May 16, 2020
Psalm 107:1 (NLT)
WE’RE HOME! Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude for all the ways God has shown Himself faithful, especially during this past week at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. More about that in a moment!
Dean and I are beyond grateful for you, our Cathedral family. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your concern, your outpouring of love, and your ongoing prayers for us and Luke and Megan over the last two weeks. For all you parents, you know how much it means when someone cares about your children. We have felt your prayers, and we know that God has heard them and moved on our behalf.
We could not be more pleased with our time at the Mayo Clinic. We felt God’s favor in every appointment and every interaction. The team there treated us like family and left no stone unturned in assessing Luke’s health. We have such a sense of confidence in the care plan they developed for the next few months.
After countless tests, Luke’s team of doctors – neurologist, neurosurgeon, and hypertension nephrologist – agree that he most likely had a stroke, instead of a TIA, and that it was caused by his high blood pressure. No other underlying health issues were discovered. So, the first course of action is to work on getting Luke’s blood pressure regulated over the next six months, then they will address the aneurysm.
As you can imagine, Luke and Megan feel like the weight of the world has been lifted off their shoulders! It has helped so much to know that there’s an army of people praying and believing with them.
We’ve had the privilege of going through this together, as a family. We’ve seen the evidence of God’s hand moving and His working on our behalf. We’re living in the reality of Psalm 91 – pressing in to the secret place, experiencing God as our covering, our protection, our strength, our fortress and so much more.
Could I encourage you to take time for a little thanksgiving pause over the next few days? Pull away to the secret place and spend some time with God. Slow down long enough to become more conscious of Him. Let His presence assure you of His provision and care. I’m believing for you to encounter Him in a new way that refreshes and restores you!
Aren’t you grateful for our amazing pastoral staff? Pastor Eddie Tilley did an amazing job on the last two Sundays. (If you missed the messages, you can catch up here.) Our Worship Arts Pastor Janton Barrineau has a timely message for us tomorrow about trusting in God that I can’t wait for us all to hear as we gather together via Livestream or Facebook Live.
We’re all looking forward to the day we’ll be back in the church worshipping together in person. Be assured that we are seeking God on the best strategy for our church family and will keep you posted as plans develop. Remember, meeting in a building may be postponed, but being the church is still going strong! Thank you for being a great church!
We love you all, and we will get through this together!
Pastor Mike Lewis