STUFF ABOUT GOD AND CHRISTIANITY | Joanne Braley
Editor’s note: Dr. Ron Braley’s wife, Joanne Braley, penned this week’s column while her husband recovers. He plans to resume writing soon.
I am Joanne, Ron’s wife, and I am sorry to say that Ron was unable to write this week’s column. I would like to share with you why and how I have encountered Jesus during this process.
Without many physical signs, Ron went to the doctor only to find out he needed emergency triple-bypass surgery. It was a shock to us, and things happened very quickly. As I tell you what I have learned, my thoughts go in two different directions.
The first thing I need to do is intentionally bless all those daily caregivers.
I know that I am guilty of saying things flippantly that I do not realize are flippant. For instance, “Make sure you take care of yourself, or you will be no good for your spouse,” or “It will only get better from here.”
Or maybe I have even thought to myself, “What is their problem? It can’t be that hard, just lean on God.”
I am so sorry for my words that may have hurt others. I realize that, in the heat of emotional or mental battle, it is not easy to “just lean on God” or “take care of myself.” My spouse is dependent on me, and others have their own priorities. Asking someone else to do my job doesn’t feel right.
That led to reminders that “Jesus died to pay for my sins” and “Jesus’s stripes heal me.”
But do I really understand what those words mean? When I saw my husband right after surgery, his pain was obvious. There was no misunderstanding, nor was it minimized. I find myself crying even now as I remember. The same applies to Jesus’ death and sacrifice.
Many of us flippantly talk about Jesus’ pain and suffering without understanding the actual pain that Jesus went through for us. Really think about how you would feel if you saw your loved one being whipped and their flesh torn apart. Think about seeing nails being hammered into hands and feet. How about a spear in their side?
When I saw Ron having trouble breathing because of pain, I imagined Jesus on the cross having difficulty drawing breath. I confess I usually think about these things around Easter. But my words should never be flippant or without weight.
I should remember and cry daily in remembrance of not only the pain Jesus suffered for me, but also being willing in the first place to leave the holy father’s presence to do it.
As I thank God that Ron is on the mend, I must also thank the Lord for all the people who care for their loved ones daily. I truly pray that God will send helpers and give them the strength and peace they need to do their work.
And, most of all, I thank God for his son and that son’s sacrifice for me. I am sure Ron will be up to writing next time. Until then, think about your words.
Ron Braley, a locally based minister, Air Force veteran, husband and father, earned a Master of Divinity degree from Regent University in 2018 and a Doctor of Ministry from the same school in 2021.
