I am sitting in my own living room, family members piled onto sofas around me, Jesse sitting across from me and beside our youngest son. We arrived home less than 24 hours after his surgery was completed. Let that sink in a minute, y’all. Yesterday, he was sedated while skilled doctors tediously worked on his brain. Today, he is walking and talking and laughing and smiling and enjoying being alive in his own home. He will sleep in his own bed tonight with my hand tucked beneath his. Such a gift!
Before we left the house on Thursday in preparation for his surgery, Jesse walked to his bowl of pennies and threw in three copper graces. . .one for that day, one for surgery day, and one for the day after. And that is the best way to explain his disposition in all of this. He moves confidently forward at each turn of events, fully trusting in the provision and timing of the Lord as he goes. He’s not superhuman or anything. He will be the first to tell you that he’s a regular guy. He just knows, to the very depths of his being, that there is nothing-no towering mountain or depth of ocean, no past struggle or present situation or unknown future, no natural phenomenon, no disease, no brain cancer, no tormented path to death-that can separate him from the love of God, who gave him Jesus as the perfect sacrifice for all of his failings. Jesse has peace and hope and confidence in cancer, because Jesse has Jesus.
“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
Post-surgery Update:
-Jesse is doing well in recovery. He is on NO steroids! We are so excited about that because of his sensitivity to them. Prayers that his swelling will stay down on its own so that he will not need them at any point are appreciated!
-His speech remains good and fluid, and his comprehension is not suffering any delays (WOOT!).
-His seizure level is minimal…definitely no worse than they were before. We are still praying that the Lord will mercifully end his fight with daily seizures in this recovery process!
-He is doing remarkably well, and we are humbled by the grace poured out to us by each of you. Your prayers are significant in our lives, and the way you all continue to direct us to look to Jesus is overwhelmingly kind. Thank you for joining us on this journey!
Every Little Jot & Tittle 
So happy you guys are home! Praying for no swelling or need for steroids, for the seizures to disappear, and continue healing. Hugs to you both!
LikeLike
Thank you, Laura! And thank you for sharing our story with your people. Many of your body have reached out to us over the past few days, and we’ve felt so upheld!
LikeLike
What good news! We are keeping Jessie and all of you in our prayers
LikeLike
Unfortunately, I have never met you and your family, but my good friends, Fred and Susan Caldwell have shared your story over the months. God is using this situation for building faith in many. I shared your blog before this surgery and some of my friends were so touched by your faith that they, too, shared it on FB. I will continue praying for Jesse and for you and your strength to hold it all together. May God bless you and the words you share.and the actions of faith you take.
LikeLike
Praise God
LikeLike
Thank you Lord, for the miracles you are allowing us to see, in our beloved Pastor’s journey. We know you are will with him every step of the way. Praise the Lord.
LikeLike
Your Maplewood church family continues to pray for you all! We love you and know that most importantly, Jesus Christ loves you. Your testimony is both inspiring and humbling. May our Lord Jesus Christ continue to give you all HIS marvelous loving daily grace! !!
LikeLike
So thankful for God’s grace in your life and the way you live it out in plain view for all of us to see. Will be praying for the seizures to stop once and for all.
LikeLike
Jessie and Ashley, You may not remember, but I used to take your blood at the Rotary. My name is Delores. I worked with Delia. I was laid off in Jan. I was going through some papers and found your card. I hope you are doing better after surgery. You are in my prayers. I know you get tired , but God is with you. I miss my patients very much. You both are special people I know God has special plans for you. (Ashley, you really should write books. God has given you a special gift). God be with you.
LikeLike