Does Jesus care when my way is dark
With a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades into deep night shades
Does He care enough to be near?
(CHORUS)
Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth or song
As the burdens press and the cares distress
And the way grows weary and long?
(CHORUS)
Does Jesus care when I’ve said, “Goodbye”
To the dearest on earth to me
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks
Is it aught to Him? Does He see?
CHORUS:
Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares
His heart is touched with my grief
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary
I know my Savior cares.
One of the hardest things my husband has done was preach the funeral of his best friend, mentor and spiritual father, John Dabill, July 22, 2013.
My husband became a Christian at a camp in northern Minnesota, Story Book Lodge Christian Camp, when he was 14. He endured four years with very little fellowship or encouragement at home, in school or in the church he attended. When he moved to college he began attending a local Bible-believing fellowship. He looked around for the man who knew and loved the Bible the most and asked John to disciple him.
Even though we lived in other states for many years, they continued Bible studies over the phone.
John had an average of a dozen Bible studies a week, continuing this pattern until only a few weeks before his home calling. He had an open door policy and kept his office stocked with pop and snacks for any who came. He would drop what he was doing and act like he had been waiting for you to come.
He was greatly loved and admired by his family and his church family. We are thankful He is with the Lord, but he’s left holes in many hearts.
I ache so deeply I can’t even write about how he impacted my husband, me, and my children. I am speechless in my grief and thankfulness for how he invested in our lives and faith.
I know my Savior cares.
So sorry for your loss…I will reiterate…beautifully written Mindy.
Thank you so much, you always have a way of encouraging me when I need it through social media, even though we haven’t chatted face to face for so long! Thanks.
Beautifully done, Mindy. John was a once-in-lifetime man. I’m thankful for his influence in our lives.
Ilona, thank you for commenting today. I can picture your tender smile and your warm heart. Yes, he blessed so many of us. What a legacy.
We love you John, we so look forward to seeing you soon. come Lord Jesus, oh come quickly.
What a wonderful legacy…to live full and to finish well. Yet while Heaven rejoices, “Here he comes!” So many on this side of the veil are mourning, “There he goes…”
I loved this precious thought, Connie, thank you for sharing. It blessed Scott’s heart, as well. When we were very young Scott asked John how he could pray for him. He asked us to pray that he would finish strong. We actually laughed. He was the godliest man we knew, we couldn’t imagine him NOT finishing well. He was insistant. He told us he’d seen many older men fall in their later years. We prayed. He finished strong. Now we’re praying we finish strong. It just seems so hard without him.
Love that hymn and your sweet thoughts about a very dear friend.
Thank you for your kind comment. It has been encouraging to know that people care.
What a wonderful opportunity for your husband to be able to do the service. It’s the full circle every mentor hopes for when they are pouring their lives into someone. It’s the proof of the miracle and how gracious the Father is to let you be a part of it. The thought of someone I loved and mentored doing this for me is enough to make everything worth while. You are blessed to be able to experience the flip side of grief…joy. Prayers for you, my friend.
John often talked about how joy and sorrow mingled together in the Scriptures and in our lives, as well. Funny how these two emotions have raged in our hearts. We were so blessed by his life and are so devestated with his death. Thank you for your prayers.
I’m so sorry for this loss but rejoicing that He is with his Savior and able to praise Him at His feet all the long. Death is not easy… but their is joy in heaven. Love you and praying for you!
Thank you for your prayers. We’re learning to live again.