Introduction I still remember the first time I heard about Vickies stroke. My husband and I were on a mission trip in Florida, working with an international Bible translation team. Emails began to pop up on my computer screen with fragmentary pieces of information from home. Vickies dogs had been viciously attacked by neighborhood dogs and were in emergency surgery. Vickie asked us to pray for the recovery of her precious pets. Then the news got dramatically, unbelievably worse. Vickie herself had had a major stroke and the prognosis was not good, recovery uncertain. Information was suddenly sparse from the hospital as John and we (my husband and I) waited for the medical tests and for time to give us some idea of what was ahead for Vickie. It had been only the previous Sunday that John and Vickie had done another of their beautiful choral duets at our home church. It was less than six months since we had celebrated with John and Vickie at their wedding and reception. Vickie was too young to have a stroke. John and Vickie had just begun a new life together after suffering through broken relationships in both of their pasts. How could God allow such a thing to happen to such a couple? As I worked on the sermon I was to deliver back home the next Sunday, projected to be on the joy of the Lord, I was seized with doubts. Could I proclaim this joy with such a heavy heart? Could the congregation receive the promise of joy as we wept and waited and prayed? It was John Shermans blog that showed us the way. He began to chronicle the medical, emotional, and spiritual struggles that Vickie and he were experiencing, beginning that very first day. He drew on his deep knowledge of the scriptures. As time passed and events unfolded, John listened and considered and reflected on the painful times and the hopeful times, the frustrations with medical and insurance problems as well as the unexpected joys of love and service received from friends and hospital staff. His words and Vickies indomitable spirit through very difficult circumstances drew an ever-increasing Facebook audience, with dozens of people near and far uplifted and encouraged by their endurance and trust in the Lord. Johns eloquence in expressing all of these realities was something seldom seen on social media, something that seemed truly inspired by the Holy Spirit. I recommend John and Vickies story for your reading. If youre dealing with a similar medical issue, youll find it informative as well as encouraging. If youre just trying to live a joyful and victorious life, youll be uplifted and inspired by one couples overcoming journey toward recovery and restoration. My favorite text about joy comes from Nehemiah 8:10: Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. At the time this was written, the city of Jerusalem was in ruins and enemies were encircling and numerous. Nehemiah helped the people understand that when times were tough, those were the times they needed joy the most. John and Vickies story is ultimately a story of finding sustaining strength through experiencing the joy of the Lords promises and presence. Thats a message all of us need to hear. In Christ, Rev. Marie B. Allen Congregational Life and Discipleship Pastor New Town United Methodist Church Williamsburg, Virginia Friends, I know many of you are asleep now. Vickie has had a stroke and has no feeling or movement in her left side. As her doctor said, this is a life-changing episode, but I am praying for his light and glory to shine even in a dark moment. Thank you all for your continued prayers and support as we navigate through this present uncertainty. As I learn more, I promise to update you with what I know. My apologies, Facebook cant convey these thoughts with all that is filling my heart now. God bless you (John).
