I WILL FEAR NO EVIL

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me..."

I am not afraid to die. It actually thrills my soul to imagine the moment when I will be in the presence of the One who has loved me before the beginning of time.

Yet, the knowledge that the valley of the shadow of death awaits those that I love and hold dear to my heart is another matter altogether. I have spent the last nine days sitting with my Dad; the man I admire, cherish and have loved my entire life. I sat in a nursing home with my arms wrapped around my Hero, while he sat in his wheelchair with his arms around me. I whispered, "I love you with all my heart," to him over and over again; thanking him for the life, the heart, the faith that he shared so generously and faithfully. At the age of 82, he has run his race with strength, courage and unwavering faith. I now carry the torch that has shined so bright in his life and I am afraid that I will falter. I am afraid I am too weak. I am afraid that as I watch him walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will be overcome with sorrow and weakness. I am afraid I will not be able to bear it.

I lift my eyes to you, Lord. I know that it is in my weakness that your strength is made perfect. I cry out to you, Lord. I ask you for courage and strength.

I thank you, Jesus, with all my heart for one of your greatest gifts to my life, my beautiful dad. I daily live with the blessings that have been poured out on behalf of his faithfulness to you. Let me live a life worthy of your calling. With all that I have been given, show me how to give, serve and honor you. I surrender my fear and ask for your forgiveness for my weakness of heart. I come to your altar and give to you my breaking heart and ask for you to heal it as only you can.

I will fear no evil, for you are with me.

Forever and ever and ever.

Amen