Saw this post today: "A person who loses their marriage partner is called a widow, or widower. A child who loses their parents is called an orphan. But there is no word to describe a parent who loses a child, because the loss is like no other." My dad died of alcoholism in 2000. He … Continue reading “Nick, How Many Children Do You Have?”
Peace
Embattled Healing
"But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish." (Isaiah 9:1) Six months ago today my son took his own life. And everything changed. A week ago this past Friday I had a breakdown so severe that Michelle almost had to take me to the hospital. One week ago today, I had … Continue reading Embattled Healing
Wanting My Day in Court
I read the book of Job (the "o" in Job is "long") differently since May 13th. Job lost ten children - i lost only one. But, I think the death of merely one child can send a parent over the edge. I love the man, Job, because he gives me biblical permission to accuse God … Continue reading Wanting My Day in Court
Fields of Faith
On October 24th, my 17 year old daughter, Macy, was given the opportunity to speak at FCA's "Fields of Faith" event at AT&T Jones Stadium here in Lubbock. Over 8000 were in attendance. Macy spoke about the grace of Jesus Christ, and how that grace has given the Watts family strength since her brother/our son … Continue reading Fields of Faith
I Thought You Were Dead!!
There are 8 recorded cases in the Bible - in addition to the resurrection of Christ - where a person is raised from the dead. I always thought these stories were intriguing before. But now, since May 13th, I think afresh of how the families must've felt when their loved one was brought back to … Continue reading I Thought You Were Dead!!
The Unwanted Journey
Through a mutual friend, Southern Baptist Executive Committee President, Frank Page, learned of Jordan's recent suicide. Page's daughter, Melissa, took her life, as well. Last year, Frank published a book entitled simply, "Melissa." He sent me a copy with a sweet note. From his introduction: "I'm not over Melissa's death. I admit that. I'll never … Continue reading The Unwanted Journey
“Blessings” (In Diguise)
My wife, Michelle, wrote this as Christ brought fresh insight/new mercies (written in parentheses) to the lyrics of Laura Story's song, "Blessings." Below Michelle's post is a picture of us with Laura Story and her daughter. Laura learned of Michelle's blog and, when doing a concert here in Lubbock, wanted to meet Michelle. nw … Continue reading “Blessings” (In Diguise)
Suicide and the Bible – Part 1 of 2
NOTE: On May 13, 2013, my son, Jordan, took his own life. He was 19. What follows is one of the blogs I wrote in response to that event. nw ALSO: If you have been, or are, suicidal, there is HOPE and there is HELP, in abundance! You matter. You are loved. You have infinite … Continue reading Suicide and the Bible – Part 1 of 2
What Evidence Do I Have That There’s a God? And That He’s Good?
The words of the ancient Greek philosopher (3rd century B.C.), Epicurus, sums up most modern atheistic/skeptic thought on this particular topic: "Either God wants to abolish evil, and cannot; or he can, but does not want to; or he cannot and does not want to. If he wants to, but cannot, he is impotent. If … Continue reading What Evidence Do I Have That There’s a God? And That He’s Good?
What Proof Is There That God Loves Me?
There have been moments these past months that I've wanted to give up on God. I'm simply being honest. As one who grew up in a severely alcoholic home, I witnessed more violence as a child than I care to remember. As a full-time pastor now for some 30 years, I've had, on occasion, the … Continue reading What Proof Is There That God Loves Me?