Day 244 Quotes from "Finding the Abundance in the Shadow of Death"

September 8, 2015
Day 244


Scott Stevenson is a dear man, whom we have grown to love. He often brings us soul food when he comes for his drink at the Coffee Gazebo. Today, he brought me a quote from a book, Finding the Abundance in the Shadow of Death, written by Steve and his wife Sharol Hafner.

"Steve Hayner was serving as president of Columbia Seminary and was healthy and fit when he found out he had terminal pancreatic cancer. He and his wife Sharol embarked on a journey together with their children that soon included tens of thousands of visits from friends and acquaintances via the CaringBridge website. The overwhelming response to their posts on this website attested to the surprising and engaging way that they chose to live in the face of death. As a result they uncovered the remarkable truth that God, our good Shepherd, provides a feast for us when we are in the valley of the shadow of death as well as in the green pastures. Steve was always known for signing letters and emails, 'joyfully.' These pages, including reflections from some of those closest to Steve and Sharol, offer us a hope-filled glimpse into what it means to walk with God in honesty, with joy, even through great pain."

This is a quote from Sharol that Scott shares with me today, "Recently I sat with friends as we studied Psalm 23. I've always separated this familiar into three somewhat unrelated scenarios; first, the beautiful meadow, rich in green grass and quiet waters, an idyllic place of peace and rest, free of distraction and hardship; second, the valley of the shadow of death, where the Shepherd's rod and staff protect the sheep; and third, an abundant feast in the presence of enemies.

But at this time in my life, I read Ps. 23 differently, I wonder if the valley of the shadow of death is also where we are treated to an abundant meal even though surrounded  by enemies. I wonder if it is in that same shadowed valley where the Shepherd offers rest in green pastures, beside still waters.

Perhaps we lack nothing, not in the  idyllic destination, but in the place of darkness, pain and suffering where the Shepherd provides rest and healing."

Before her husband, Steve dies, he writes, "Grace can never be learned once and for all. It must be explored through each new circumstance. It must be experienced recieved and savored. It defies scrutiny but requires reflection." Steve Hayner

This soul food lines up with all that God has been showing to so many of us! God, you do lead, you are the head and thank you.