my brother, the doctor

About 6 weeks ago I talked with my sister in law, Elizabeth (Wizzy) who told me that my brother had a pretty rough week at work- He's an ER pediatrician and sees the gamut of illnesses so I was curious what it was.

Liz shared that he was there (not on the case) where a high school student had doused himself with gasoline and struck the match. The next day he helped diagnose a dear friends' daughter with cancer. It was a hard week to say the least.



I'm thankful for Ben. That is an enormous understatement. He's been a great example and encouragement to me most of these 31 years of my life....I'm thankful that we are actual friends. Real ones. Not the awkward-talk-to-you-maybe-twice-a-year-on-the-phone kind. I'm thankful to see him use his gifts in a way that honors the Lord.

I remember it firsthand when C was almost one he counseled me over the phone- Ben in Birmingham and me at the MUSC ER around 3am. I saw him shift from brother to doctor. I was thankful to hear him say he wasn't sure if Celia was going to be ok or not but God loved her and would hold us in this- We had great news- Celia recovered quickly from what proved to be a really horrible virus that left her speckled with petechiae. But after spending her first Christmas at the hospital we got to home and shake it off. 6 years later and I still seek his counsel for Celia's medical mysteries...

I'm sure I call Ben all to often for medical purposes and could leave him wondering if that's the only need I have of him- his medical expertise. It couldn't be farther from the truth. I'm thankful for him for who he is and how walks through difficult things with people. Its his character that comes through. He points others to Christ in the midst of pain. I want to do that too. I'm thankful for his example....

This friend of theirs has not had that same story. What started as terrible stomach pain was eventually diagnosed as cancer. She's 4. Ansley. Her parents are dear friends of Ben and Wizzy's. Her father is a doctor himself and her mother is incredible as she moves through life with grace caring for 5 children.


Please join in praying for Ansley. She has a long road ahead of her. You can follow them on their blog but please don't just simply read about her- lift her up to the Father who is able to heal her.