The Most Excellent Way

I've mentioned The Most Excellent Way several times throughout my posts. I have some information I'd like to share. August 3rd will represent 15 years that The Most Excellent Way has been in the Panhandle of Florida. On August 17th, our Pastor at Olive Baptist is dedicating the evening service in recognizing this ministry and would love for anyone that has been involved (the addicted and/or friends and family of the addicted...) with The Most Excellent Way to attend this evening service. Please help us get the word out and tell anyone you know that has been involved with The Most Excellent Way about this service.

On another similar note; I woke up at 4 a.m. this morning with Eddie Echarri on my heart. If you are new to my blog then you need to know that just a few months ago Eddie, who is the Director of Outreach/Jail Ministry at Olive, was diagnosed with cancer. It's in three places. He's been going through chemo and radiation and in and out of the hospital. This past week he had a fall at home and was rushed to the hospital where he was admitted. He had another unfortunate fall on Thursday; got a pretty bad cut requiring stitches. I'm assuming in that time frame, they found a blot clot on his brain. Emergency surgery was done yesterday to remove the blood clot. Eddie came through the surgery and is in ICU. Family is coming down to visit and to support his wife.

Eddie's wife, Shawn, led a Bible Study for MEW one time many years ago. It has stayed on my mind throughout all these years. The scripture she read from was Matthew 9: 20 - 22, "Just then, a woman who had suffered from bleeding for 12 years approached from behind and touched the tassel on His robe, for she said to herself, 'If I can just touch His robe, I'll be made well!' But Jesus turned and saw her. Have courage, daughter. He said. Your faith has made you well. And the woman was made well from that moment." The woman was sneaking around to get to Jesus because she wasn't supposed to even be out in public...she probably stunk from all the bleeding and she was considered "dirty." In another translation I read, the Bible says that Jesus felt the power leave from His body when she touched the hem of his garment...isn't it amazing that we don't even have to see Jesus to receive His healing power?! But her faith was so "big" that all she wanted to do was to just.....touch.....

I've learned in life, sometimes faith has nothing to do with circumstances, sometimes it has nothing to do with an attack from satan, sometimes it's just life. It doesn't make it easy, doesn't make it right or fair...but was it fair that Christ would live a righteous and perfect life to die for all the crap I alone have done? No way. I have found myself asking the Lord, "Why Eddie Lord? He's led more people to Christ and touched a culture of people that no one else can reach? Why not let somebody else suffer that is doing nothing for your kingdom?!" I know that sounds harsh, but that's where my heart is right now...and the only thing that gives me comfort is the only thing that can. I serve a mighty God that has never let go of me, never disappointed me and only wants what is best for me. He has a perfect plan for my life, each of our lives. I don't always understand, but I do have faith in Jesus Christ that He is in control of all things. So, while I am praying for a miracle for my dear friend Eddie, I am also praying, as hard as this is for me, "Your perfect will be done Lord." And whatever that will is, give us the grace, strength and comfort to endure and to love and support each other, regardless the outcome.

I've kind of rambled this morning and chased a few rabbits. Just had those thoughts in my mind and hope they went from my mind to my fingers to the computer the right way.

Please be praying for Eddie and Shawn and other family members as they arrive this weekend.

My husband and I will continue updating our blogs with updates on Eddie.

Blessings to you and your this day.