long and painful and I just wish He would hurry up and heal Connor. Sometimes I just marvel at Connor. I know he is an awesome,extra special, mighty man of God and although I am sure he gets so tired of it, somehow in that pure heart He continues to trust God and press on. This example alone is changing thousands. I admire Cherie for being such a beautiful mom and Joelle for being a beautiful sister. I deeply wish this family didn't go through this, but I am thankful God let me meet this precious family. Their lives give me hope and inspire me to be a better woman of God. May extra grace be poured upon this family.
Love in Christ,
Sheila
Eric, I look forward to this blog every day. I enjoy your candor, I love your honesty, I am encouraged by your steadfast faith, I empathize with your struggle, I am impressed with your families commitment to eachother, it amazes me how Connorwatch has impacted the "world", it surprises me how many people are in touch with this ministry, I am impacted personally every day as I read and experience this journey with you, I forward many of the blogs on to family and friends on many days because of the impact on my heart, this is an amazing story and all of us are sharing in it, in a large part because of this blog. Thanks for sharing.
Bob Warnock
This blog has been an awesome opportunity to learn more about the Sovereignty of God. Watching and reading all through this past 234 days has been a blessing of mixed emotions. I have run the gamet of crying, laughing, questioning, anger,times of great joy, and times of great sorrow. But one things stays constant, and that is great JOY in the Lord and for His provisions.
My mom has had two years of great suffering from the after effects of tongue cancer. I have watched her suffer to the extent that I would ask and beg God for answers that I never received. I wanted Him to heal her of her pain, her misery. But he didn't and hasn't. She still suffers. But I have seen her trust in Him even on her worse days. And I too, have learned so much in her suffering. I have learned that, "though the enemy slay me, I will trust in Him" and many a day I have literally prayed "Father, I will rise up on wings of eagles, I will walk and not grow weary". His precious Word has carried me through the darkest of times. I choose to trust in Him even when it would be easier to just walk away. An that kind of faith isn't something you read about in the "Good Book", that kind of faith is learned by walking through the valley with Him.
When I read your blog, I am reminded of my journey and others journeys. I see that God is not a respector of persons and that He can do what He wills to do, because that is who He is. Watching your faith in black & white ,line by line, shows me I'm not alone and that God will work ALL things for the good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
Just as God has a purpose in my mom's suffering, He has a purpose in what is taking place in Connor's life. We may not see the whys now, but God is the Giver of Life and the Lover of our souls, and He takes what we think is good and gives us better. So TRUST is the answer. "There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold-though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world." 1 Peter 1:6-7
That is why I keep up with Connor and this awesome Williamson Clan, for what awesome Praise & Glory the Lord is receiving.
I love you and I continue to pray for 100% "Waltzing across Texas" healing for the precious "Red-headed" child of His!
Love
Martha in Fl.
Eric,
I started reading connorwatch after you posted on carecure. We have a friend with a C5 injury but C4 function.
I've been drawn to follow Connor and your families journey. I hope and pray that you get some help, because from our friends experience, it takes a village to care for someone with a C-level spinal cord injury.
You show remarkable transparency in your blog. I have stepped back from my faith in Christ and am not a practicing Christian. But I am awed and amazed at your faith in the face of amazing challenge. I pray, in my way, for you, Connor and your family. While I have no doubt that God could heal Connor, I also pray for the scientists who are working so hard to bring a cure to all who have sustained a SCI.
Blessing to all of you,
Terry
I was at camp the same week as Connor and was near the lake and witnessed the chaos surrounding his accident. We knew he was from a church in Morgan Hill, which was relatively close to our church in Los Gatos. I began to follow the blog as soon as I got home, I set the website to my homepage, and my mom ordered shirts and bracelets for us to have and wear and remember. I've read every blog ever since.
I felt immediately connected to Connor because he was my age and someone that I could relate to. Then he was moved to Valley Med and that was near my house and something else that I could relate to. I obviously have no idea what it is like to be in your situation,
but I couldn't even begin to imagine if it was my brother, or one of my friends, or even me.
I laugh and smile and cry at the things you share just like Connor is a good friend.
This blog is a lot more than just reading a story about someone's life though. It is something that my mom and I follow together and share and can challenge and encourage each other with.
Also, seeing this family, and especially Eric, makes me admire you soo much; a family that has a father, a husband, and a leader of a family that I wish my father could be to my siblings, my mom, and my family.
Not having that strong God-following fatherly influence in my family makes it more difficult for the rest of us to really have Christ-centered lives, but this is so encouraging not only personally, but to the potential to what my family could be.
Know that you're reaching me and my family, as well as soo many other people. It's so hard to see God in the hard things, as I've definitely seen already this year, but God is so worth it, and life is so worth it, despite when we can't see it.
The chorus of "Wait and See" by Brandon Heath has definitely been an inspiration to me and every time I hear it I think of you guys.
I would love to meet Connor someday, but just know I'm always praying and always thinking about you guys. I hope that Connor knows he's always got a friend in me.
Love,
Julia
Dear Eric and family, I have actually asked myself that question. What is ConnorWatch to me. I have silently watched your son grow into a man. My family is not as strong in their faith as yours. I first began reading this because I wanted to pray for your family. I wanted to watch God at work. But even though God may not have answered all your prayers yet,but , You can rest assured that God speaks through this forum everytime you write. My daughter who was mad at God for the failed relationship of her parents, and refused to go to church, reads the blog as often as me. When I am feeling low or discouraged, she will now, point me back to the Lord. If I could change places with Connor to have him well again, I would, at a moments notice. I have lived my life, not walking with the Lord for far to many years. But, God is doing a mighty work with your family as it is. Remember His plans are always better than our own. Sometimes, practice makes perfect.
Tex,
This blog is a reflection of God's work in your lives and an encouragement to God's faithfulness in our lives. There is no testing that God brings that is not common to man. Therefore as we see and hear from you about your struggles, your questions, your answers to prayer, your thankfulness for the work of the body of Christ in your lives, and your reliance on the God of the universe, it is a tremendous testimony and an encouragement to us all. All of us go through tests and suffering, but you have been kind enough and gracious enough to bare your soul and the details of your struggle so we can partner with you in prayer, weep when you weep, and praise God together.
In a nutshell, you are living your life as God has ordained it, only as an open book, and we are learning, growing, supporting you, and applying things to our lives as we read it.
I know your intention was not to get glory from the question you asked, but thank you for sharing your journey so we can watch life worked out through faith and trust in our loving Lord Jesus Christ. With the technology of today, we can enter into this Great Conversation with people all over the world. God will be glorified through it all, as He has been and will be glorified in everything.
Paul and Nancy in Huntsville
I love to come here and read your word, see your pictures and follow Conners progress. I love how the site has brought so many people together.
"Hey everyone, see how God holds us up in good times and bad!"
Debbie, Brentwood, CA
My wife and I spend our first minutes of the day in Bible reading, devotioal reading and prayer; and we close our waking moments with a prayer. We look forward to the posts so we can lift Connor up, and share with our fellowship group. We both have lost mates tragically, and know the grief of bearing the unbearable; so we are cheering you on as you run the race before you. Seeing another run the race gives us more ways to encourage those who do not know real life.
God bless.
Bob Stone
Where do I start? I'm not good at putting my thoughts into words, and I've been thinking about my answer to your question since I first read it yesterday.
ConnorWatch has made me once again realize that we are all part of the great big body of Christ. It goes far beyond the four walls of my own church, far beyond all the churches in my city.
I have seen God provide through that body - when you were here in Fresno and people cared for you all with food, lodging, prayer, and back home in Morgan Hill with the addition on your home, and I'm guessing meals, help at home, and more prayer.
I have been encouraged & convicted by your willingness to see God in this, and to admit your frustrations, despair, and need for help. Also by your triumphs, joys, and perseverance - hold fast!
I have realized that sometimes the only thing, and the best thing I can do for someone is pray. Prayer is so important, and benefits me as well as those I'm praying for. I've never been a 'prayer warrior', even though I'd like to be, and I went through a time last year where I was just so dry - I was frustrated with my own situation in life, was tired of asking God for help, and feeling like nothing was getting any better. I pretty much stopped praying, but started again by praying for your requests, and I've kept going.
I've been burdened, encouraged & blessed. I've cried & laughed along with you and many of the other members of this blogchurch. Ha - that's another thing - I learned a new word - blogchurch. :)
Thanks for being open to sharing with all of us! May God richly bless you all!
Amy
Hi Blog family!
Connorwatch means a lot of things to me, a place to share, pray, and learn about the latest in your lives. Most importantly it is a place to tell everyone about Christ's rich, life changing love, that God can be your Father if only you see yourself as who you really are, a sinner in need redemption by Jesus's sacrificial death on the cross. This blog gives people strength to carry on in the tough times with God, not without Him! It also encourages us when we hear about people's real struggle and how they trusted in God's strength and grace to see them through. I check in with Connorwatch because I want to focus on God being our all, in every situation, no matter how weak or tired we are, He is Sovereign! God reigns in a mighty way, yet He has allowed us to come alongside and pray for Connor and the whole Williamson gang!
Love to you all!
Valerie L.
wow, after reading all the comments to this post here, i am overwhelmed. mostly because it made me realize that this is probably just a speck of the actual readers out there- it's sort of mind-boggling to think of how many homes and lives you are allowed to enter into, sharing your hearts and souls. touching and sparking spirits, pointing the way to Christ through your own human-ness. bringing everyone together to share the burden in the only way we can- prayer and service, encouragement and words. the way that God opens up my eyes, and once again my heart, through reading this blog- reminding me of so many things- too much to list- and i need reminding a lot! i appreciate reading not only your postings but the comments as well. causing me to stop, think, pray, ponder- and change. feeling connected to you guys, and to all the other readers helps me to feel Gods presence more and more, something i desperately need constantly. recognizing how we all deal with our own issues differently and witnessing others learning how to respect those differences has given me hope for others around me, too, as well as my self. thank you to all that make this blog possible- all your hard work and dedication is not in vain! we love you all-
praying without ceasing,
The Barr Family
Being #34 in a long list of answers doesn't leave me much to say that hasn't been said but...I'll give it a try anyway. I first heard about you from Todd, one of the guys that Eric works with. He attends to the same church that my family does. I've never met you all but, still, from the first post that I read--you seem like family or friends to all of us. Any of us know that at one moment's notice, we could be in your shoes. We praise God for the "good days" when it seems like there is progress and cry with you when you have a day when nothing seems to go right.
You have been a wonderful ministry to each of us--helping us look inside ourselves and also outward to those around us. What seems to matter in our material lives really doesn't matter so much when we put it into perspective. Thank you for giving us that insight.
Those who post, including Eric, have also given me so much insight into scripture; for that, too, I want to praise God. It has helped define what my faith means to me--which is challenging but nonetheless important.
Thank you and God bless you all.
Hello Eric,
When I read your posts on CW I am encouraged by your faith during such a difficult time for your family. I'm encouraged by your transparency as God has called us to be-I don't know if I would be able to do the same. Eric you have a gift of expressing your self in writing and it blesses me as you share with all of us your ups and downs and your reflections on walking the walk with Him. Thank you for sharing. We pray for Connor and your family.
Rick Syres
Hi Family,
I love you guys.
I miss seeing Connor's sometimes sleepy self during Sunday worship team practice. I miss him. I miss hearing Cherie's beautiful voice cover the whole sanctuary. I miss her. I know I'm not the only one.
Many times I've created comments but just deleted them after reading and editing them over and over. Though I am usually an inactive blogger, we (my children and I) are active in prayer for you.
Love,
debbie serio
Eric,
Your blog gives me inspiration as I see you drawing on God's power to deal with the reality of life as it is now, not the way you would really like it to be. I see God's promises being fulfilled as He remains true to His word "I will never leave you nor forsake you." I see others, and myself, growing through your testimonies and struggles, while continuing to draw on the sustaining power that comes through the Word. It helps me have a better perspective on life. I will undergo another surgery on my foot next week(the 4th in 2 years), and although I too get disgusted sometimes with the lack of real progress, I am ever so thankful that, compared to Connors present condition, and your position of being his caretaker, my problems are definitely minute. I wear the wrist band to remind me to pray for all of you (sometimes it would be good if it was a lot tighter so to remind me even more), and I continue to trust that God will in His time, bring further healing to Connor. Thanks for your transparency.
Gordon Guthmiller
I hadn't met you guys before the accident. Through this blog, I've gotten to know your family. You are my brothers and sisters in Christ and I care deeply. This blog has helped me know better how to pray for you. I have seen how God really does provide for His children. I can see Him working in your lives and in the lives of those close to you, and those who read your blog. I appreciate how honest you are with sharing what's in your hearts and on your minds. I too feel my faith has grown because of this.
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