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Thoughts and Prayers
This is a common phrase that in the age of Wokeness has faced some condemnation. But what solace can you offer someone when they are faced with desperate situations that they cannot control.
My friend Ronnie has been struggling with a crisis he did not expect. As I have briefly mentioned recently, Ronnie is a mountain of a man who attracts friendship like honey attracts bees. His life is complicated but his attitude is simple. The woman he loves is in a critical medical crisis. All he asks for are thoughts and prayers.
He told me today that Karen has responded to dialysis and is now responsive enough that she should be able to be weaned from the ventilator tonight. It is a long road ahead. My thoughts have been far less effective than my prayers so far.
I sent out a text to a group of friends who know Karen and Ronnie informing them of the potentially good news. Mrs. Pessimist, the healthcare executive, was irritated that I had not gotten specific permission from Ronnie to share any information I had. I told her that none of the information was covered by HIPAA regulations because Ronnie was my friend and not a patient.
I began my brief text with two words: Good news.
Almost every response began with two other words: Great news. The word Gospel is the early English translation of Good News. Why is it not Great News?
Published in General
It is great news. So we will Give thanks. We will and continue to pray for you and your friends. Friendships matter. Life matters. You are using your gifts for both. I hope everyone sleeps better tonight.
Ronnie and Karen added to prayers. We hang in there and do what we can.
It doesn’t need further elevation. The Gospel is as good as news can be.
The New Testament may be boiled down to this:
The rest is exposition.