TIM AND KATHY FOWLER’S STORY

This post features Tim Fowler, a writer, photographer and chef. You can experience his creativity on his blogsite, “Scribbles and Snaps.”  Tim says “I created this platform to share my experience of constant amazement with bits of our world and slivers of experience, and strive to make photographs and writing reflect those slivers and bits.  My goal is to amuse you, and sometimes make you laugh out loud, to shine a light where shadows exist, to stir emotion, motivate action, think laterally, and to encourage you to experience life more fully through stories told in photographs and pictures painted in words.”

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“My sweet wife has cancer. Its a brutal reality.”

Tim Fowler pulled back the curtain on his heart during a Sunday morning gathering at North Pointe. Vulnerability is beautiful and strong – an act of worship in its own right.

A Journey Through Fear

Tim and Kathy Fowler’s journey started in 2003 in a physician’s office. Kathy was told that she had lymphoma cancer. Those are fear inducing words.

Would she die?

Would she live to see her sons get married?

Would she ever become a Grandma?

Kathy and Tim faced their fear with faith and courage. The cancer went into remission.

Undeterred Through Faith

Eight years later, April 10, 2011, Kathy and Tim faced the return of the cancer. With it, the fear returned as well. What of the future?

Kathy and Tim determined they would be undeterred in their faith.

At North Pointe we say:
relationships are valued,
faith is authentic,
purpose can be discovered and
people are real.

It doesn’t get any more real than cancer.

Tim shared, “Pray? You bet.

Every day,
for healing,
courage,
patience,
understanding,
strength,
kindness,
resilience,
tenacity,
the right medical care,
the right drugs.

I pray for my kids, their wives, for Kathy, for me.

It’s all there in painful, raw, bare nakedness.

Digging For Joy

The best metaphor I can think of to describe this ‘detour’ is a summer prairie storm. It is a fact that the sun is shining even in the middle of the worst storm. It’s just blocked by the clouds.

Kathy refuses to live without joy.

We look for joy every day by digging deep for everything we are thankful for. We have much to be thankful for.

Cancer does not define who we are or how we live.

We are, and we remain un-detoured.

The people are real here at North Pointe. I value the caring relationships with good friends who support and encourage us.

And in some way, over time, I am discovering my purpose.”

Fast forward to May 22, 2014

Kathy and Tim’s second grandchild was born, a boy – Luke William Otto.

Kathy says, “I am in constant thanksgiving – yet again – God is so good!!! There was a time I wasn’t sure I would get to be a Grandma….now look at me!”

I love Tim’s metaphor.

Your storm may cause the presence of God to be blocked from your vision.

Strength For The Weary

You may feel God does not see you or care to hear your prayer.

God’s response?

Isaiah 43:2,3 – “When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.”

Isaiah 40:28-31 – “The Lord is the everlasting God…
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.”

The metaphor for faith – knowing the Son shines on you even when He’s blocked by the clouds of doubt or fear.

APPLICATION: Are you on a detour? What fears have you faced? Please leave your comment for Tim and Kathy below. Thank you.

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I’m writing in order to help people grow their faith in Jesus, build strong relationships and make their leadership effective. If this material is helpful to you, please follow me.

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