The Journey from Darkness Into Hope: A Reflection

To say that the last six weeks has been exhausting for Denise, my dear wife and partner in life, love, and ministry, and for me would be a massive understatement. So far we have traveled separately and together over 7,000 miles with at least another 3,000 miles to go before we are both home in Carrollton for more than twenty hours. Caring for both of our Dads as they go through significant health concerns has involved a lot of road time and bedside time. Then to lose Denise’s former mother-in-law and a dear friend to both of us this week hit us hard.

As one who lives with depression, it is a lot to take in and some days I find myself wandering through the Valley of the Shadows. I wonder, how much more we can handle. About the time I am sinking, a lifeline is thrown out for me to catch and hang onto. That is where dear friends show up and offer us a bit of respite and loving care.

Hope rises out of the darkness of my depression and I am so very thankful for that. As John 1:5 says—The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

As we continue this journey we are so grateful for the love, support, and prayers of Carrollton Presbyterian Church where I am blessed to be their pastor. We are so thankful for the continued love from friends all around this country and world.

These words from Thomas Merton speak to that gift we have been given by so many. Hope then is a gift. Like life, it is a gift from God, total, unexpected, incomprehensible, undeserved. It springs out of nothingness, completely free. But to meet it, we have to descend into nothingness. (The New Man)

As Denise and I continue to walk this journey together, we both lift this humble prayer—Dona Nobis Pacem, Grant Us Peace ❤️