I don’t really know what to say. It seems, as I’m told, that so many people are reading this blog about my journey I’m going through now. I don’t know why so many people seem to care about me and my situation. I don’t know what God has up His sleeves with all this. I don’t know why you’re reading this right now. I pray it has been half as much blessing to you as it has been to me.
I am truly humbled that anyone has taken the time to read up on what I’m experiencing. I’ve long believed that the reason we have other people is to experience God through them. We all come with our own set of experiences, and none of us can experience God in every way that others have. So, as we share those experiences, we can see God’s work in every other person and see how He uses His people. (To clarify, I don’t mean that we are all little gods or anything like that. God is in Heaven on His thrown, but His light shines through each and every one of us who are called by His name.)
I’m just stunned and humbled. Praise God.
So many people are praying. Last night, through the night and more today. We love you!
We all love you guys! God is working through us to be there for you! Let gods work continue! I have been praying alot since mon when we talked! If you need anything let me know! :)
"The LORD upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down…The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth" (Ps 145:14,18). Praying for the two of you, Brad!
So many people are praying. Last night, through the night and more today. We love you!
Dear Brad,
I have never met you but I went to elementary school with Stephanie and Billy. My Mom still works for BCA and told me the situation. I cannot imagine in the slightest what this is like for any of you. I am sure this was not your goal with this blog but after reading your words I am simply speechless at your never-ending faith in God and at how much of an inspiration you really are. I hear absolutely no anger or lack of trust in God in your words. God will honor your faith. You all really are in my prayers. Holly (Roenn) Romanello
We all love you guys! God is working through us to be there for you! Let gods work continue! I have been praying alot since mon when we talked! If you need anything let me know! :)
Brad~
As I read your blog, I am amazed at your faith. It is very evident that you are heart broken, yet your strength is insipiring. I am praying daily for you, Stephanie, your babies and your families. What an example you have been to all who read this blog.
Jodi
"The LORD upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down…The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth" (Ps 145:14,18). Praying for the two of you, Brad!
We have never met, and yet I feel compelled to write. I work with Stephanie’s Aunt Barb K. and was blessed to have her say grace at my recent baby shower. I know your family’s faith is strong and will lead you through any darkness that may come. As a recent mother myself, I find myself torn apart at the thought of what you and your families are going through. You and yours are in our thoughts and prayers. Mark, Kara & Kennedy Shutler
Brad–
All I can say is that I am continually amazed by each of your blog posts. Your strength, faith, and hope are truly inspirational. My heart is broken for you and your family. I will continue to keep you, Stephanie, the kids and the rest of the family in constant prayer.
I’m so glad God is allowing you to feel then love of everyone and anyone…Praise Him for that, and ho;d on to it!
By the way, should have mentioned I knew Stephanie a bit from MOMtourage :)
Prayers are with you all~Laurie Weiser
Brad,
I know Stephanie from Storknet, our sons were both born in 2007, and even though we never met in person she touched my life deeply with her love and joy in being a mother to Brady and Halle and a wife to you. My prayers and thoughts are with Stephanie, you and your family.
– Stacie
Brad,
I am good friends with the Schmidts and they asked us to be praying for you and Stephanie. I can’t tell you how heart broken I’ve been for you and your children the last few days. It consumes my thoughts and prayers. Not only am I praying for healing for Stephanie, but I’m praying that God will glorify himself through how you are handling this situation…and it seems that is happening! Who else could give you such comfort and peace amidst such tragic circumstances? Thank you for sharing your heart and your journey with all of us. It is humbling for US to be let in to your thoughts and feelings as you go through this. We’ll continue to seek God on you and Stephanie’s behalf!
Brad and family!
We continue to pray as you and Stephanie continue to battle on! GOD is good!
Lisa
Hi Brad,
My husband and I have been truly inspired by your incredible faith in this difficult time. Your whole family is in our thoughts and prayers. Just keep reminding yourself that nothing is bigger than God and he can turn around even the worst situations. We’re rooting for you guys, regardless of the outcome. If we can do anything for you, don’t hesitate to email me.
I have to respond to this post.
Brad. Just this morning I was thinking that I had to thank you for sharing this journey with all of us – and that was before I read this post! This is a very private ordeal you are facing and you have been so open with your sharing. Some people are following this blog because they are close to you and your family; others like me, are just people who know you through work and think you are a good guy. Your grace and strength is amazing and such a strong representation of how God really wants us to face our battles. I thank you for letting us play a little part in you and Stephanie’s battle – there is very little in the physical world we can do for you right now, but we can all uplift your family to God in our thoughts and prayers.
You have touched many lives with your sharing. I know that you are not Catholic, but when I told my aunt of Stephanie’s story, she went to mass that same day in the name of your family and dedicated a holy hour as well. Prayer to the one true God is prayer no matter the house of worship is called! :)
Its not just the people that physically know you and Stephanie and your family that are supporting you… its a much larger web composed of our family in God.
Brad, I work with Todd. Although I have not been in your situation, I have been by many a bedside praying. I have been praying for you and your family. I feel for you. I believ that God has a plan for everyone. He will speak to you and carry you and your family through this as He is always with you. I am sure that your faith and family will continue to be strong. I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers.
Brad,
The only answer as to why so many people are reading along is because God has placed you on our hearts so deeply. Your faith is contagious, and isn’t that how we are supposed to be as Christians? Be assured that your words are doing more than inspiring. Whether you see it or not, I am positive that God is using you in a huge way. My heart breaks for you and your children even though I do not know you. That’s God. Breaking our hearts for what breaks His.
We continue to pray. Your family is the last thing on my mind at night, the first thing in the morning and all throughout the day. He has even woken me in the night a few times to pray.
Gina
Dear Brad,
You don’t know me, but I saw a prayer request for Stephanie on a friend’s Facebook, and I have been praying every day for Stephanie, you, and your children. Two months ago, I posted my own prayer request for my new niece, who was born with a genetic defect that caused her to have many seizures and a brain injury. I KNOW that miracles can happen, despite how bleak the picture looks here on earth (my niece was on the brink of life in the NICU for weeks). Her brain MRI results were devastating. But that was only what the human doctors said. By faith, we know that God is the ultimate physician and healer — HE has the final say no matter what. I will continue to pray that His will is to fully heal Stephanie. If it is His will, it will happen. Your strength and faith in the midst of this storm is beyond inspiring.
Not sure if you remember me, but I was good friends with your brothers at PHBC and your mom taught three of my children at preschool. I have been following your posts and am so amazed by your unwavering hope, and steadfast faith in God. As a mom and a wife, my heart is aching for you, for Stephanie, and for your children. I have been praying for all of you and you have all been constantly in my thoughts.
Jen (Horvath) Foreman
Brad
You and your whole family are dear to us. We will continue to pray for Steph and you during this time. I am continually amazed at how God’s family pulls together during times like these. Simply amazing.
I may not comment much, but you should know you guys are in my continual prayers.
Like others, I’m not sure that I know what to say except that I can’t get you all out of my mind and prayers. I ache for you all and find your trust in God a reality check for my relationship with Him. You are reminding me to be thankful every minute for the lives around me and I am praying for your strength as a Daddy and husband constantly. We are praying for a miracle for Stephanie! (I’m friends with Scott and Sarah and have seen pictures of your beautiful family on their fb pages.)
Brad-All I can say today is AMEN to all the previous comments. You are an inspiration to each who read your postings. Know that there are more people than you could ever imagine praying for Stephanie and you and your precious family. God is in control and His Hand
will guide you each day and we all pray for your strength and comfort. Bless You, Brad for just one person’s life with Christ is worth it all!!
Brad,
Praying for a miracle… if it’s God’s will.
Brad, I have been on my knees daily and all throughout the day the Holy Spirit prompts me to pray for Steph, You and the kids. My heart achesfor all of you. I can assure you that whatever God’s will is for Stephanie, YOU will experience Christ on a level you never knew existed. Only those who go through great pain experience Jesus so powerfully & intimatley that you will never be the same. You will know him in a way that most people never experience. Hold on to that. I know what I’m talking about. Praying without ceasing…Pam DiBiasio
Brad,
I am broken for you and Stephanie. I love you, old friend, and pary for your family daily.
Beans
Brad, we’re so humbled to be able to share in this experience with you and the good that will come out of this situation as His Holy name is exalted. Thank you for stirring our faith through your resolute hope and firm trust…as Beth mentioned above it “is beyond inspiring”. God’s light is shining very brightly…through you at this very moment!
With much love,
Us2
Brad,
I saw a request on a friend’s Facebook page for prayers for Stephanie and your family. Please know that many prayers are coming from Virginia Beach and even though we have never met, we hope for the very best for you and your family. God bless you all.
Michelle N.
Dear Brad, I too have never met you or your family, but learned about Stephanie’s condition from my brother-in-law, Mark M. My family is praying for your family and will continue to do so as long as needed.
I work with Todd from the Toledo office, heard what was going on, and felt compelled to commend you on the strength and faith you’re showing through this…know that Jehovah God hurts, too, as he sees your family go through this unfortunate situation. He is a loving, compassionate God who will give you comfort.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those in any sort of tribulation through the comfort with which we ourselves are being comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4)
I do not know you personally, but I go to Maranatha Bible Church, with Todd and Kelly. I have been watching and reading your blog daily with prayerful anticipation. As I am washing my windows today I am in constant prayer for you and your family. I pray that God’s will be done and that no matter the outcome, His name will be praised. I pray for your children for comfort and understanding and for you for a peace that passes all and an overwhelming calm in your heart.
What Bryan and Carol Buncher said above, AMEN! …and so many others who say it so perfectly! and add this again: that you and Stephanie and your whole family are in my CONSTANT thoughts and prayers! I find myself every chance I get throughout the day and night – checking for your blog for news and comments. You are truly an inspiration and we so appreciate your having this blog as we wait on every word – heartbreaking and even more amazing your levity and your sharing – for news. and the love we are able to share with you through it is overwhelming and a privilege. If EVER a MIRACLE was to happen, It would be NOW! but it is in God’s hands! but I so hope that Stephanie will have a chance to know even more how special she is to you and the children and all of us and about ALL the love from so many people for her and you and your family! Im sorry I keep going on – It IS hard to put into words what I want to say… and Im sure you know of the Prayer Vigil Sarah Scott started on FB from 9 pm last night to 9 pm tonite and probably beyond!
Brad – you don’t know me. I work with your brother Scott. I’ve been following your blog and I just had to write and say that you are an inspiration. My heart breaks for you and your family and the struggles you’re facing. Your sense of hope and faith are inspiring, and you’ve caused me to take a look at what’s really important in life. I am praying for you all.
Jennifer
Hello Brad,
We don’t know each other but I am your brother in Christ. My daughter sent your blog to me. I have been reading your journey that you and your family are taking right now. I have prayed for you and will continue to as you face this trial. Jeremiah 29:11&12 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then you shall call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.”
Love in Christ,
Rob