Some Simpsons to Admire

My son's friends love The Simpson's. However, Parker is not allowed to watch them. This causes frustration, repeated questions, and some whining. But, I refuse to allow my son watch people who are so dysfunctional with the children being smarter than the parents and Bart pretty much getting to do exactly what he wants. Something that is funny to grown-ups, teaches disrespect and false ideas to children. So, unlike many in America, we do not admire the Simpson's on TV.

Many years ago when Jessica Simpson and her family first started on TV. I loved watching the foibles and hilarious things that happened in the family. I loved hearing how she first started her career and her connections to Texas. However, over time, I recognized the Spiritual immaturity of her family and though I hate to make any judgements- I question many of the decisions they have made over the years- holding Joe Simpson- the father- most responsible. Not only was he a former minister- but he was also the spiritual head of the home- and therefore is held to a higher account. So, I find it hard to admire these Simpsons.

And...don't even get me started on the OJ thing.

But, in the midst of these high flying family of Simpsons, there is a family in Texas that is named Simpson. Mark, Stacie and their young daughter Bai. They are a family I deeply admire and feel for right now. About 2 years ago the young wife, Stacie, was diagnosed with brain cancer. Many miraculous things occurred and after surgery- it seemed that they got most of the tumor. In the midst of this young family dealing with cancer, Mark's father unexpectedly died.

And then Stacie's brain cancer came back, AND she found out that her mother had cancer- and it was spreading. So, Mark and Stacie started chemotherapy for Stacie- and anyone who has been through chemo or had a loved one go through it- knows how difficult it can be. Stacie's mother kept seeing doctors and yet God had different plans for her.

Yesterday she passed away.

So many things to endure in such a short time.

This Simpson family has continued to have strong faith in the midst of so many trials. Mark is continuing to seek and grow spiritually, trying to provide financially and hold it together emotionally. Bai, their young daughter, has been faced with so much loss at a young age- and yet, she is loved. That in itself is such a gift. And Stacie. Wanting to fight the cancer, wanting to be with her family, having to be strong for her dying mother, and function through the chemotherapy ravaging her body. From one mother to another- she is someone I admire.

Throughout their struggles, we receive updates and emails from Mark. He is constantly turning to the truth in the Bible to deal with each day. He encourages others, he seeks to broaden his understanding of Scripture and his Godly role in his family. He is a rock in the midst of a huge storm. We know he will not be moved or tossed about in spite of all he faces. I cry out for them and ask God why? How can this young family withstand all of this? And yet, Mark sends out scriptures with his emails reminding all of us that God has gone before him, to be strong and courageous, to remember never to forsake God because God has not forsaken you even though you find it hard to understand Gods' timing. He is encouraging us in the midst of his own suffering!

This is from one of Mark's emails:
I was thinking recently about God's sufficient grace especially as it pertains to situations like Stacie's and her mom. I was listening to a friend's sermon about this and wanted to share it with you. Sufficient Grace is the specifically timed infusion of strength by God into a believer during a crisis. It is what allows us to keep going when our own strength has gone. God has given it to Stacie and I several times since Jan 06. He has also given. If you have not had a crisis that shakes you down to core of your faith, you will. When this happens, if you are a believer, God himself will give you the strength you need to make it through. Sometimes it comes at the 11th hour and 59th minute. When it is delayed it is not late. God is never late. His timing is always perfect.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified...for the Lord your God goes with you, he will never leave you nor forsake you. - Dueteronomy 31:6

That is not to say they don't have their bad days, their days of crying, their days of shouting out to God....but they are weathering their storms. They are truly understanding what it means to hold on only to God.

They are inspirations, they are spiritual giants, they deserve the publicity that America so cheaply pours out. But, most of all they deserve the prayers of their Christian brothers and sisters even as the Heavens are applauding them on a daily basis.

Please pray for them. Pray for healing for Stacie. Pray for them to be financially taken care of. Pray for their young daughter Bai. Pray for Mark to have the strength to be the backbone of his family. Pray for Stacie's dad who has watched his wife die and continues to watch his daughter suffer. And pray for their family as they walk through the coming days in the grieving, yet celebration, of Stacie's mother's death.

This is why we are a family of Christians. To uphold our brothers and sisters and pray for them.