Point-of-View

A light in the darkness provides comfort and encouragement for our lives. I received a phone call at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18, that our daughter-in-law had been injured. Katherine was training her horse and the horse kicked her in the face. John, our son, informed me that her injuries were determined not to be life threatening but very critical. They were in Mobile, Ala., which is a considerable distance from Brandon. I knew that Karen and I needed to be with them and we left Brandon immediately.

The long drive consisted of phone calls, prayers, Scripture reading, and tears. The diagnosis came over the course of the evening. No brain trauma! No vision impairment! Thank the Lord!! Shattered cheek bone, broken eye socket, broken nose, damaged nasal passage, lacerated cheek and lip, split upper hard palate, and upper front teeth missing. The medical staff of the University of South Alabama Trauma Center were responding with love and care.

The 550 mile drive north on I-75 and west on I-10 could not move fast enough. A parent hurts when children hurt, cries when children cry, and suffers when children suffer. The traverse across the panhandle was marked with headlights, taillights, road signs, and nervous conversation. When we reached Pensacola, a stop was needed for gas.

As we exited the interstate in the midst of the darkness of night, a wonderful light was shining. Rising above the landscape of the city stood an illuminated cross. What a welcome sight! The Lord always provides just what we need just when we need it. Karen and I were reminded in a fresh way of God's love, mercy, grace, and provision for our lives. The Heavenly Father cares for our precious children because they are His children. We were thankful that God's faithfulness and protection were being experienced through this event.

The cross shining in the night from Olive Baptist Church reminded us that a loving and caring church family in Brandon were praying for the family of their pastor. The cross reinforced the peace, comfort, and encouragement of the Lord for our lives. I am pleased to share that the injuries are fixable and God is granting healing and restoration to Katherine. I thank Florida Baptists for your prayers and I ask you to continue to pray for her.

I praise the Lord for the cross of Jesus and the cross shining in the darkness in Pensacola pointing people to the Savior. I am grateful that in the midst of a difficult time the light of Jesus shines brightly. The Psalmist declares that "weeping endures for the night but joy comes in the morning."

J. Thomas Green is pastor, First Baptist Church, Brandon.