Here you are. The link to the message Chip and I shared with our Pastor and congregation at church this morning.
A few things to note- it starts off with a portion of our story as it aired on the Oprah Winfrey Show- you will hear audio which describes what happened to us the day our tragic incident unfolded.
Next, Pastor Bill Rudd does a sort of interview, in which Chip and I answer questions or share our thoughts in response to his questions or comments.
Click on the following link, http://www.calvarymuskegon.com/content.cfm?id=213 and it will get you to the page in which you can choose which format you would like to listen or download the message. Our story is told within the sermon on Aug. 27, 2006 series #8 "Why doesn't a loving God eliminate suffering?". I hope you find this worthwhile.
And for the record, Chip, you are right. I do tend to speak too fast when I get talking about this part of my life. I'll work on that for next time.
Thanks to so many of you who prayed for us the past day or two. We felt very much at ease telling our story, and I didn't even have issues with what to wear to church this morning. Sometimes that can be the biggest hassle of getting out the door. Not today. Even my hair cooperated with me. All went well. =)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
16 comments:
Jody,
So inspiring. Glad to hear things went well. I have been reading your story since Carrie mentioned it on her blog. You are in my heart.
Jody, I think my hubby thinks I'm a little "looney" as I sit here listening and crying - I guess loving JESUS and being a MOM sure creates a bond - thanks for sharing the clip - I'm going to have to listen to it in its entirity including your Pastor's sermon - you have certainly allowed GOD to use you - thanks! :) I was really hit by Chip's comment that there was a point that he went from being a "BELIEVER" to a "KNOWER" :)
Hey Jody
You guys did really well! It's funny to hear the voice of someone whose picture you have seen a hundred times. Reading your blog, I sort of gave you a 'voice' and it's strange to realise that isn't the voice you actually speak with! Seriously though, I really enjoyed listening to you in person (well sort of) and also to Chip's point of view. Your positive attitudes and unwavering faith will inspire so many.
Claire (Wellington, NZ)
P.S. You have such a cute accent :)
Jody,
My name is Jennifer and I stumbled on your blog today. God has been teaching me about contentment lately... about Phil 4:13 and how that verse states that Christians can do all things through Christ... God has truly been showing me his power through this verse. Growing up as a Christian, I often misapplied this truth myself and heard others do the same by applying it to things like sports performances, tests at school, etc. Although God definitely can give us the strength for those tasks, as an adult, I am realizing that God can do so much more - He can make us content in the most difficult of circumstances... You are a testimony not only to God's grace but also to his power. He saves us not only from eternal destruction but also daily in the midst of sin and tragedy. I am thankful to God for your testimony and pray He will continue to strengthen you and your family.
powerful... inspiring... real... gut-wrenching... authentic... up-lifting...
you are touching many with your story...
blessings as you go forward...
Jody & Chip,
Thank you for sharing you story & your faith. Thank you for linking us Nitty.Gritty. fans to Sunday's message.
I thank God for how He is using you. What a blessing you are to others.
Sincerely,
Jackie Carl
Marion, IN
Hi Jody!
I am a lurker on your blog but have realized how close you are to an area that I grew up going to. We grew up going to Maranatha Family Christian Camp in Norton Shores and spent many a times at the fountain ( In GRand Haven) waiting for the Coast Guard fireworks to begin. I would have emailed you all of this but I couldn't find your address:) I do want to tell you that I am truly inspired by you!
An amazing testiment to your faith. Thank you for sharing.
I am a new Nitty.Gritty reader (found you through Carrie's blog). As a mother of two young children, I can't even imagine what you've been through. I am inspired by your strength of spirit.
Wow, that was so powerful and moving, it gave me goosebumps. I do believe God is allowing you to minister to others in sharing your faith. Thank you for helping others become grounded and grateful! You are a blessing. xo
Hi, Chip and Jody,
It was a blessing to see you two on stage together, sitting on the couch, looking at each other, waiting, listening, adding to each others thoughts,and sharing your perspectives as a couple. The good days, the bad days the cycles of grief and joy are an unimaginable strain on two...but remember you and Chip and God are a strand of three:
Ecclesiastes 4:12
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
As we said in the rotunda Friday, the "together" part of this trial is perhaps most amazing and most challenging of all. The way God has worked in both of you as individuals has inspired me since I met you, but I was especially encouraged Sunday at the continued growth and dependence of that "strand of three."
It's been a blessing to have you as a couple and your children in our school and church.
http://patternsofink.blogspot.com/2006/07/wonder-is.html
http://patternsofink.blogspot.com/2006/06/who-but-he-can-help.html#comments
I think the two of you did wonderfully. Thank you so much for being willing to share your testimony with all of us. It has touched so many lives already, and I am sure that it will touch many more.
God Bless you both.
I listened to the sermon and it was so good to hear your and Chip's voices. Your story and your faith continues to amaze me and I know that God is working through you to bring me and my family closer to Him. You want to know the awesome part? It's working...thank you for being such an angelic messenger. God is using you in amazing ways and I thank Him everyday for sending you MY direction.
Jody, I sit here crying listening to this...while the beginning played, I looked in July at the pictures you posted of your sweet baby Angel Teagan.
Hearing your voice talk about how broken you were and how God met you just goes to show the depth of your faith.
You still are an inspiration!
Jody-
I listened to your story in tears. I read your blog and am inspired each time....you crack me up sometimes, make me cry sometimes, and most often make me realize that I can be a great mom and have a new perspective on my life.
tommie
About a month ago I ran across a picture of my son and late husband at the beach floating together on a raft, and I wept. Although it’s been eight years since his horrific death, and I am happily remarried, those moments…..those days…..still happen. And that’s ok. God gives us a supernatural force to survive and even flourish through incredible grief, but we still have “those days.” I don’t call them “low days,” because they don’t rob me; they just remind me. Thanks for being so transparent, Jody.
Post a Comment