In the Shadow of the Cross

November 15, 2011 | 26 comments

A friend said that my favorite farmer may be the one on ground, “but it’s a family trip in the end.”

The girls put their hands on their Daddy’s shoulders, praying for his courage and his heart, his health and his safety. Their Daddy said it was okay to cry. And we did.

Through the window, I watch them go — these brave fathers driving to the airport and then through the clouds, all of them carrying Jesus.

And right there, through the window and through the tears, I see it: God’s plan bearing the mark of the cross.

 

by | November 15, 2011 | 26 comments

26 Comments

  1. Julie

    God has his hand on everything and this is a wonderful reminder!

    Praying for you all!

    Hugs!
    Julie

    Reply
    • dukeslee

      Thank you, Julie. It was a sweet, sweet gift from God. A “God-wink” …

      Reply
  2. Lyla Lindquist

    Well, yeah.

    That.

    With you today, my friend.

    Reply
    • dukeslee

      I appreciate it, Lyla. Thanks for your kindness, your prayer, your love.

      Reply
  3. David Rupert

    Prayers for you, your farmer man, and your family.

    Reply
    • dukeslee

      Thanks David. Much appreciated.

      Reply
  4. Shaunie Friday

    His touch is only everywhere all the time–awesome!! Praying!!

    Reply
    • dukeslee

      So true, Shaunie. And I pray that God gives me eyes to see.

      Reply
  5. S. Etole

    A true benediction … prayers for all.

    Reply
  6. Jason Stasyszen

    I so love moments like this. He confirms over and over that He is with us if we’re paying attention. Thanks for sharing this, Jennifer.

    Reply
  7. Sheila Lagrand

    Blessed assurance, right there at the window! (I’m imagining it’s a kitchen window, but that’s just me).

    Praying. For him and his companions. For you and your girls. Much love.

    Reply
    • dukeslee

      Hi Sheila, It was actually the garage window. I had gone outside to wave goodbye, and take a picture of Scott with one of his best friends, who is also going on the trip. When I came back through the garage, this is what I saw through my tear-blurred vision.

      Thank you for your prayers and your friendship.

      Reply
  8. Dawn @ Dawnings

    Mike leaves us for the mission field 4-5 times a year for the last 7 years. It has become as routine to us as church service on Sundays. Seeing this through your first time eyes and wonderment is the blessing of refreshment.

    That we would see the cross each time we look beyond ourselves to the horizon.

    Reply
    • dukeslee

      Hi Dawn … I’m sure it has become very routine for someone like you, who has experienced it so many times. But for me, yes, all these emotions are new and complicated — beautiful and a tad-bit scary quite honestly. Trying to make sense of it all. Thanks for being “here,” Dawn.

      Reply
      • Dawn @ Dawnings

        Someone like me, Jennifer, is a scaredy cat, not adventuresome, and resistant to change. If I can do it, you can do it. God will be at work and you will find that your husband does the work of God with tangible hands and feet and it will feel sacred and holy…once he comes home. In the in between time, you get to exercise your faith before your girls. It will be marvelous. You’ll be great at it. Rest in all the prayers of others that are coming your way and his. Love ya, sister.

        Reply
        • dukeslee

          Dawn,

          These words here? They mean more than I can describe. They are words of Christ, whispered straight-through. Thank you, friend.

          Reply
  9. Beth E.

    Such a great picture…it literally took my breath away!

    Praying for your hubby and all of the others as they carry out God’s mission. Praying for all of the family members, too!

    Reply
    • dukeslee

      Me, too, Beth. Me, too. Saw it through tear-blurred eyes. But so very glad I saw it. …

      Reply
  10. Linda

    Feeling teary myself Jennifer. I know he takes the hearts of his three girls with him. I’ll be praying for them and for the hearts that they will touch.

    Reply
  11. patricia spreng

    So glad he gave you this visual… a reminder … how so very like him. Be thou my vision…
    warm hug…continued prayers.

    Reply
  12. Doug Spurling

    I love love love when The still small voice speaks so loud and clear. I AM HERE. Beautiful. Thank you.

    Reply
  13. Laura

    What a beautiful visual – what a blessing! But He gave you the eyes to see and perceive it, and the words to share it with us. For that, I’m thankful. What a sweet lesson for your kids, too. Blessings!

    Reply
  14. Bradley J. Moore

    Jen – God be with him, the other men, and your family. Love the picture, the way you captured this moment, and left us all with that longing.

    Reply
  15. Carol Howard

    And to think that if your focus was on the wrong thing, many people would have missed the real story. Thank you for that testimony of your life. Beautiful.

    Reply
  16. Carolyn Counterman

    Yep, those fathers cannot do it without the support from those left behind. Glad God reminded you about the cross the way He did, so that you could share it with us.

    Reply

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