Monday, October 22, 2007

Encourage One Another: Shan and Jen Gray


What a big day today is for the Gray family! Their little girl, Jordan, who just turned one year old at the end of September, is having one of her major surgeries to repair and correct a cleft palate, along with fingers and toes damaged by a band that developed in-utero. Our prayers are with them, and especially dear little Jordan, as they undergo this trial today. I would, on this occasion, like to recognize this couple--their trust in our Heavenly Father and joy in all situations-- in a I Thessalonians 5:11 post.
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Jen and Shan are always incredibly strong in their faith--before God entrusted them with Jordan Joy and, most especially, after. They are commited to always seeking God in all situations--easy or difficult--and giving God the glory for His goodness.

"Who among you fears the Lord
and obeys the word of his servant?
Let him who walks in the dark,
who has no light,
trust in the name of the Lord
and rely on his God." Isaiah 50:10

They have obedient lives of service--having hosted small group Bible studies in their home, hosting baby showers for others, helping with childcare ministries at church, serving in leadership in church ministries and always doing works that are behind the scenes--meals for others, prayer, watching others' children, loaning items to people in need, sending notes and cards of encouragement, and witnessing to the lost souls that God brings into their lives.

However, beyond their service, their attitude is the wonderful characteristic that separates the Grays from most "comfortable" Christians. They shine like stars to those who need to see the positive witness of a genuine Christian. "So that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe." Philippians 2:15 Despite surgeries and Jordan's pain, unplanned financial paths that God has ordained, and all the normal difficulty that life can bring, the Grays have never failed to use their lives to point to God's sovereignty and purpose. They have joy in all the situations they face and honestly open themselves up to others in order to be effective witnesses and models for Christ Jesus. I can't imagine how many families in similar circumstances or doctors treating their little girl have witnessed the mighty hand of God through the Gray family. You can follow their story and testimony of faith on their blog, http://www.babyjordangray.blogspot.com/.

Shan is an incredible, godly leader in his family--as evidenced in the love they all demonstrate for God and the peace that envelopes their family. When questions arise or difficulties ensue, Shan turns to scripture, prayer and God for his direction. He is a wonderful witness to the other young dads in our Bible study and church. Jen is a godly, loving mother and wife. She is serious about her role in being a helpmate to her husband and teaching her children the ways of the Lord. She uses scripture in her discipline of her children and her knowledge of God's word is an inspiration to many of us. Her priorities are correct and appropriate, and she aims to grow in her walk with the Lord so as to glorify and please Him. In addition, she leads women in the Navigating Motherhood program at our church, witnessing to the unsaved and loving the women who need encouragement and support from someone who has faced so much adversity with the beauty and quiet spirit of an obedient woman of God.

Please be praying for this couple and their sweet, precious children. Pray especially for Jordan's healing and recovery and the wisdom of her doctors today. I know the Grays are giving all anxiety to God and are using every opportunity at the hospital today to be an effective witness to those they encounter.
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. " James 1:2-4

8 comments:

Seagers said...

This is so true. I was just sharing with Jen after our THRIVE message about being SUPERMODELS, that in the past 3 years that I have known her, I have seen her faith multiply exponentially. We are all so blessed to know them!

Jennifer Gray said...

Oh Chiara! I am teary eyed reading this! I can't believe that you would write all of this on your blog. We are sitting in the waiting room during the 2nd half of her surgery and I am so "joy"ful for what God has in store...no matter what the outcome. Yes, I do have anxious moments but truly rest knowing that, like Hannah offering Samuel to the service of the Lord, God loves Jordan more than we ever can and He has the BEST possible plan for her. We MUST hold our children loosely so as to offer them fully to God.
Our family is TRULY blessed beyond measure being able to be a part of a church like Compass and friends like you. Thank you SO much for your love and support and ALWAYS steering us back to God.
Love, Jen

Tall Tale of a Teacher! said...

Thank you Chiara for updating us via e-mail and giving us the blog link so we know specifically what to pray for!

Yvonne F. said...

Wow, I want to be like them (in their Christlikeness)! Thank you for inspiring me through sharing their example. Praise God for Shannon & Jen!

Ryan Hawley said...

I agree. Jen and Shan, you are an amazing example of letting the peace of Christ dwell richly in your lives.

Kelly @ The Nourishing Home said...

Thank, Chiara, for calling out the Grays for their faith and trust in the Lord. Having that level of trust in God when it comes to the health of your own precious child is something we should all aspire to emulate! Love, kel

Swimwife said...

Chiara, what a blessing this post is. thank you so much for your encouragement to the Grays! We love them so much and are so encouraged to see their "Compass Family" support them in such amazing ways!
love ~ the woodwards

Dave and Kate said...

Chiara, your edification of this family is so genuine and uplifting. I am so glad you posted this so that I can be praying. Even though it's after the surgery now, God is out of time and space, so I know I can still be praying for them! :), Love katie