Prayers

All of you beautiful, wonderful, caring people – your prayers are touching us all involved in this, and I pray are touching everyone reading along and reading the comments. I can feel the constant prayers for Stephanie, me, my kids and the rest of my family.

Here’s the thing, don’t stop praying when all of this is over. It warms my heart and God’s heart that so many people have gathered and so many people are praying all at once for a dear child of His and that the family of God has joined so furiously together in prayer. It is so easy to pray for something like this, in a sense, and even easy to get caught up because of the extreme situation. I know. I’ve done it myself. But all too often, I fall back to my own ways of not praying as much as I should. Please don’t do this. Honor God by praying without ceasing, whether it’s about this situation or about another or about normal day-to-day activities. He wants to know what’s going on in your lives, too. Talk to Him. Meet with Him. Hang out with Him. He’s a really cool God and loves that time with you.

And as I keep saying, this is all for naught if God is not honored in this. It’s a waste if people don’t come closer to Him because of it. Please don’t make a waste of my tragedy. I love you all, and I’m praying with you and I’m praying for you. Praise be to the Lord Almighty.

36 thoughts on “Prayers”

    1. I was told about the blog just today and have been praying for Stephanie and you and your children and parents all week and will continue to pray and thank you for your testimony and your heart and love in all this.

  1. i can only pray that I would have a portion of your faith if i was in your situation. you are loved and being lifted up!

  2. You are doing a wonderful job of explaining the beauty of God’s work that comes from the tragedy of what happens here on Earth. I pray that knowing that Stephanie lives vibrantly though the new relationships in Christ created through this, brings you peace in the days and the years to come, Brad.
    You are doing amazing things through Him. God loves you, and so do I.
    ~kim

  3. Brad,
    I learned of your situation yesterday from a friend on facebook. Your family is all I’ve been able to think about all day! We’re keeping your family in our prayers, and will continue to do so in the rough days ahead! I looked at your pictures on facebook. What precious ones you have that I know you will cherish forever! Thank you so much for your testimony through this! You will probably not even know of all the lives you and your family have touched!
    Love in Christ,
    Lisa Thomas

  4. Brad, I will not be getting off the bus! You guys mean too much! I am here if you need anything! I am here for you emotionally spiritually physically! I will continue to pray long after this has passed! We are here to strengthen you ! Love ya! Amy :)

  5. God is able to do so much more. I am praying. Don’t stop praying. Prayer is very powerful an effective. I know both of you from Parma Hts. It’s God strength that you can go through every day.

  6. I know Stephanie’s father. He was a friend of my father. We are praying for you all, and no matter what the outcome in this world, love continues into the next. I am praying and hoping that there will yet be an intervention by God. No matter what, what seems to be an ending never is. There is always more.

  7. Brad,
    This is Cami (Carroll) Graham, from high school. I know it must be so surreal to be flooded with comments from so many random people, from so many different facets of life, but I just wanted to say that we are praying for you and your family. I cannot even pretend to imagine what you must be experiencing, and don’t want to say anything trite…just know how very sorry I am, and be reassured that you are being lifted up to the throne of grace by such a host of witnesses and saints! Thank you for being willing to share your story. It is such an encouragement and testament to God’s grace and sovereignty, and a reminder that we are but sojourners here. It is truly humbling to see another praising and glorifying the Lord,and magnifying His name, even amidst the knowledge that we may never fathom the mystery of God’s perfect will. My heart is so heavy for you and your family, but lighter in the knowledge of the great hope you have in Christ Jesus. Praying for you…
    May He give you beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of despair…
    In His Love,
    Cami

  8. I feel compelled by God to say something to you right now, but I cannot find the words; maybe He just wants me to let you know I’m still thinking of all of you and still praying endlessly. Sometimes I cry, sometimes I laugh or smile when I think of memories of Stephanie, and sometimes I just sit silently and read your blog and listen. I still believe in miracles, Brad.

  9. Though we do not know you personally, we too, are lifting you and your family up in prayer. 3 or so years ago, I remember that we dedicated our son, Jaxon, while you two were dedicating Brady. Since then we have had another child, as I see you have. After reading many of the posts and comments, I can’t help but think how blessed your children are to have a mother like Stephanie. And one day, no matter the outcome, when they read all of this, what a legacy of faith and love she has built for them.
    Standing in prayer to the God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever,
    Jason and Michelle Polak

  10. Brad,
    I learned of your family through facebook postings of my cousin Anna. Your story is so compelling and it has reminded me to cherish my children and my husband. We are praying for your family and appreciate your reminders of the goodness of the Lord. Peace to you and your family.
    Mickie

  11. Hello Brad and family!
    Just wanted to let you know that I am praying every moment I get…alone in the car — today while I was at work and had a quiet moment — any moment I can get – I ask GOD to heal Stephanie!
    My story of meeting Stephanie was when you both brought your beautiful daughter to the nursery @ cvc. Oh my, what beautiful big eyes your darling baby girl has! She had on the most adorable outfit with the most beautiful bow I had ever seen…needless to say – I got Stephanie’s card after church and Stephanie made my daughter Cara the most beautiful bows to have for school spirit day! Cara loves those bows and wears them every chance she gets.
    I will keep on praying – GOD is good!
    GOD bless your beautiful family!

  12. Brad,
    I have never met you. I am a cousin of your father-in-law and haven’t seen Stephanie since Christmas family gatherings when she was a teenager. She was a beautiful child and from what I have been reading has turned into a beautiful woman and mother. My heart goes out to all of you. I have been praying for you and will continue to pray for you all. Just remember that no matter what happens God will always be there by your side and will bring you through it. May the Lord bless and keep you always in the palm of His hand.

  13. Brad and family,

    I’ve never met you, but know Todd and Kelly from church and their daughter, Kayley is on my team at school. I’m also friends with Kory and Clare Smith. I wanted to let you know that you, Stephanie, and your two kids have been in my prayers as you travel this journey. I have a group of people from a Christian retreat (Walk to Emmaus) that are amazing prayer warriors and I have sent your family to them to be lifted up! Your family is before God’s throne, rest in His mighty arms!

    Kelly

    1. My husband is at the Walk to Emmaus retreat as we speak—Hiram, Ohio I know that he will join hands with other believers on behalf of Stephanie and family while he is there.

  14. Oh my goodness, soooo well said. I will continue to pray. Humbled, so humbled by your words. Thank you.
    Blessings,
    Toni
    p.s. I mirror Denise’s words. I feel so at a loss for words. I pray that you are encouraged by the simple knowledge that brothers and sisters in the body of Christ are bathing you in prayer right this very moment. All of you.

  15. Hey there cheezer. Oh how I have missed you and wish I could visit more often. Especially now, but I know I can pray and still comfort and encourage you even so. I pray today and ask others to pray as well.

  16. Brad – Your faith is an encouragement to me. I only know of your situation through a friend and it has touched me and many around me deeply. God bless you all – your wife, your family and your precious little ones!!

  17. Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Relent, O LORD! How long will it be? Have compassion on your servants. Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble. May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children. May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands. Ps. 90:12-17

    Still joining with you all on this journey, still praying!!!

  18. I’ve been praying for you all day today. I’ve shed tears. And I’m impressed that the best is yet to come. Hold on, my friend, God has something great in store for you and those beautiful babies.

  19. Another SN friend here…your faith in God is nothing short of amazing. I will continue to lift up you, Stephanie and your children in prayer. God bless you all.

  20. Brad,
    Just wanted to let you know I am praying for you and Stephanie, and your children. I went to high school with your brothers Scott and Todd, graduated with Todd. I am amazed by your faith,and though i’ve never met you,i know that your children are very lucky to have you as their dad, and Stephanie as their mom. I will continue to think about and pray for you and your family.

    Cara (Happel) Aller

  21. Brad, I am visiting my daughter Lindsey at Liberty University this weekend and she wants you to know she is lifting up Stephanie and your family in prayer every time her prayer group meets here at Liberty. So many of her friends have been touched by your testimony in the midsts of this tragic moment in your lives and yet still you trust God. Thank you for the example you are giving so many people you don’t even know and your devotion not only to your sweet Stephanie but to your Savior Jesus Christ.

  22. Brad can’t tell you how proud I m of you God has blessed you and your family. We continue to pray for Stephani you and your kids. You are so
    right when you say how much people show their Love and how much support it is in these times. I thank you for being help to me and my family in our time of need and know we are here for you and yours
    Love and Prayers
    Mr. Boyle

  23. I agree with you a lot in this post. I am more of an emotional sprinter as opposed to a marathon runner. My discipline is all but non-existant.

    I hope that you are still able to find some semblance of peace. And I hope the same for Stephanie. I can’t help but think she’s being held tight by Jesus right now. I could be wrong, but that’s what I feel.

  24. The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. Romans 8:26
    Brad, thank you for allowing us to share this week with your family. As a body of Believers we will remain committed to your family and whatever needs arise at anytime! We are all your family in Christ Jesus.

    Love & Prayers,
    The Chrisleys in Ft Mill, SC

  25. Hi Brad, I’m a little late getting in on this story. I don’t even know what to say. My heart is deeply sad at the thought of what you and your kids are going through. And yet, I couldn’t be more proud of you and your attitude right now. Please just know that your Focus Institute family is joining together to lift you up. Even though it’s Friday night, I’m passing along the message to the staff right now. We are standing with you!

  26. Brad and family,

    You don’t know me, we’ve never met and don’t even live in the same state. But I wanted to let you know that 1 more person is being added to your list of prayer warriors.
    In one of your posts you mentioned how its hard to believe God still does miracles today for us, I believe it was in reference to the healing prayer you are going to do over your wife in the morning.
    All I can say is this. God is the same, yesterday, today, and always. He doesn’t say “this is 2010, sorry I finished doing miracles a long time ago” His time is not our time. He loves us, wants what is best for us today just as much as he loved and wanted what was best for his people hundreds of years ago.
    The bible says that if you have faith the size of a mustard seed you can move mountains.
    All you need to do Brad is keep having faith. If she is healed now, physically or she is healed by being called home God is still God and has you in his loving arms.
    He knew this day would happen, he never see’s something happen and then goes “oh great now what am I going to do” and then try to come up with a plan. He knows ever skinned knee, hurt, broken heart, sorrow and tear we will ever have as well as the major stuff too like the seizures your wife is having. He has it in his control and power.
    Look how amazing our God is, look at the vast amount of people who are coming together in prayer, yes for your wife and your family but also that God’s will be done.
    What an amazing testimony to God’s power, love and care for his creation.
    Stay strong, rest in God’s love for you, fully surrender to his will.. for his ways are greater then ours and his thoughts higher then ours. He loves you with an everlasting love and he will never leave your side.

    -A girl who loves Jesus :)

  27. i have not met either one of you but i am a sister in Christ and i just want you to know that i am praying for you and your situation. i have witnessed so many at PHBC coming together to pray for you. you are very loved, not only by our loving God, but by our church family as well. God bless you.

  28. I’ve been reading your blog over the past week. I’ve been tremendously impacted by how your faith has been shining as a result of these events. The Bible says to let your light shine and you are in so many ways. Don’t be discouraged as God is using you and Stephanie in ways that no one can imagine right now.

    Matt

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