Rescue Story

Called to Rescue

March is here, and with it comes the promise of Spring, of new beginnings, and very soon the Easter season will be upon us.  As we get ready to celebrate the greatest rescue of all, we would like to spend the next few weeks talking about everyday rescue.  We were rescued and now we are called to rescue. 

So, this month we will take a look at rescue, what exactly is it that Jesus is calling us to.  I would like to suggest that rescue may not be about fixing or saving, that’s what Jesus offers, but that our rescue of each other is found in offering moments of hope, of holding space for each other, for simply being present. 

Cayla’s Story – Dec 2017

Two days ago, my dad had a severe heart attack. They have had him sedated for two days. He has a machine breathing for him, another is pumping his heart for him, there is a machine for everything his body should be doing. I have spent a lot of time staring blankly at walls. I still have so many unanswered questions and prayers waited to be fulfilled.

But I have to tell you something about people. In the coldest winter I have ever felt, people will not let me shiver. They are astonishing.

When I arrived at the hospital Wednesday morning, someone I loved waited and walked in with me. When the nurse brought me to my mom, she was surrounded by people we loved. While we waited hours to hear what had happened, they all stayed and prayed. While they prepared my dad for the ICU, my siblings and I were whisked away for a few hours of distraction and joy. When I tried to run away, my friends gave me a place to rest. While my brother had to experience his 18th birthday without my dad to sing to him, the people who love us carried the tune, and brought cards and balloons and cupcakes. While my world is so many question marks and I don’t knows, people surround us and pray. And pray. And pray.

I owe my people more thanks than I could ever speak aloud. When my world feels like darkness, they come and light candles. There are hundreds of people that deserve endless thanks right now:

The people who have refused to leave my mom alone in the hospital: thank you.

The people who have texted, commented, or spoken their regards and prayers: thank you.

The people that bought my brother cupcakes and cards and sang to him in the midst of crisis: thank you.

The people that took my car keys from my hand and began fixing it without being asked: thank you.

The people that have taken in my siblings and I, with unconditional love, comfort, and kindness: thank you.

The people that have held me close and let me cry, made me laugh, and just held my hand while I stared blankly: thank you.

That’s all I have. That’s all I can give. I will thank you and thank you and thank you until my voice goes out, because you have overwhelmed me with love. And I will sing hallelujah until my vocal chords burn because God has given me all of you.