Like a Mothers Love

Like a Mothers Love
One of many of the realities that have come to light over these past few months of trials has been the more than obvious, almost desperate struggle between the enemy of our souls and the savior of same. The enemy who to a limited degree does all he can to disrupt, destroy and maim mankind fighting against a God who has all power yet allows the suffering of some for the good of all. For those who don’t believe or understand this can seem much like a cruel trick with mankind being used as puppets in a not so hilarious even sadistic battle between two deities. This of course however is not the case at all. No I would liken it more to that of a mother caring for her children, doing all she can to prepare them for the trials of the of life that they will face as they enter the world. The type of mother who realizes that children must be allowed to make decisions at times, and at other times (often for their own safety) even though they do not see the dangers she must impose her will. The goal for the parent(s) of course being to raise a child capable of making decisions on their own yet all the while the child knows his/her parent(s) they trust is there waiting ready to offer guidance and rescue at any time. Satan being one, more like a spoiled child, one who has always wanted his own way, and when he hasn’t gotten it he ignores the counsel, shuns the love, and rebels into his own twisted state of reality, taking all he can with him. The more people he surrounds himself with the more power he has and the more emboldened and brazen he becomes, even though ultimately his spanking will come. And our God the great I Am, of course like the mother, caring for and raising a child hoping to instill truth, goodness, and righteousness even to the point of great personal sacrifice in order to insure the ultimate redemption and restoration for her child.
Why do I share this story at this time in light of all we are facing as a family? Let me explain; this week has been like riding on a rapidly descending roller coaster that appears to be heading for a crash. Dawn has gone from being alert and self sufficient on Monday to bedridden and in and out of consciousness and reality by Friday (please no medical advice this is normal progression). In the midst of all of our fears and tears we have experienced the presence of God in ways to beautiful for mere words to describe. On Wednesday night Kathleen Carnalli held a night of worship at Shasta Lake that was utterly amazing, the spirit of God fell in a powerful and prophetic way! Thursday I awoke to find Dawn in a state of confusion and delirium, she fell three times, seeing things in the room that were not there, and I watched as her body would contort in involuntary motion, the battle raging on. The body fighting for control and the spirit surrendered to the will of God, knowing that this God would never allow anything that is not what is best for all! In our selfishness we desire what is best for us thinking we know what that would be, yet by surrendering to what is best for all we too are allowed to partake of better gifts, greater joy, and eternal peace, which is by no other means possible to achieve. On Thursday we gathered around my bride, the children on the bed and loved ones by her side, we sang songs of praise and in moments of clarity Dawn would join in, and the Spirit of the living God never left the room. In the midst of such pain and impending sorrow we were able to receive comfort, and peace in the form of a spirit, the God of all creation in our presence, how could anyone survive such pain without Him, thankfully I will never know.
Due to the intensity of our situation and the rapidly changing circumstances I would as each of you to share with all you can the following information. The gratitude that our family feels toward all of you each and every one is beyond our ability to describe in words or in deed. I do promise however that our family will continue to attempt to do so by serving our Lord with fervor until our final breath is breathed. We are asking that for the next few days our visitors be limited to Dawns family, for those of you who I had invited and had hoped to see Dawn I truly apologize however things have changed so rapidly that we must react accordingly. I am turning off my cell phone and I will not be answering it until further notice as yesterday the calls truly did interrupt some very important activity. Karen Novelli is organizing meals for our family and Dwelly Crofoot has things handled at Shasta Lake and any questions regarding the Church can be directed to him. Feel free to continue to email me and I will do my best to answer them I must say however I am so tired and brain weary I must make no promises at this time. While I hate to sound so matter of fact about things I truly don’t know how else to word the facts and I appreciate your understanding and grace.
All of this said I desire to be ultra clear on one point, we have not given up hope, and we still believe that if it is best for all God will deliver Dawn from this disease upon this earth, hence we pray for His will to be done, in Jesus name. Also please pray for the girls they are facing trials and seeing things no child of their age should ever be forced to face or see and their hearts are breaking as is mine. Yet again through it all we remain committed, submitted and dedicated to seeing the will of God for all!
Gene Burroughs