Thankful In All Circumstances
Thankful in all circumstances November 22, 2021 Deb Phillips
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 KJV
Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18
Thanksgiving has always been my daughter Sierra’s favorite holiday.
From the time she was 4 years old, the day has brought her joy; she reminded us constantly that it was about family, hospitality with our community and thankfulness.
She even has a bendable Turkey which makes an appearance every Thanksgiving. Turkey Bob is now 21 years old.
So, this Thanksgiving when I look at my beautiful daughters, I can’t help but think about our Princess Zoey.
We, and you, have been praying non-stop for her since the summer of 2020 when 3 year Zoey was diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer
The good news is that all signs point to Zoey being in remission.
The other good news is that although the crisis caused us all to stop in our tracks, we have seen God at work.
Zoey’s parents put their family and faith front and center, rejoicing in every small victory and step.
Zoey had to learn to swallow, speak and walk again. Every day is an exercise in rehabilitation.
The family left their home for an extended time to go out of state to a hospital that had a treatment that might not be paid for and might help her.
Aunts, uncles, grandparents, and friends left their homes to take turns babysitting Zoey’s sister Emma and helping with everything imaginable
Axe and Sledge ( a group of muscle building teddy bears) raised money to help with Zoey’s treatment.
The community threw a Princess Zoey parade.
Front and center in all of this was the giving, gracious, prayer-filled, and loving attitude of those involved – including Zoey.
Prayers poured in from everywhere and were present in Zoey’s home. God was present daily.
So – a little over a year later, the latest scan looks clean. Zoey is stronger every day and she is reading again.
Sierra, Hannah and I and Zoey love to make Zoey sandwiches- ( that’s a huge hug with Zoey in the middle).
Zoey laughs and loves and is kind. She deeply loves her sister Emma- and thinks Emma is sooooo funny.
Zoey is considerate and loving and comforts people in pain – reminding them not to be afraid, it will be ok soon. She embodies the love of Christ.
She has survived this year not just with a healthier body than one year ago, but with a beautiful and loving attitude.
Zoey and all the people who prayed for her are a gift from God.
And my family and I give thanks and rejoice in every one of you.
Marvelous God, thank you for continuing to bless us through the discipleship and prayers of others. You answer our prayers and enable us to not be anxious about anything, but instead be lifted up and healed. Thank you for your unwavering light which has shined through the faith and prayers of a multitude of people on Zoey and her family this past year. I pray that you bless and uplift those who are faithful to you. Thank you for all that you have done and will continue to do.