Message of Support

I want to begin by saying that I am truly inspired by your faith and the faith of your family. You may have seen me around Crossway, but it has been a while. Although my journey is different and my struggles are partly my own doing, I believe you can help me. My sister has been paraplegic for a few years. She has lost her children, and her husband has died. I came to St. Louis to offer support while also taking time to figure out where I stand in my relationship with God and to strengthen the foundations of my faith. I realized that leaving would mean cutting off many people. However, that is not what brought me here. People say that the light that shines brightest shines from home. Shannon—or someone in our life group—talked about the Sermon on the Mount and how it begins with leading your family. Although I know I should begin by building a relationship with my sister, I have no idea how to lead or encourage her. To be honest, it scares me. How have you found hope or joy in your situation? If you did not know Christ, what do you think would move you emotionally or spiritually? Ultimately, it is her choice and God’s will, but I believe He brought me here for a reason. If not to help in this situation, then to teach me something. I believe in what God can do, but I do not know what my role is. I truly think she would benefit from hearing from someone who shares in her suffering, but I cannot even get her to agree to leave the house.