Musings and Memories
By Doug Dezotell
For the past year, maybe longer, I have experienced numerous health issues and a number of hospitalizations.
And yet, I have continued pastoring, preaching, teaching and praying as much as I can. I have worked hard to fulfill God’s call on my life.
The wonderful church family of Cannon Methodist have been a strong support to me, holding up my arms, and loving me and Lynn in so many ways.
I believe that through all the trials we’ve experienced as a church family, with the multiple health issues all of us have gone through, we have all grown stronger together.
I witnessed the faith of my congregation increase, and we have become prayer warriors on-fire for God.
It has been a true blessing to this preacher’s failing heart.
King David wrote the following words in Psalm 90:10. “The days of our lives are seventy years;
And if by reason of strength they are eighty years…”
1 turned 70 in March of this year, and my congestive heart failure has gotten even worse.
I had fallen two times last week hitting my head in the same spot both times.
I was taken by ambulance to the Emergency Department at Vanderbilt Bedford the second time I fell and was told that I had suffered a mild stroke. I was admitted to the ICU and I was there for two days.
Psalm 73:26 says, “My flesh and my heart may fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
I was lifted up in prayer through all of this by the love and support of my church family, and the Dezotell family.
I know the God is real, and He is “my ever present help in times of trouble.” I felt the presence of the God I have served since childhood though all of these troubles, and I praise Him through it all.
Rev. Andre Crouch was the son of a pastor, who became a preacher himself. Andre was a popular Gospel writer and singer in the 70’s and 80’s.
One of the many songs he wrote was entitled, “Through It All.” Some of those lyrics are:
I’ve had many tears and sorrows
I’ve had questions for tomorrow
There’s been times I didn’t know right from wrong
But in every situation
God gave me blessed consolation
That my trials come to only make me strong.
Through it all
Through it all
I’ve learned to trust in Jesus
I’ve learned to trust in God.
Through it all
Through it all’
I’ve learned to depend upon His Word.
That has been my heart’s song as I have lived my life.
When we find ourselves in the storms of life on this journey of faith we need to keep our eyes on the Lord and He will lead us through it all.
Hallelujah! We serve a wonderful God.
I want to thank the wonderful people at 911, the numerous kind paramedics who came to my rescue after I fell last week, and the awesome hospital staff at Vanderbilt Bedford Hospital. The doctors and nurses were so attentive and gracious. They all were so kind to me and did their professions proud. Lynn and our three children have shown their love to me over and over and I want to thank the four of them from the depths of my heart. I love you.
And thank you my readers for taking the time to read my column.
Sincerely and Gratefully,
Pastor Doug Dezotell, a grateful BCP Columnist, and local pastor.
