A Christmas Prayer for Ian

As we prepare to celebrate the incarnation of the Word, I have a special prayer request to make of all of you. If you've been a longtime reader, you may recall the Valentine's Day testimony of one devoted woman named Larissa Whiteley. Larissa and her boyfriend, Ian Murphy, were planning to be engaged when Ian had a life-threatening accident more than two years ago. Initially, he wasn't expected to survive. Then, with his significant brain trauma, he wasn't expected ever to improve. Then he wasn't expected to be able to  communicate in any measure, such as with sign language. He was not expected to be able to feed himself. Nor use a motorized wheelchair on his own nor even stand on his own. But praise be to God, he has done all of these things!

Now, to the amazement of all, he has even spoken his name! Being a bit behind on my blog reading, I was floored when I read this November 29th update on Ian's blog:

I've been waiting more than two years to write this post. I've pictured the title in my head so many times......

Ian spoke. He said his name last night. And he said it again twice today..........

"For it is you who light my lamp;

the Lord my God lightens my darkness.

For by you I can run against a troop,

and by my God I can leap over a wall.

This God—his way is perfect;

the word of the Lord proves true"

I am floored.

Praying that this is one word of many...

Larissa

Two days ago, Larissa posted that Ian is mouthing words a lot, and thus their life has become a game of charades. Then she added, "Ian said tonight that he wanted me to ask blog readers to pray for his voice." I am joining the hundreds who are praying and I'm asking you to do so, too. I cannot imagine a better Christmas gift for Ian's family and friends (except maybe complete healing!). I am eagerly anticipating what God may do for them this holiday season!

Photo: Larissa and Ian, wearing the garment that won his small group's Ugly Christmas Sweater contest.

Comments

[Rachael Starke]

Carolyn - Thank you so much for posting this amazing update! I had read his story before when you had mentioned it, but lost the link. Praise God!!! That's it, I'm permanently bookmarking the site, and adding him to my permanent prayer list too.