In Unexpected Tragedy, Give Praise When the bottom falls out, understanding is not a prerequisite for thanking God. He is good — regardless of your circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Psalm 86:15-17 KJV [15] But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, Longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. [16] O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; Give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid. [17] Shew me a token for good; That they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: Because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me.

Proverbs 18:24 KJV A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: And there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother

The last 4 years have been VERY difficult. I became FULL TIME Pastor 4 years ago, after being a bi-vocational Pastor for 8 or 9 years. That wasn't easy either, let me tell ya!,... but what's made the last 4 years the MOST difficult for me has not been being a Pastor (although that can be pretty tough for sure). What's been super hard for me has been watching my parents decline. My mom went to heaven in May of 2024. My Dad is very close to heaven now. Im sorry I haven't been consistent enough in this group. Please forgive me. Pray for me. Pray for my Dad's gracious passage into glory very soon. Please list your prayer requests or unspokens here too. I promised Bob Riggins (who is also now in heaven) ,... I would keep the encouragement going. I need to keep that promise!