(562) 924-5215

leaf A Living Portrait: Women in the Church

Ecclesiastes 3:2b - A time to die... and live again
by Gerry Hemphill

 

Gerry is the wife of Alan Hemphill - Elder (not currently active) at FPC and Pediatric Physician. They've enjoyed 43 years of marriage together, have three children, five grandchildren and make their home in Black Forest. This is her story.

 

It was July 2004 when Alan and I moved to Colorado Springs to be near family. We designed, had built and moved into our log home in the Black Forest the following summer. In January 2007 I was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, otherwise known as ALS and commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease or Motor Neuron Disease [MND].

During this season of my life the elements of God's character that have been most meaningful and evident to me are His Sovereignty in ALL things and His great, great love for me while I learn to be totally dependent upon Him. At times I think I must be a slow learner as I continually try to handle the ups and downs of this disease myself, but I'm learning to cry out to Him first. Alan, my husband, best friend and personal doctor reminds me to take it one day at a time. Though there have been seasons of my life when I haven't been under trial and still learned much about the Lord, at this particular time, He has given me new boldness to share my faith with nonbelievers over e-mail. I know this is His special gift to me.

It was difficult to lose my ability to communicate verbally. My speech had become so garbled and no one could understand me; I felt so frustrated. Instead of taking things one day at a time I tried to figure out what I was going to do if this or that happened. When I realized that I had no answers or solutions to deal with this loss I began to pray. It was then that the Lord brought to my attention ~ through a friend ~ that I could use a white board to communicate. Friends and family gave me a bicycle horn and bells to signal when I needed help. This was especially useful and comforting when I could no longer walk unassisted.

The ALS Association loaned me a Dynawrite machine. It allows me to type what I want to say and speaks the words when I push the speak button. I'm especially grateful that the Lord has continued to let me communicate by computer via e-mail though my hands are very weak. The many meals so lovingly prepared by church families have been so gratefully received by Alan. Though I have felt very weak, the prayers of Believers here at home and around the world give me inner strength. Their cards, letter, small gifts, flowers and emails are a continual source of comfort and reminder of God's love for me. The practical help from my children who stay with me, run errands and give all kinds of support has been God's perfect prevision.

My Tuesday morning and Sunday evening Bible Study groups, nurses from the church along with family have tenderly cared for me when Alan is at work during the week; this is a tremendous help and blessing to us.

When I was young ~I now recognize~ I had one foot in heaven and one on earth; I was clinging to this life and I feared dying young leaving my family behind. My heart was divided. Though I often feel afraid and continually have to pray for the Lord's help and peace, He has given me opportunities to testify of my faith in Him and how I know I'm going to be with Him in Heaven. The cares, worries and pleasures of this world are no longer the prominent things on my mind. I am feeling so eager to get to Heaven and see my Lord!!!!

If you know someone who is facing a difficult trial because of illness ~ facing their mortality ~ do not to be afraid to talk about dying with them. I've included some verses that have prepared me for this season and others that have comforted me during this time. I hope you will find encouragement in reading them and sharing them with loved ones.

Gerry's Key Preparation Versions for Further Study:

Romans 8:18
Matthew 6:34
Lamentations 3:21-23
Philippians 4:19

Gerry's Key Verses of Comfort:

Isaiah 26:3
John 14:27
Isaiah 43:1-2
Psalm 61:1-3
Job 10:25-26

 


©2008 - Cornerstone Community Church (PCA)
Design by Digital Concepts Design