The awaiting shore...

"Take a long look at the shore that awaits you  Don't be fooled by the fog of the slump.  The finish may be only strokes away.  God may be, at this moment, lifting his hand to signal Gabriel to grab the trumpet.  Angels may be assembling, saints gathering, demons trembling.  

Stay at it!  Stay in the water.  Stay in the fight."

-Max Lucado- Facing your Giants-

The above photo was taken a little over one month ago.  It was taken from one of the many beautiful spots at the Wayfarer's Chapel in Rancho Palos Verdes California.  Catalina Island is seen in the background.

The above referenced excerpt from Max Lucado's book is part of a more detailed story of Florence Chadwick, who, at the age of 34, attempted to swim the icy waters between Catalina Island and the California coast.  (She had already successfully had become the first woman to swim the English Channel.)

She swam through choppy seas and fog, and then, with only a 1/2 mile left, asked to be pulled out of the water, despite encouragement from her mother to not give up.  Later, Florence explained that all she could see was the fog, and that had she been able to see the shore, she would have stayed in the water and made it.

A lesson for us all.

Particularly for those in the midst of a battle.

We recently learned we are facing our own giant as a family. 

We are thankful for our family and friends and their vigilant prayer and encouragement.

We may post updates, as appropriate, from time to time here. 

But our primary focus must be

...staying in, fighting, and finishing strong...to the awaiting shore.