07/23/2026
Today marks day 56 of my stay in the hospital. At times, the days can feel monotonous—like Groundhog Day—with one day spilling into the next and much of it seeming the same.
This morning, Romans 15:1–13 was part of Morning Prayer, and its message touched me deeply. It speaks beautifully of bearing with one another, building each other up, living in harmony, and welcoming one another as Christ welcomes us.
The waiting is made so much lighter by the extraordinary community surrounding me: the people praying, the cards filled with love and encouragement, the many expressions of support, and the medical team—the doctors, nurses, and all those caring for me with such skill and compassion. Each one inspires me, sustains me, and keeps me going. Through your support, through God’s grace, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, I am able to keep hope alive. For all of this, I am forever grateful.
My hope is not only that the transplant will happen, but also the deep assurance that I am not alone on this journey. I am carried by the love and prayers of so many, and by God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—who walks beside me, encourages me, and helps me continue in hope.
Romans 15:1–13
“We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Each of us must please our neighbour for the good purpose of building up the neighbour. For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, ‘The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.’ For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.
May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
“Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, ‘Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles, and sing praises to your name’; and again he says, ‘Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people’; and again, ‘Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him’; and again Isaiah says, ‘The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the Gentiles; in him the Gentiles shall hope.’
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
