You Do Not Have to Fight This Battle


I started this blog a year ago, and I haven't added any new posts in eight months. In that time, my family has faced several challenges. First, Rayne moved off to college a little before my last post, and the change in this house has taken some getting used to. In particular, it feels so quiet without the usual sound of drumming coming from Rayne's bedroom. Also, I absolutely miss the extra one-on-one time we got to spend as I drove him back and forth to band practices and rehearsals. On the bright side, he has had a very successful first year of college, and he will be home for the summer in a week!

On September 27, we were in the path as Hurricane Helene tore through the NC mountains. Seeing the devastation that occurred all around us makes me even more thankful that God spared our family the majority of the damage that we could have faced. We had a few trees down around us, but none of our property experienced any major damage. The worst thing we dealt with was two weeks without power or water, but we were able to survive that issue thanks to being able to stay in WV with family for a week and the kindness of friends and coworkers when we got back home. Another bright side is that the school closures due to the hurricane allowed us to spend a little extra quality time with Rayne and Carrie.

The months of October, November, December, and January were relatively quiet, as I focused on finding new employment and helping provide more income for our family. This task has been much more difficult than I would have expected, but God has continued to provide in big and small ways. One thing I have learned through this process is that we, as Christians, have circulated the wrong image of what it means to be a husband. Through my struggle to find a new job, I have worried about my role as a husband and father and being my family's provider and protector. I agree that those are still major concerns for me, but the past year and a half have helped put me back in my proper place. GOD is our provider and protector--I am just trying to be a good steward of all His gifts.

February 2025 will be remembered as the most difficult month our family has faced, so far. Angie's mom passed away on February 03, and her loss has definitely weighed heavily on our family. My wife is one of the strongest people I have ever known in my life, and it has been so hard to watch her crumble under this loss. The word I would use to describe Angie's family is "stoic." They are not emotional people, and they have the farmer's mindset that there is work to be done and no time for feelings. Hearing Angie's dad cry over the phone as he said, "I'm sorry to tell you, darling, but your mama didn't make it," is one of the most gut-wrenching things I have ever experienced. I thank God for sending his Comforter to help us move forward.

I was born in the aftermath of the worst flood ever to hit back home, and the weekend of February 16, 2025, was the second worst. I have not been there in person yet to see the full devastation caused by the flood, but being on the phone and texting while all my family was trying to get to higher ground and save as much as possible from the flood waters was almost more than I could handle. Dad and Denise lost nearly everything they own, and Mom's house narrowly avoided the same. However, I can thank God that all of our family members are safe and the rebuilding has begun. Also, I am so very thankful that my brother was able to help so many neighbors and friends, as well. I am truly thankful for a brother who has become such a strong man of God.

Throughout all of the trials, I am continuing to learn that I do not have to fight these battles. As the verse says, I just have to position myself by living in my God's will, stand still by trusting in my God's ability, and seeing the salvation of my God's mighty hand. No matter what today brings, I have to be ready and willing to go out and face tomorrow, for the Lord is with me.

Heavenly Father, Thank you for teaching me that the battle belongs to you. I know that I am not strong enough or courageous enough to fight these battles on my own, but by faith, I am strong enough and courageous enough to trust that you are fighting for me. In the powerful name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

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