Comments on: Searching for Easter in the Midst of Christmas http://bishopbillmcalilly.com/2013/12/31/searching-for-easter-in-the-midst-of-christmas/ Official blog site of Nashville Episcopal Area UMC Bishop Bill McAlilly Wed, 26 Feb 2014 20:29:14 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ By: Don http://bishopbillmcalilly.com/2013/12/31/searching-for-easter-in-the-midst-of-christmas/comment-page-2/#comment-1911 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 16:02:30 +0000 https://bishopbillmcalilly.wordpress.com/?p=941#comment-1911 Bill, I was touched by your message to Gale’s family and friends. The power of God’s love to find peace in such a difficult time was clearly expressed in your words. At times like this it is so easy to blame God for the evil in this world. I agree with you that God does not take us home but recieves us to His home when we pass through this world. I could never understand why words like “must be God’s time or God’s plan” are used when loved ones past away. God’s love is greater than these. May God continue to use you and bless your ministry. We miss you here in Mississippi.
Love from a close friend,
Don

]]> By: Warren R. Coile http://bishopbillmcalilly.com/2013/12/31/searching-for-easter-in-the-midst-of-christmas/comment-page-2/#comment-1902 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 16:54:55 +0000 https://bishopbillmcalilly.wordpress.com/?p=941#comment-1902 I did not know that this brave officer was your nephew. What a wonderful message and presentation of the Gospel in your remarks that day.
Warren Coile

]]> By: wtmcalilly http://bishopbillmcalilly.com/2013/12/31/searching-for-easter-in-the-midst-of-christmas/comment-page-2/#comment-1900 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 05:11:39 +0000 https://bishopbillmcalilly.wordpress.com/?p=941#comment-1900 Thanks so much, Jerry and Kaye.

]]> By: Kay & Jerry Wages http://bishopbillmcalilly.com/2013/12/31/searching-for-easter-in-the-midst-of-christmas/comment-page-2/#comment-1899 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 03:16:04 +0000 https://bishopbillmcalilly.wordpress.com/?p=941#comment-1899 Bill, It was several days after this tragic event before we realized that this officer was your and Steve’s nephew. Your message was a beautiful and moving tribute. I know it must have been very difficult for you to do this. We will continue to keep you and all of your family in our thoughts and prayers in the difficult days to come. Remembering you and your family with love and fondness and how you ministered to me and my family years ago during the death and funeral of my dad.
In Christian Love,
Jerry & Kay

]]> By: Heather http://bishopbillmcalilly.com/2013/12/31/searching-for-easter-in-the-midst-of-christmas/comment-page-1/#comment-1898 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 02:42:02 +0000 https://bishopbillmcalilly.wordpress.com/?p=941#comment-1898 This line especially rang true to me: “the real temptation is for us to walk bravely alone.” That’s a truth that applied to so many of us in so many areas of our lives.

Here is my own blog entry from the day after Gale’s death, if you are interested in reading it.

http://madamerubieswrites.blogspot.com/2013/12/gale-stauffer-thank-you.html

]]> By: Jimmy Day http://bishopbillmcalilly.com/2013/12/31/searching-for-easter-in-the-midst-of-christmas/comment-page-1/#comment-1896 Thu, 09 Jan 2014 16:49:16 +0000 https://bishopbillmcalilly.wordpress.com/?p=941#comment-1896 Bill, your words of love, comfort and strength are as meaningful now as those that you provided to me and our Church Family at Biloxi First back in September 2010. The outpouring of expression from so many on your blog gives testament to all our heart-felt sympathies to you and your family. You well know from your Pastoral leadership how real and needed is the love and support of the Church Family. As intellectual humans in this world, we always tend to search for the reason why. Your December 31st “Message” has again shown us the way; at a time when it is really us, who wish to extend that arm of support to you. We feel the pain of your loss and we share with you the trust and faith in the true order of our eternal life with Christ. Through the reinforcement provided by that Light and with the support of like minded friends and Family, we will hold on together, with the promise of Easter. From Biloxi First, our prayers are with you and your Family. Jimmy Day

Thanks, Jimmy, for your kind words.
Bill

]]> By: wtmcalilly http://bishopbillmcalilly.com/2013/12/31/searching-for-easter-in-the-midst-of-christmas/comment-page-1/#comment-1894 Wed, 08 Jan 2014 19:25:47 +0000 https://bishopbillmcalilly.wordpress.com/?p=941#comment-1894 Sammy,
Wow! Thanks for reaching out to us.

Blessings.

Bill

]]> By: SAMMIE GRIFFIN http://bishopbillmcalilly.com/2013/12/31/searching-for-easter-in-the-midst-of-christmas/comment-page-1/#comment-1893 Wed, 08 Jan 2014 17:19:35 +0000 https://bishopbillmcalilly.wordpress.com/?p=941#comment-1893 HELLO BILL,THIS IS SAMMIE GRIFFIN FROM GETWELL ROAD DAYS.CHRIS AND I HAVE READ ABOUT YOUR NEPHEW AND KNOW YOUR LOSS.MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS.THE LITTLE GIRL THAT CLIMBED INTO THE FIREPLACE THE FIRST NITE I MET YOU IS NOW A POLICE OFFICER IN DRUG ENFORCEMENT.WE PRAY EVERY NITE FOR THE SAFETY OF THEM ALL

]]> By: wtmcalilly http://bishopbillmcalilly.com/2013/12/31/searching-for-easter-in-the-midst-of-christmas/comment-page-1/#comment-1888 Tue, 07 Jan 2014 13:18:39 +0000 https://bishopbillmcalilly.wordpress.com/?p=941#comment-1888 Thank you, Kaye. I know you know.

]]> By: wtmcalilly http://bishopbillmcalilly.com/2013/12/31/searching-for-easter-in-the-midst-of-christmas/comment-page-1/#comment-1887 Tue, 07 Jan 2014 13:18:04 +0000 https://bishopbillmcalilly.wordpress.com/?p=941#comment-1887 Leslie,
Thanks so much for your response. I remember well when your father died and we were kids trying to make sense out of such a loss.
My fond memories of Fulton remain with me. Thanks for reaching out here to remind me of the shared life with our families.
Bill

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