Some things don’t make much sense on paper. I should be living out this morning very discouraged and worried and anxious and angry. I should be full of fear and looking for ways to control and fix the circumstances that have found me in recent days. There ought to be surges of dread in me as I struggle with when and if my precious mother in law will die, how and when my wife will finally come home, if my children are okay on the inside as they are separated from their parents during a time of family crisis…
I ought
to be a
blithering mess.
But I’m not. I’m comforted. I’m hopeful. I’m content. I am trusting a mighty King who shed His blood for me to provide all that will be needed as I follow Him. In spite of being separated from my wife, my children and my life-work at Meadow…today I am more thoroughly convinced of the greatness of God than i have ever been before. The Lord has certainly taken some things away from me but my emptied hands now hold some things that I did not hold previously. I find myself able to enthusiastically praise Him this morning.
Paul required of us to bear one another’s burdens (Gal. 6:2) and added that this was part of our faithfully following Christ. I’m unsure of the logistics of how this all works but I’m convinced that the reason why the Lyles are enduring so well is because of the intercession of our friends. Your expressions of love and concern have been staggering to a man like me who normally doesn’t care to be fussed over. Cards, texts, voice mails, tweets, emails and the comments on this blog have served as wind in our sails. You all are helping to bear our burdens – it stands to reason that, because you are doing so, our burdens feel very light. I give God the glory while, at the same time, I give you thanks.
Amy had a solid rebound day yesterday. Her attitude is amazing and she made quite a bit of progress. Her next surgery is scheduled in six days and she is to master as much of the physical therapy as possible until then. Amy is such a private lady that she’s been often misunderstood as snobbish and aloof, pampered and fragile. Truth be known she simply prefers the background and exerts a lot of effort to remain there while welcoming me to be in the forefront. She’s a tough lady when her back is against the wall and I’m seeing that daily as she fights to get back home to her place of excellence. Pray that she receives her heart’s desire please to be restored to her domain. I’m glad I’m not staying there right now without her and the kids. We need her there. We all need to get back home soon.
My mother in law, Deborah, is still attached to the life support equipment. They told the family yesterday that she is no longer a candidate to be removed due to the incremental progress she is making. Medically speaking, she is not expected to regain a fraction of her former abilities. God will need to preform a miracle of the biblical kind if we are to receive her back as she once was. We would honor her long-standing heart’s desire if we could pray for the Lord to either fully restore her or to mercifully take her home. Last night I sensed God speaking to my heart and saying,
“Jeff, you have trusted Me with her death for a week. You now need to trust Me with her life if I leave her with you all.”
I have many loose ends to tie up today so I may not update too much via Twitter. A special word of thanks to Meadow’s Youth Pastor, Rusty, and all the young people (and a few, not so young!) who have commandeered my house this week to prepare it for Amy’s return. I have a new group of heroes whom I will never be able to forget. Thank you for bearing our burden. You’re making a difference.
Brother Jeff, Mary Jean and I have had you and Amy and family in our prayers since this horrible accident happened. Also our church, Old Suwanee Baptist has had many prayers for all of you. We would also like to commend Meadow Baptist for such a wonderful day in Jills and Jeffs marriage on last Saturday. The People of Meadow did such a wonderful job of making their day so special. We love you and family and will continue to lift you up in prayer.
I didn’t get to the blog yesterday or today until now. What a blessing Amy has had the last couple of days – out of bed. clothes. make-up and Chick-fil-A. God is truly amazing, but we already knew that. I prayed so hard about the family having to make the decision about Deb’s life support. God made that decision for you so ya’ll didn’t have to.
Your whole family was missed at Jill and Jeff’s wedding today. It was beautiful. She looked so happy. Tons of people were there. I’m sure you’ll both be able to enjoy the video soon.
Love to all of you and I will continue to pray. I just feel in my heart that Amy’s surgery will go smoothly next week and she’ll be home on schedule. What a great day that will be – all the Lyles back home! Keep the blogs and twitters up – they keep us connected to you guys.
You and Amy are never far from our hearts and minds. Honestly, because of this – we think of you all the more. We have always prayed for you all and I am so very thankful of your support for my husband in his work here in Sparta – we’re in a desert land – watering the spirits here is difficult – but, we are beginning to see incredible depth in growth in people. I understand completely what you’re saying about Amy – I am content to be in the background to allow my LORD to shine through Meredith – I am his personal confidant, my children’s comforter, and friend to any and all who may need me. Being in the LORD’s service as a woman, wife – can sometimes be a solitary road – most of the time we must take all our heart’s burdens only to Him. A phrase I attempt to rely on is – Bloom Where You’re Planted – in all, however it may be – bloom for God. I went to bed las night wondering how I might encourage Amy – I know what encourages me – God’s word, good, uplifting music – a hug. Then I came across this quote this morning – hope it encourages you both – “Patience is more than endurance. A saint’s life is in the hands of God like a bow and arrow in the hands of an archer. God is aiming at something the saint cannot see, and He stretches and strains, and every now and again the saint says–‘I cannot stand anymore.’ God does not heed, He goes on stretching till His purpose is in sight, then He lets fly. Trust yourself in God’s hands. Maintain your relationship to Jesus Christ by the patience of faith. ‘Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.’
— Oswald Chambers
Your faith is firmly planted in the LORD -that is why you’re calm in this storm – sometimes we cannot see exactly what God is doing – but, continue to yield to His work in your life – trust Him with everything. Walking by faith sometimes is only knowing that very next step –
Love you guys so much – so very thankful for you – If I were there – I’d give Amy as gentle a hug as possible – and say I love you – but more importantly God loves you and I pray for you.
In Christ,
Kathy
I am so very happy to hear that Amy had a good day! She is constantly on my mind. I don’t think I will ever look at the daily mundane tasks of life in the same way ever again. I bet getting her hair washed and putting on a little make-up never felt so good. I can’t wait to hear her beautiful voice praising God. Her steadfast, unshakeable faith come as no surprise to those who know her. She is her mother’s daughter, after all. Our prayers are constant and we will rejoice with you as God works out His pefect will in your lives. We love you all so very much!
Jeff, you and Amy are setting such an example for the body of Christ. Our hearts are with you and; please, please let us know if we can be of any help at all. It is so encouraging to read your blog and how God has worked in this horrible situation to provide peace and comfort to your family. We will continue to pray for Amy, your kids, you, and Amy’s mom.
BTW, Darren Fain and I spoke today and he would like to call you, but didn’t want to impose too soon. He has confided how much you have meant to him and how you have changed his life. You have made a difference in everyone’s life you have come into contact with and still are through this tribulation!
The Sears Family sends our love to all the Lyles and their extended family.
Psalm 112 6-7 Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
Pastor Lyle: We are so pleased to hear that Amy had a better day yesterday. We have been praying that your family would not have to make that decision on whether Deborah is taken off the respirator or left on it. The thought of having to make that decision is heartbreaking! Praise God for her small increments of progress. In HIS TIME! We are praying that Gods’ Will be done.
It is encouraging to hear that you are not feeling as heavy hearted today and that the Lord has given you some fresh insights. Years I had a fear of fire and drowning-The Lord gave me this scripture which I have always been able to turn right to it: Isaiah 42:1b-2;4-5a,7. He is our Protector in every sense of the word! We miss you and continue to be in prayer for your family. Let us know what we can do.
Jeff, Tommy and I have been out of town and just learned about the accident. Thank you for your blogs each day. They have made it possible for us to grieve and rejoice with others in our church family even though we were not here when this happened. We are grateful that Amy is improving and hope and pray that God will heal her mother, as well. No matter how old we get, it is always shocking how quickly things can come into our lives and change them. Just want to take this opportunity to tell you that we love you all (something we do not say often enough) and look forward to the time (soon) when you, Amy and the kids can all be together at home.
Please let Landon know how special he is to me and I am continuing to lift all of you up in my prayers. I cannot imagine what you all are going through. My heart hurts for your family but I am confident that our Lord is with you.
Pastor Jeff, Thank you for being so thoughtful in keeping us informed on Amy and Deborah’s progress. We miss you both so much and look forward to seeing your (always!) encouraging smiling faces! So many prayers and praises for you, Amy and, esp. the children.
IN Christ love, sister Deborah
Jeff, I must agree with so many of the responses to your blogs and tweets.
You are a winner, and I have always known that for three years. When I heard you the first time on T.V. I knew we should be associated with this church. You have shown such faith and I have never seen you falter…..grieve yes but not falter in your faith. I also knew the first time attending this church that this congregation is beyond average…they immediately embraced us
as if we were life long friends. I thank God often for Meadow. I thank him daily for our pastor.
I love Amy and the few times we have been together and we were looking forward to another one on one and I am so grateful that even youthful Amy has time and smiles for this older person. Your sweet children and are blessing and I know that more so to both you and Amy.
I cringe when I hear about Amy going from the wheel chair to the bed….in just a week since the injury. I know how that feels and I did not have broken arms or ribs. She is an amazing lady….and you are her amazing husband! Please know that we also pray that God chooses to completey heal Mrs Samples…(Deborah) I also pray for Amy’s daddy.
Jeff,
In the midst of lifting the Lyle and Womack families in constant prayer this past week, you need to know how much your blogs have ministered to and encouraged others. What a testimony to God’s unfailing love, grace and mercy, even in the midst of the storm! On behalf of your ‘family’ at the North American Mission Board, be assured we rejoice with you at Amy’s progress, and continue to pray God’s will be done in Deborah’s life while He ministers peace to the family whatever the future holds. We stand ready to step in and help in any way we can. May God’s will be done!
We rejoice with you for Amy’s improvement! God is so good! We will continue to pray for both Amy and Ms. Deborah as you have asked. You and Amy have been an encouragement and a prayer warrior for me in some very difficult times. I am glad that you are feeling the impact of our prayers! We love you and miss you both very much! -Ashlyn
Dear Pastor Jeff,
We praise God that Amy is better today.I thought of the so-called scooter chair that enables Amy to have more mobility indoors and possibly outdoors such as the mall after her planned surgery in done.After asking her doctor you may call the scooter store at 1-800-290-7900 perhaps you can get one at no or little cost.It allows Amy to move around by just pressing certain buttons on the handle of the chair.
We understand what you are going through and we are praying not only for Amy and Deborah but I think most important for you because you need much strength from Lord Jesus as a leader of your congregation.May the Lord give you the indurance and shortens the time of inconvenience in your life.God bless you a thousand times.Stay steadfast in your faith.Our Lord promised that He will not allow us to go through trials more than what we can endure.Our Lord is faithful and merciful.Glory be to His name,
Sam & Zack.
Jeff, whether you and Amy know it or not, the Lord is using you both in a mighty way. Many of us in the congregation have been through some very tough times, physically, emotionally and financially and you have always been there as a tower of strength for us. You can’t know what your strength has meant and now the Lord is showing us that you practice what you preach. When I opened my eyes after surgery and you were the first person I saw, I can’t express to you how that made me feel. We, your people, can see that your strength and faith are hard as a rock and you will not be moved. Your words will carry more weight I think since you’ve been through the fire as well as the rest of us. Our hearts go out to you and your family
So thankful that Amy had a good day yesterday! Praying for an excellent day for her today and for the Lord to work mightily with Mrs. Samples. Asking the Lord for continued peace and comfort for the whole family.