Of preservation and blessings

35 Responses

  1. Bob Chapman says:

    Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy
    Spirit you have bestowed upon this your servant the
    forgiveness of sin, and have raised him to the new life of
    grace. Sustain him, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit. Give him
    an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to will and to
    persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy
    and wonder in all your works. Amen.

    (Page 308, BCP)

  2. Kate Charles says:

    This is wonderful news. I have been praying for you, and I rejoice in the miracle of your recovery.

  3. Eric Bonetti says:

    As one of my few remaining contacts with the Episcopal Church, I am grateful for your posts and continuing presence. I am glad you are doing better.

  4. Marsha Claybrook says:

    Blessings for your continued healing.

  5. Spencer Pugh says:

    Thank you for your life and witness. Continuing prayers for your recovery.

  6. Lynn Carter-Edmands says:

    Ah, Scott. Thank you for your testimony. Someday we must share our experiences of those remarkable acts of kindness that make such a tremendous difference in times of difficulty. So grateful for your miraculous recovery with continued prayers for restoration to wholeness and strength.

  7. Donna Wessel Walker says:

    This makes my heart so glad. Rejoicing with you! Thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts.

  8. Gillian Butler says:

    Praise God for your recovery. Continuing prayers!

  9. We are grateful and delighted to hear your good news! You have been, and will continue to be, in our prayers.

  10. Thomas C. Watling,Ph.D. says:

    What an amazing–and truly moving testimony. I join with all those praying for your continued recovery–and thank you for showing me how to give thanks.

  11. Deborah Rodahaffer says:

    Beautiful and hope-filled reflection. Thank you. May your miraculous healing continue and May your witness be a blessing to others.

  12. heidomaine says:

    What grace, Scott. I’m so relieved to know you’re on the mend. The fragility of this journey we’re on together brings new meaning to the Amiel’s exhortation to be swift to love and make haste to be kind. You and Sherilyn have been in my prayers these weeks. Muchly.

  13. Hannah Schaefer says:

    I grew up in Singapore, and I’m not surprised at the quality level of care you received there. Of all places for this to happen…what Providence.

    I’m glad you’re still alive, Scott, and even more thankful that you’re recovering and doing so well that it’s a witness to your doctors and care team. Your story is certainly a witness to me!

  14. Gracie Matthews says:

    Obvious why: Lent Madness isn’t done yet nor your work with Forward Movement. Who would Tim spar with?

  15. Katrina Soto says:

    I continue to lift you up in prayer. God has more work for you to do. Recover well first and then listen to the Spirit. I hope that work will include Lent Madness. I’ve learned so much from that wonderful practice.

  16. Lanneau Miller says:

    Thanks so much for sharing this and know that you’re in the prayers of countless people who have been touched by your work over the years.

  17. Helen Spence says:

    The power of prayer is real – and the from within and from without can never be discounted. So grateful to God that you are recovering and that you and Sherilyn have traveled in safety. Prayer continues.

  18. Celeste Ventura says:

    Hope you sense the multitude of folks walking a path alongside you and your family. It is not less travelled! Glad you are seeing light. Grateful for your medical team. Peace be with you and yours.
    Celeste…
    (previous FYI CREDO Finance)

  19. Ellen Cook says:

    The news of your illness and accident was heartbreaking; your recovery is soul healing to us all. Thanks be to God…

  20. John Cheek says:

    What a remarkable story and recovery! Wishing you continued healing and joy as you continue your ministry. I also love the General Thanksgiving which I say from memory coming from childhood more than 60 years ago. It stayed in my brain for the 35 years I was away from the church.

  21. Scott, Now I know more about what I was praying for while you were in the hospital. And I now know you better through this post. Thanks be to God.
    ~ Create in us clean hearts, O God, and renew a right spirit within us.

  22. Fr. John says:

    Thank you for this update. You will continue in our prayers.

  23. Verdery Kassebaum says:

    Such good news! Thanks be to God, indeed!

  24. Diane Tomlinson says:

    Scott, joyful news indeed. I continue to pray for you and your family.

  25. Stannad Baker says:

    Scott, this is an amazing and inspiring story to read. I will pay special attention now to “preservation” in the General Thanksgiving. You might remember visiting us at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, in Burlington, VT. You commented on the “football play”-like chalk board in our Vesting Room. I have a feeling you would not map out a more specific spiritual “play” on that chalk board. I’ll just imagine on Sunday what it might be. Perhaps some of this will make its way into my sermon this Sunday. With gratitude for your life and witness, The (now) Ven. Stannard Baker.

  26. Tammi Miller says:

    So glad to hear of your ongoing recovery. You were always a welcoming presence on Sundays, and it’s obvious God has more plans for you. Praise God for all the angels that were put in your path, and may He continue your healing so you may help us continue our journey towards Him. And slip George T. Dog a cookie from me. 😉

  27. What an AWE-some story! Surely God has graced you, and us, with time and opportunity to share God’s mercy and God’s love!
    Also, may the wisdom, and wackiness, of Lent Madness continue the discussions on the lives of numerous saints!

  28. wendyvictor says:

    Thank you, Scott. I too was brought back by God exactly a year ago today. God does have a plan for our life.
    If you come to Florida to Bethesda, I hope to say hello. Best wishes to you.

  29. Susan Wright says:

    My heart is full! Thank you for bearing witness! I hear your joy! May you continue toward full recovery.

  30. Jane Arrington Bender says:

    Rejoicing in your recovery….and continued blessings as you make your way forward to 100% recovery. Forward Day by Day! I saw you in passing several times @ GC, and regret I didn’t have the opportunity to personally greet you and tell how much I admire your work and witness. TRULY extraordinary. Thank you for this deeply moving reflection. All the very best to you and your family.! ~ Jane Arrington Bender (Clergy, Diocese of Bethlehem)

  31. Miguel Escobar says:

    Powerful. Thank you for sharing this witness Scott.

  32. Mary Haggerty says:

    Thanks be to God! And thank you for reminding me of so many things with your story. I had my own near-death experience 12 years ago. It forever changes you but it can also fade as you get back to “normal.” I am grateful that you didn’t wait to share this at this point. I look forward to your continued witness to the gospel. Peace and healing.

  33. Alice says:

    Thank you so much for sharing. Very powerful. It must have been slightly frightening to be in a foreign country when this happened. Perseverance and Preservation!

  34. Virginia Ayers says:

    Scott, I too believe God has plans for us when he puts others around to save our lives. My fiancée had cardiac arrest in the streets of Chicago and was saved by a band of angels who were outside the hotel where he fell. Their quick action with hotel IED and CPR kept him alive until paramedics arrived. I thank God there were angels there for you.

  35. I don’t know you, although we did meet at a Zoom meeting once. Not knowing me from Adam, you answered my questions sincerely and I felt you were really interested in helping me. I have always been impressed by your writing, and I am a big fan of Lent Madness. It is wonderful to hear in this post and the one that follows what a wonderful recovery you have made so far and all the kindnesses you received, unasked for by you or your wife. I wish you well and will do my best to recite the General Thanksgiving with you.