I’m so grateful to a host of amazing doctors we have here. In a way, I pity them, though. They do all they can and try their best, but it’s almost laughable how much their abilities pale in comparison to God’s. And praise God for that!
We will be meeting with the doctor this afternoon at 1pm EST to determine what will happen with Stephanie. I won’t talk here about my thoughts, but regardless of our decision, I know God still has His plan. There will absolutely still be more for Stephanie, although it might just be in her passing that He will do great works.
God is giving me peace about everything – peace that defies all understanding. That won’t make things easier, which is part of how it defies understanding; how I can have peace yet turmoil. It’s just the same as how I can have joy in Christ despite the pain and sorrow. Without God, there is no understanding it.
I love this post, Brad. Our God is amazing. He is working such a miracle in you, even through your pain. We love you and continue to pray…every moment. I always knew Stephanie was beautiful, inside and out, but I didn’t know you as well. Now I see how you two are so perfect for each other.
Praying, praying, praying,
Leslie
Amen! You have touched so many people through this painful journey. You have glorified Him in all ways. Through you, He has reached people far and wide. You have been His voice…a voice of faith in Jesus Christ that some may not have ever heard. Continuing to pray and knowing you are in the palm of His hand.
We love you and are praying for you right now.
Still with you Brad – you continue to be an inspiration.
Everyone at AGI is behind you and praying for you both. and as I suspected, they are now also in love with tiramisu cupcakes.
Praying that you have everything you need going into this afternoon and that we can be there in the ways you need.
In prayer with you now and constantly. God’s beauty is reflecting through you so brightly. Thank you for that.
He who dwelleth in the secret place of the most high
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
He who dwelleth in the secret place of the most high
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
And I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress
My God in Him shall I trust.
My God in Him shall I trust.
Hi Brad. I have another song for you. Two, actually. I really like them, and I think you and Stephanie might like them as well.
Jon Foreman – Your Love Is Strong
Chris Tomlin – I Will Rise
It’s nearly 1pm and my thoughts & prayers are with you as you prepare to meet with the doctors. I only wish there was more we could do to help ease your pain.
As 1pm approaches.. I am in prayer for you and interceding that God will reveal His plan for you and Stephanie. Our hearts go out to you doing this time.
As 1 looms closer, many thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
It’s one now…wish I could be there, but I’m praying for you and for the drs. Peace and wisdom Lord as this next decision is made. Much love to you Brad from all of us!
Hi Brad…
You don’t know me. Your sister-in-law, Kelly, is our “family photographer” and I consider her also to be a friend. And, Stephanie and I had emailed back and forth a little with the prospect of my daughters “modeling” Stephanie’s hair bows. That’s the extent of our connection.
Regardless of how thick or thin our aquaintance, like thousands of others you don’t know, I have been praying for you and your family ever since Kelly first asked for our prayers. I cannot fathom what you are going through, though I keep trying to wrap my own head around it. My children are 4 and 1, which I think helps me to understand just a teeny tiny piece of this grand puzzle you find yourself trying to put together.
I want you to know that your blog has deeply and profoundly touched more people than you will ever realize. You are an amazing communicator, and maybe that’s what God intended for you to realize. I wish I knew, and I’m sure you do, too.
Please know that I am thinking of you and praying for you, Stephanie, and your family. My heart aches for you. God has you in his arms right now…like “The Footprints” poem so eloquently tells us. I will continue to pray.
Dianne Williams
Brad, I’m thinking of and praying for you and your family right now.
“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”
~ Zephaniah 3:17 ~
2 Corinthians 4:7But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; 8 we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
11For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So death works in us, but life in you. 13But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I BELIEVED, THEREFORE I SPOKE,” we also believe, therefore we also speak, 14knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and will present us with you.
15For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God.
16Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. 17For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, 18while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Another “you don’t know me” but I do feel as if I know you and Stephanie– we are joined together as one in Christ and I thank you for sharing this most intimate struggle with all those who are reading along–Your love for your wife is inspiring and your trust in God is an inspiration– I’m praying for you and your meeting with the doctors— I still am praying for a miracle but as all have said previously and you yourself know God is sovreign. He knows the future for Stephanie and HE has plans to prosper her and not harm her—” This one thing I know God is for Me”Ps.56:9 He is our dwelling Place and it is obvious to all that you and Stephanie have been constantly abiding in Christ for many years– and not just running to Him now in your time of need—–remember we are hidden in Christ- so Stephanie is safe no matter what the outcome maybe and so are you– Through tears I’m praying that God would keep her here for your sake and your children— so sorry for all this pain and I know God’s heart is broken as well-
Brad,
I have to tell you that reading your blog and seeing your courage, faith, and strength is truly an inspiration to me. I am praying for you and your family and most of all for Stephanie. You are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless You!
Michael
I have been following you blog, and praying for Stephanie and your family since late last week. Your blog has touched me, and so many of my co-workers so profoundly. We have all been praying for everyone involved, and pray at this time for peace to you, with any decision you must make. God bless!
Dear Brad,
I just wanted to take a moment to tell you that at this very moment I am lifting you and your precious family up in prayer. I am praying that your faith in Christ even in this will continue to grow. 2 Cor. 10:15. I know that as you look to Him, He will guide you, hold you, cry with you and He will never stop loving you in ways that you can’t begin to imagine.
We will continue without ceasing to pray for and love your family. In His grip, sue hickey
Brad,
I am sitting in the computer lab at BCA. My students are working on a project and as I have been waiting on them to finish… You and Stephanie have flooded my mind. BCA has been praying for you both as have Dave & I.
I too don’t understand it all, none of it makes sense-but I do know this… your faith, courage, honesty and love of the Lord through such a difficult time has already accomplished a miracle. People you have never met, doctors, nurses and a mass of churches around the area (and the world) have joined, united
in hope and prayer. The body united is not common these days. So much divides us… but in this we are one.
Second, in this place and time, you have become the very voice of the living God. Your words have power because of the great power of the Holy Spirit that allows them to flow from your heart to the hearts and lives of more people then you may ever know. Your ministry is at work on these pages.
May the Lord continue to be your peace and strength. May the miracles flow in abundance. May you feel His love at this very moment knowing His hand is resting upon you right now… can you feel it?
We love you, Stephanie, and your precious little ones.
With Hope & Prayers
Laura
I’ve been in prayer for all of you Brad. Thank you so much for letting us know when the meeting time was with the doctor.
You are all continually on my mind and in my prayers, and I will continue to lift you all in prayer. My heart is breaking for you, but I am still praying for a healing miracle for Stephanie. I know the Lord can do this if He so chooses, if it is a part of His plan. I guess that’s the part I keep having some difficulty with: How it can be a part of His plan to bring something like this to pass? I just keep asking why. It’s difficult to accept and understand when one is not in a position to see His great plan. Then again, this is not done; God never said He was done performing miracles, and because of all of this and so much more, I keep praying for one.
Brad, just wanted to say that, though I really do not know you, I can understand what you are going through. I knew Stephanie for a short period of time, though in that time, she had a gift to touch the heart of those around her. She always had a smile and an energy about her that would make it seem like she was a bird that was not to be caged. I know she had other problems, but she never seemed to let them get in her way of her goals. I know your decision is not an easy one, but I wanted you to know that, thoughout this ordeal, I have been given a gift by Stephanie. I have learned not to take my friends and family for granted and to appreciate the time I have with them and to tell them how much I appreciate them. I think I realized this more through Stephanie’s ordeal because of her youth, her family, her beliefs, and her awesome strength. I wish you and your family the best of years to come and my thoughts are prayers are with you in this time of loss.
Brad and family,
I started by praying for you daily and now I find myself praying for you and your family almost hourly. I pray for your continued strong faith and reliance on God. I pray for Stephanie’s healing, a healing so amazing, anyone who hears the story will know that only God could be responsible. I pray for your children, for your’s and Stephanie’s parents. I only knew Stephanie through MOMtourage last year, and the love the two of you share has inspired me so much over the last few days. You will continue to be in my prayers. God bless and be with you.
Brad and family,
Even though I don’t know you personally, we are part of the same church family. So, my dear brother in Christ, your amazing post has been such an inspiration to all of us. You and Stepanie have been in my prayers constant! We serve an amazing God who will provide all the families needs. Stay strong and know how your church family loves all of you. We have been fervent in prayer. I’ve heard so many amazing things about Stephanie and know she truly is a Godly woman. May God continue to bless and keep you, Stephanie, and the children in his loving embrace. He is an all sufficient and merciful God. You will continue to be in my prayers.
Dearest Brad,
Beautiful and kind Stephie-Poo (I called her that so often…). Heroic and courageous Brad. You have been a huge part of my thoughts and prayers. Please know that I love you both and am still praying for a miracle.
In His Sovereign Will,
Wendy Mirrotto
I don’t know you either, but I am praying for you all as well. I just read about you on our church’s prayer chain and then read your posts. I want to encourage you by saying what an incredibly amazing father your children have and an amazing husband your wife has! God has definitely prepared you for this time, as best as He can for anyone. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, your heart, and your faith on your blog. I will be praying for you all as I know regardless of the outcome, this is going to be a long and difficult road. I am excited to hear about the fruit from going through this fire! I want to give you one of my favorite verses…
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”Joshua 1:9
Your Sister in Christ,
Kelly
hi brad, just wanted to let you know that my family and our church family are praying with and for you and your family from out here hi california as well. thanks for journaling all your thoughts and for allowing us to be a part of your present.
Hey Brad,
You don’t really know me – and I live in the UK now, but you worked on the Aviso staff with my sister (Holly Griffin), and I just wanted to let you know how much we’re praying. Our hearts absolutely ache for you. Know that you have people around the world lifting you up in prayer for a HUGE miracle for Stephanie.
Hi Brad, I have been following your posts and I want to tell you how very sorry I am for the pain you and your family are going thru. You are in my prayers. Your faith and strength are so inspiring. Our lord is working thru you in so many ways. You are such an inspiration to all of us who are following your journey. I know that your trust in God will help you make the right decisions, no matter how difficult they may be.
Peace be with You, Stephaine, and your children,
Brenda
We are still with you every step of the way. You’re right ~ God has plans, yet we may not know what they are. We continue to pray for you that He gives you strength during this difficult time. You continue to amaze and inspire all of us!
Brad: I continue to pray for God’s miracle for Stephanie and for you and your family.
Brad, I am praying that you come to a place, despite the decisions, the circumstances, and the results, where it is “well with your soul”!!! Our Father IS & WILL give you every measure of what you need, today and always, that I am certain. On our knees for you, Stephanie, and your precious family!!!
Love,
The Bokisa Family
“…while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”. 2 Cor. 4:18
Brad,
You do not know me but Stephanie and I have shared a special friendship for several years now. My daughter Bella modeled her sweet bows. I want you to know that we have been praying continuously for you and Stephanie and Halle and Brady. Just this moment, God brought me this verse to share with you. Anything I say pales in comparison to what you are living right now. I know this all too well as I was there not long ago. There are no words powerful enough to take your pain away but you have God and your faith is shinging through this darkness. Hold tight my friend and continue to let Him carry you.
In Christ,
Shelly Sauer
Brad,
I don’t know you but I heard of you and this blog through a friend, and I just wanted to let you know you now have many people here in Pittsburgh praying.
Pete
This post is such an answer to my prayers today. Jehovah Shalom…The Lord is Our Peace. Continued prayers…
Your faith is an inspiration. Will continue to pray you through this and beyond this.
Brad, your faith amazes me. Praise God for you and your faithfulness. I know God will lead you into the right decision.
I praise the Lord for the strenght He's giving you. What ever your decision, we are all behind you. Love to you and the family.
Brad, Your faith and endurance throughout all of this has been remarkable. As everyone continues to pray for Stephanie as well as your entire family, I just wanted to share with you how this has changed my life. I used to pray quite a bit and must have hit a comfort zone where I slipped into basically living life daily without appreciating it. Through this, I have seen such a great need for prayer in so many peoples lives. I have shed tears over your situation and have been praying continuously for your family. I can’t imagine what it’s like in your shoes, but I can just tell you that you have been such a reflection of God’s love and remained so faithful to His word. May God continue to give you peace and guidance in the up coming days…….
Brad, Your blog inspires me and shows me what love in action looks like. Our God is a God of miracles, and He is good, I am praying that a miracle be His will for you.
Darla
Brad- my family and I continue to pray for you! Your blog is inspiring and your faith is such a boost to my own faith.
Julie
One of my facebook friends posted your blog and something led me to click on it. I’ve spent the past hour reading every entry you’ve posted regarding Stephanie. I’ve sad in front of my computer and bawled my eyes out for you and your children. Your faith in God and your love and devotion to your wife are so evident. You have touched so many lives by sharing your story. This has not been in vain. God is using you in ways you cannot even imagine. You are touching so many lives. Stay strong. He is in control.
God Bless you and your family,
Michelle
Brad,
As we all do, I wish there were words I could tell you to make something easier… but there just are not. Your family remains in our constant prayers… day and night. I know, trust, and believe that God will not give us more than we can handle. As I recall our own struggles in the hospital with Mary Alice, I recall begging God to trust me less… telling him I could not handle what he was giving me. I am asking the same for you and your family today. Even with our own experiences, I simply cannot imagine your agony. May Almighty God grant you peace and understanding.
Regardless of the resolution of Stephanie’s illness… be it healing on this earth or for eternity above, the thousands of witnesses to your authentic faith will never be the same. I believe that there will be others living throughout eternity with Christ because of Stephanie’s life and your witness of faith.
By the grace of God you have been so strong in the midst of this struggle. May God hold you and your precious family in his loving arms and grant you peace that passes all understanding!
Ben
Your faith is truly inspirational and your family is blessed to be encased in it. God’s plan is unknown to us and a difficult path to tow. The strength of your faith will help you tow the path daily, Brad. I am praying for Stephanie, you, and your children.
Your quote, “It might just be in her passing that He will do great works” said it best. You don’t know me, and I don’t know you, but through my cousin Cheryl from your church, I’ve been reading your blog. You and Staphanie have touched my life and God DOES have great works in store for your wife! Take care and God bless! Thanks for touching my life!
I keep wanting to say something to you, but I can’t really find the right words. I went to Malone, but we didn’t know each other well… Although I can still hear one of my friends yelling, “Cheeeezer!!!!!”. :). I am so amazed by your faith, and it is SO inspiring. I don’t think you’ll ever truly know the huge impact you’re having in peoples’ lives right now. I’m praying for you, Stephanie and your two babies. I pray that God gives you peace and strength and wisdom. And of course I pray for healing.
Brad, your faith amazes me. Praise God for you and your faithfulness. I know God will lead you into the right decision.
I praise the Lord for the strenght He's giving you. What ever your decision, we are all behind you. Love to you and the family.