Faith Stories: Faith Journey
Isaiah 43: 1-2a “But now says the Lord – the one who created you, Jacob, the one who formed you, Israel: Don’t fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.”
As we approach the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, I am reminded of those verses which sustained me and my husband when our home of 50 years in Lakeview in New Orleans had water up to the roof. In “exile” in Magee, Mississippi, we pondered what to do and ended up in Baton Rouge. What a blessing! Out of a bad situation we found a wonderful life: St. John’s church was a beacon that welcomed us, and we were able to purchase a home in a very convenient area.
There were difficult times as we dealt with the debilitating disease that robbed my husband of physical and mental abilities. After his death in 2009, I was surrounded by love and comfort.
Ironically (?) the scripture above is a portion (Isaiah 43: 1-13) of the one chosen four years ahead of time in 2004 as the theme for the United Methodist Women’s Jurisdiction meeting in 2008. How providential that those words would become so personal for me.
Today I am filled with gratitude: for a church that continues to challenge me in my faith journey, for wonderful friends who have become like family and for health that allows me to be active. I am free from fear for however many days are ahead.
Thank you, St. John’s.
Pat Cobb