Changed

Three years ago dad was beginning his first treatment, undergoing procedures for research, and sharing his message to the world. The days have increasingly become more difficult, and in these times I find myself asking how did he do it?  How did he NEVER show fear?  How could he rely so much on his faith and here I sit, broken?

Rereading some of his posts, I realized just how strong he was through it all, even in the beginning.  I listened to the Rascal Flatts song he posted about the time he was beginning radiation.  That was the only time I knew he struggled.  It was a daunting task...no, it was a horrible situation to have to be strapped to a table with a mask that makes you feel like you are suffocating. Yet, he did it with no complaints.  He gave everything to God and I find it fitting to share the song he shared during that time:

Changed by Rascal Flatts
Listen to the song here.

"I came up, out of the water

Raised my hands up to the father

I gave it all to him that day

Felt a new wind kiss my face

Walked away, eyes wide open

Could finally see where I was going

It didn't matter where I had been

Cause I'm not the same man I was back then

I hit my knees, now here I stand

There I was, now here I am

I'm changed for the better

Mores smiles, less bitter

I'm even starting to forgive myself"

In difficult times, it's easy to be sucked into self-pity and consumed with fear.  There are times that things seem so unexplainable and yet our paths are already well defined.  I must remember it's not mine to understand but give it all to Him.  

"Not a tear is waisted, in time you'll understand.

I'm painting beauty with the ashes, your life is in my hands."

-Casting Crowns

How do I bring this total trust into leadership?  Relationships.  Relationships. Relationships.  I have learned from so many that you must earn trust and be open enough to share your situations.  I must serve those around me.  In doing so, I will build relationships that will flourish so when times of trouble present themselves, we can work through them together.  I value the relationships I have built this year through dad's words.  This blog has even strengthened relationships and created talking points that would never have happened without total transparency.

As we enter Holy Week, I pray for each of you on your own personal faith journey.  Understand that there are times of despair but finding scripture and holding on to relationships will get you through anything.

Dad's words say it all....

Ted Parker

February 21, 2013 · 

Winner winner chicken dinner .. I am officially back on my feet and even thoughI have several challenging days ahead I am grateful to all of you for your love and prayers so many friends family and prayer warriors all over the country supporting me was truly amazing! My kids and my wife Angie have been my rock to lean on and a fountain of overwhelming love . I appreciate each and everyone who came to my rescue I will always be grateful to you.

Ted Parker

March 5, 2013 · Richmond · 

THE GOOD NEWS IS THE NEWS CAN'T BE WORSE THAN WHAT HAS BEEN STATED. A NEW BATTLE BEGINS. I WILL ACCEPT ALL AND ANY PRAYER WARRIORS TO RIDE ALONG WITH ME. TOGETHER ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE

Ted Parker

March 16, 2013 · Richmond · 

treatment 2 completed The mask is mentally challenging for me but I am not alone so all is good. Good Morning World JUST LOVE Ted

Ted Parker

March 22, 2013 · Richmond · 

No Fear Just Trust Love and Peace Good Morning World JUST LOVE TED

Just Love, 

Kirsten