The Bus

I never knew an off-the-cuff comment like “getting off the bus” would get so much play in all your comments. But I thank you all that you’re not getting off the bus, and that we’re still on this journey together. I didn’t intend to hit the brakes, and I’m so excited for where this might lead. As I read comments of changed lives and renewed relationships, I can only imagine what more might come at the hand of God. And there’s plenty more room left, so keep inviting anyone you know. God is giving me the words to say, so I thank Him for touching you all. Let’s keep driving, shall we?

36 thoughts on “The Bus”

  1. continuing to stand with you all in prayers each and every moment. Am reminded that God is still God even when we don’t understand,,,He still loves and cares for Steph and has good plans for her and you. Continue to hold on tight even when it don’t make sense. Lots of thoughts and prayers coming your way.
    Blessings.

  2. Brad, Still in constant prayer for Stephanie, you and your entire family. Love sent from your brother in Christ, Rick

  3. Brad, My family and I attend CVC. While I haven’t met you and your precious family, my heart is heavy and consumed with what you are going through. Your strength in Christ is an inspiration to me. We are praying for healing for Stephanie!

  4. Dear Luczywo Family, we are in constant pray for your dear Stephanie and all you during this dark hour. We pray for complete healing for her. Please send our love to your parents.
    Walt & Laurie Schab

  5. Brad, I have never met you, but I know your folks from church. I have been touched by your love for Stephanie and for the Lord. Your words for both are so beautiful. I am in awe of your faith, even in this desperate time. I pray for Stephanie every day and God’s will and strength for your family. I hope to be able to help in some way when she is home, either with you and the children or her heavenly Father. I can’t imagine how you feel right now, but I know you will have the love and strenth of your family and friends whatever happens. Please know that there are many prayers for you all.

  6. Stephanie’s Story is most powerful. Here in little Granger Township, I shared with my neighbor about the vigil and what a tremendous woman Stephanie is. She looked at me in amazement and told me that earlier in the day, she spoke to her friend who shared the story of a young mom at the Cleveland Clinic and the strength of those around her. My neighbor’s friend was on the team that did the recent MRI.

  7. Brad, I attend Maranatha with Kelly and Todd and just wanted to let you know that so many of us are lifting you up in prayer daily. My heart is heavy for you and your family, yet I am encouraged by your unwavering faith in our Saviour. I not only am praying for a miracle for you and your family, but also that God would use you, a man of great faith, in a mighty mighty way! I pray you will continue to cling to Jesus! Will continue to faithfully pray!

  8. Hi Brad. This is Jamie Gemmel’s sister and Curt Cemmel’s sister in law. My husband and I have been so touched by your story and have read along with you for every post. We are so amazed by your faith in Christ, and we wanted to let you know that your story has helped us to become stronger in our relationship, and our relationship with Jesus Christ. Your witness and incredible strength throughout a time we could never fathom has already made so many impacts. Your story we will never forget, and during those hard times in our marriage, we will think of you and Stephanie. In Christs Love and Peace.

  9. Brad,

    We want to be praying tonight as you and others pray over Stephanie. Leslie will keep me updated with a time, but know that prayers will be lifted up in various places at that exact moment. I cannot tell you the impact your story is having on just hearts in my own life. God is indeed doing a miracle.

  10. Brad, we are all on that bus with you and will continue no matter where this leads us. My heart is sad but I am so thankful knowing that there are so many people out there that still have God in there hearts and that is such a blessing. God bless and miracles do happen. Thank you so much for leading so many people on this journey with you and your family.

  11. I sit here – a little numb and not feeling right, a little dumb and not knowing what to write. Like all of us, I have fear – mixed with hope that it will be alright. May the lord above bless your family with his holy light. Your spirits are strong and are willing to fight – whatever’s wrong with all your might. Darkness seems strong in the middle of night, but it’s always followed by the dawn and the coming light.

    All these people are sending their prayers, a true type of love on a different layer. Asking God on behalf of Brad and Stephanie for some kind of favor… take a little of everybody’s strength and send it to her like some kind of conveyor – and some of us probably think, ‘take the most strength from me – and pour it all into Stephanie, please help Brad and his family and so please take whatever you need from me.’

    So I pour this song out from my soul – there’s no forcing these words – for you, they flow. Reading your blog got me feeling low – but seeing your faith and all your hope, seeing your strength – your hope seems invincible, so I took this moment to write this here to let you know…

    – the love you have for your family, for your two kids and for Stephanie, it puts to shame all the best in me, you are an inspiration to all in me. As I’m writing this, I’m choking up and it’s hard to breathe. Maybe that’s part of God taking the strength from me so that he can forward it on to your family.

    I can only hope. I can only pray. Everyday. “Today is the day that the pain goes away and Stephanie is fine, and Brad knows peace of mind and all of these dark days they will leave behind”

  12. Hey Brad, I just wanted to let you know that I’ve been keeping you and especially your family in prayer since I’ve heard what happened. Sorry I haven’t really kept up over the years (it’s something I’m rather poor at). I pray God will continue to provide healing and comfort to you and your family.

  13. Brad,
    I do not know you but received a prayer request for your family from a former member of our church via facebook. Please know that God has your family in His loving hand and truly knows what is best for Stephanie and your family. I will be praying that God works a miracle and gives Stephanie the opportunity to see your young children grow into loving, God honoring adults, if that is his will. I’m sure you know that we can do all things through God who strengthens us. May you have the strength to continue seeking God’s wisdom through this difficult time.

  14. Brad,

    I just wanted to say thank you for your heart and your love for Jesus and your family. God has used you to touch my very core. We serve a mighty God! Like the widow before the judge, I am not going to stop taking you guys before the Lord.

  15. Brad,

    I can’t stop thinking of you and your beautiful family. I have always admired the wonderful photos of your kids and wife that you have here at work. I am praying for you all.

  16. What a testimony you are of a godly husband and dad. I only know that it must be the hand of God getting through each second. Keep it up. “He will never leave you or forsake you.”

  17. Hi Brad, I’m your Mom’s cousin and found out through your Aunt Faith, who told my Mom, about Stephanie. I can’t imagine how difficult life is for you right now. One thing I have found helpful throughout my life is to always remember that GOD IS IN CHARGE. My prayers are with you, Stephanie and your sweet children. With love, Jan

  18. I found your blog yesterday through someone else who posted it on Facebook. I’m so sorry for what you are going through and you can count me as a new reader and a new pray-er for your family.

  19. Brad,
    We have never met, but I am close friends with Clare and Kory Smith. I just wanted you to know that besides my own family, I have never been on my knees more with such urgent prayers, than I have been for you, Stephanie and your children. Praying for a miracle. Praying God will be praised in all of this. Knowing God can use any circumstance to glorify Him. Praying that you will continue to radiate Christ to every nurse, doctor, hospital employee, that you come in contact with. Praying for strength, clarity, peace, and grace. God Bless your testimony Brad, and God Bless your family.

  20. Brad:
    I keep waiting to write you a note thinking the right thought will come to me. Instead you keep inspiring me. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family constantly. You are such an inspiration and a remarkable human being. God, your parents, and Stephanie all have to be so proud of you. I am so thankful that you have been part of my son’s life for so long and that I have gotten to know you. I don’t know how I can help but would love to so please call Tim or I if you need anything at all. We can only imagine how difficutlt this must be for you even knowing God is with you. We’ll continue to pray and keep your family in our thoughts. Love Diana

  21. Dear Brad & Stephanie,
    Thinking of you and praying for you and your family. I found your blog on facebook thru a friend of your family. I’m in awe of the time that you and Stephanie were able to spend just being together and praying before the last time Stephanie went into the hospital. God is so good. It’s amazing that you started your blog in 2006 just writing about ‘stuff’ and now God is reaching a lot of people thru your testimony with that very same blog!
    I’m staying on the bus too…
    Gayle

  22. Brad, I know you already know this but just want to tell you – your small group is here for you. We love you, Stephanie, Brady and Halle. And just want you to know that we will be here whenever you need a shoulder to cry on. We know that God is going to do something AMAZING through this and we feel so blessed to be behind you in this journey. We love you.

  23. You do not know me. I met Stephanie a long time ago at Calvary Chapel Cleveland. Mary Levy and Rick Mikesell posted the prayer request. Just know there is a body of believers that is lifting your family up. My heart is saddened but I know she’s in HIS hands. I know when our family went through some difficult times…I felt like I was getting a hug from Jesus from all of the wonderful friends and family that surrounded us. Praying for hugs for you and your family.

  24. Dear Brad and Stephanie and children, i just met you last night on facebook,and i am humbled by your faith.
    i could not sleep after reading your blog, I just wanted to know you better. I felt very conected to your story. I have a daughter with seizures, and just spent the evening at the hospital with her. She’s o.k right now,and God is still in control of her just as He is of Steph. You are a beautiful, amazing couple and all of this is a testamony of who you are and a legacy to your children. i felt drawn to look further into Stephanies face book I could tell that God gave you a mothers heart! I so admired your kindness tenderness and even even your sense of humor during some of this at earlier times. Your family will have Gods Miracle! Stephanie Your children will hold your heart always,and will be blessed. Brad, You are a man of God He will always care for your family!
    His promises are always true! i pray for peace,for all of you always! donna

  25. Brad,
    I am a cousin to Stephanie’s father. I once read this many years ago – the most important thing a man can do for his children is to love their mother. With all of my heart, thank you, Brad for loving Stephanie so. You are a man of God, and most importantly, a man of God for your children. You have unwavering faith. Please know that I am praying for you and your family before our most gentle and loving Lord and Savior in the most Blessed Sacrament. Hold on tight to your faith, and may God’s love surround you and strenghten you.

  26. Brad,
    I don’t know Stephanie personally, but like many others am part of an online community with her and Kelly. I opened my verse for the day on my phone and have to share it with you.

    1 Peter 5:10
    And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

    You remain in my prayers.

    Your sister,
    Melinda Epperson

  27. Brad I know of your family through your sister Kelly, as heavy as my heart is for Stephaine, you and your babies, I am overjoyed with the love you continue to show for Christ. What a true testimony and light you are for our amazing God. I am praying for you and Stephanie as my brother and sister in Christ and I am passing your beautiful blog on to as many people as I can. God is the great healer, and I do believe in miracles!
    Love in Christ,
    Becky

  28. Brad,
    Knowing that Stephanie is a Christian is so wonderful. I want to let you know you’re in my Prayers. I imagine you may be overwhelmed because you’ve been dealing with so much lately, and maybe wondering at times how things are going to work out. And I just want to remind you that although life brings many changes, God’s love for us remains constant. He is always there guiding us through decisions and helping to do the hard things and always restoring in us a sense of hope and peace no matter what we are facing. May you rest in Christ.
    Ballard and Lynnette

  29. oh and I forgot to let you know, we have a candle lit here at our house for Stephanie, and everytime I pass by, no matter how often, I stop and pray.

  30. God just this morning led me also to 1 Peter 5:10, as someone else mentions in an above post. Right before that, though, it says, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith…”

    Praying without ceasing!

  31. Brad: God keeps bringing this back to me so I’m going to post it. I remember a few months back you writing a status on facebook that was ” I’m not sure where it’s going to start or what it’s going to look like, but I am desperate to be leading my family in Christ better than I have. Who’s with me?”

    I have a feeling that when you asked the Lord to use you to lead your household, you didn’t think it would manifest itself this way. I also bet you didn’t think you’d be leading not only your family but hundreds of other people as they take this journey with you.

    My brother. You have asked of the Lord and the Lord is working through you. Thanks for asking. Thanks for listening. You are leading so many people through this journey and I know Stephanie would definitely approve and be proud of the Christian leader her man is.

    Clare

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