12 Comments
User's avatar
WILL TREVILLIAN's avatar

I’ll not give up my prayer, dear friend. I believe that it’s a worthy prayer and well meant.

Expand full comment
Chris Rhoden's avatar

I have no doubt, and you know that I have prayed this same prayer many times-that I might take another’s place. Worthy? Of course. Well meant? Assuredly.

No doubt. None.

🙏🏻

Expand full comment
Scott Summers's avatar

Chris, I find your words in this space to be encouraging, enlightening, humble, convicting, transparent, vulnerable, honest, instructive, moving, faithful, hopeful, loving…

I read with eagerness as you educate me, stretch me, and lead me in my faith journey. Have no fear of words if your writings are true to your faith, and are rooted in love. I pray that we will offer you grace if your words are interpreted differently than intended (which I have yet to experience).

Yes, I cover you and Kathryn in prayer, especially this week of tests and results. I pray that God’s healing hand is evident, in the results and in your ability to see more clearly as you look through the darkened glass.

Beautiful closing prayer 🙏

Expand full comment
Chris Rhoden's avatar

Scott,

Thank you for your warm and kind words.

You encourage me, and it's not only me. Far from it. Let's find a time to sit down together. Soon. I have some news from a mutual friend that who I am certain would echo these words back to you about how your presence in their journey served as a beautiful inflection point.

Until then,

Chris

Expand full comment
margaret johnson's avatar

Chris, Praying into this prayer for you and for a clear lens to continue to see the goodness and mercy of God as you walk this path, thank for sharing your journey,.

Expand full comment
Chris Rhoden's avatar

Thank you, as always for your encouraging words, Margaret. Hoping the trail is treating you well, this morning.

Best,

Chris

Expand full comment
Kim Parent's avatar

Chris, my heart ached as I read about your fear of hurting others with your words. That's just so ironic, because I see your words as such a gift from God. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your fears. But as much as my heart ached, your prayer at the end was simply glorious. Lord, please wipe clean the darkened glass!

I will be praying for you and Kathryn and the all the decisions ahead.

Expand full comment
Chris Rhoden's avatar

Kim,

Thank you for your encouraging and enduring faithfulness.

Hard to overstate the impact of seeing a note from you in the comments. If we are, at least partially, here to give offer hints of God's endless covenantal love for his children (and I think we are), please know that you often offer far more than gentle hints. Thank you.

Much, much love,

Chris

Expand full comment
Tommy Thompson's avatar

Yes, I will pray for you! I will pray for heavenly discernment and for unity of thought and direction with the family.

Expand full comment
Chris Rhoden's avatar

Thank you, Tommy. This is deeply meaningful to us.

In Love,

Chris and Kathryn

Expand full comment
WILL TREVILLIAN's avatar

With tears I have prayed to take your place and I will continue this prayer for the days, weeks, months and years ahead of us. I love you.

Expand full comment
Chris Rhoden's avatar

Dear Brother,

Honestly, this touches me deeply, and I dare to think I might understand your prayer. But God forbid that you should take my place, Will.

And yet, like you. I dare to hope for days leading to weeks leading to months leading to years with you and with those whom, like you, I have experienced the miracle of such rich friendship.

I love you, brother,

Chris

Expand full comment