My heart is heavy tonight with sad news.
You may remember my post recently where I mentioned my friends and I were running a 5K and raising money in honor of my friend Concetta and her father's battle with pancreatic cancer.
On Saturday morning, Paul was freed from his physical sufferings and went to live with the Lord. This passing was more sudden than expected, yet, all are comforted in that he has been freed from his pain and physical trials and has been healed by the Great Physician. With heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences, the world mourns the loss of an incredible father, attorney, and friend.
Saturday morning, after I learned of the news, I went for a run. It seemed appropriate given our upcoming race, and I needed time to be alone with God and my thoughts. In many times of trials and tribulations, I have been comforted by praise music and time alone with the Lord.
As I rounded the battery on a beautiful morning in SC, Matt Redman's "Blessed Be Your Name" came on my iPod. Tears welled to my eyes, and I was so moved I had to stop running. Overlooking the gorgeous harbor, I prayed, giving thanks to our God who will never forsake us and is here for us as the eternal Comforter. I will continue to praise Him in the storm and bless His name.
I want to leave you with these words from the song,
"Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me,
When the world's all as it should be
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be your Name
Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed by your glorious name
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be your Name"
We must continue to fight the grim statistics of pancreatic cancer, and I urge you now, more than ever, to support our Purple Stride 5K efforts here if you are able.
I have been incredibly humbled and inspired by the generous outpouring of love and encouragement we have received so far for Pauli's girls. In the wise and witty words of my dear, dear friend, "every dollar makes a difference so please make a contribution and let's kick some pancre-ass!!"
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is the Father who is full of mercy and all comfort. He comforts us every time we have trouble, so when others have trouble, we can comfort them with the same comfort God gives us. 2 Corinthians 1:34
Hi Mary Loyal,
ReplyDeleteI love your blog, but I was deeply saddened by this post. A close relative of mine lost her battle with pancreatic cancer last year, and it was really hard to comprehend that loss because it happened so quickly. I'm so glad you're going to be doing the 5K here in the RDU area - I wish I were going to be in town that weekend to say hello to you. Tell your friend that many people are praying for her and her family - including some like me, who haven't even met them. God's community is busy at work lifting her up!
Love,
Caroline Mix
P.S. Romans 8:37-39
Mary Loyal,
ReplyDeleteI just commented on your post about the PurpleStride before I saw this post. I'm so sad to hear of Paul's passing. My thoughts are with you and Paul's family. Concetta is very lucky to have a friend like you. My hope in starting the PurpleStride in Raleigh was to bring about much needed awareness of this disease. Thank you for your effort in achieving this goal!
Oh, Mary Loyal, I was just catching up on blogs and so I am just reading this post. I am so sorry for the loss of your friend's dad. I am praying for her family!
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