Proverbs 22:1

 I wanted to try to start with a mini-tribute before some brief updates. We'll see how this goes...

"A good name is to be chosen over great wealth; favor is better than silver and gold."

Peter's words, "silver and gold, I have not," might be what my kids may hear one day. So maybe that's why this verse stands out to me. There's comfort in knowing there's much better things they can receive. Hopefully one of those things will be a good name. Like the one(s) I inherited.

My parents are a Godly couple active in our decent-sized church located in a big, "small town." I am the youngest of 4. We played the same sports, went to the same schools, attended the same church, ran in the same social circles, and stayed pretty consistent throughout my childhood. By the time I came around, everyone knew what to expect from the youngest Carroll. The bar was already in place. My parents have always been selfless people who serve in various roles. Too many people know Brian and Dawne Carroll in North Little Rock, AR. That sometimes felt like a curse as a teen who wanted anonymity but I knew it was a blessing, even back then. 

It didn't start with them, though. My paternal grandparents served faithfully in the largest church in Little Rock. He was a deacon, they taught Sunday school, she led in the women's ministry. In high school and college, I can remember them leaving early for church so they could go pick up "the old folks" and give them a ride. My maternal grandfather died when I was little so I don't have any real memories of him, unfortunately. But he was a respected man and architect. My grandmother remarried a man that we are all thankful for. He went home to be with the Lord this week and he will be missed by so many. If you're in Arkansas and near a southern baptist, chances are they know the name Don Moore. They probably remember an illustration he used in a sermon or revival service from decades ago. Or they have a story about how he ministered to them and served them in an impactful way. His shadow is far-reaching. Not because he wanted it to be, but because he used the gifts God gave him to their fullest potential. And his faith became sight this week. In typical Don Moore fashion, he was able to lead one of his hospice nurses to the Lord the day he entered their care. He sent me notes on Acts just a few weeks ago when he found out I was teaching on it in our life group. He will be greatly missed but he left so many blessings behind.

Our kids also inherited a fantastic heritage from Bekah's family. Her parents have faithfully served in a small community most of the time I've known them. Active and well-known in the schools, churches, and neighborhoods, people only have good things to say about the McCarleys. Bekah's grandfather was also a well-known preacher around the state. Between Don Moore and Jerry Holcomb, we are connected to almost every southern baptist in the state. 

That's the kind of name that I'd like to hand over to our kids. One that lowers barriers instead of creating them. A name that elicits stories and fond memories to share. Selfishly, I want those memories to exist personally in my kids' hearts. I want them to lean on first-hand experience and not just stories told by others. I want to joyfully pass that to them and help them understand that we have those good names because of what Christ did for us and how He changed us. Not because we were special but because of Jesus alive in us. This is what I want. Knowing that none of us is guaranteed 90+ years like Poppa Don had, we do our best to lay as firm a foundation as we can each day. Every tired evening and weekend is a chance to establish those memories and communicate those truths. Moments of reflection like this help refocus my attention to the bigger picture and what matters. Now just to figure out how to stop losing that focus day-to-day.

Update:

If you saw Bekah's post last week, you know I was in the hospital for a little bit trying to correct my right eye. The pressure in it improved and the pain mostly went away. It's still too blurry to see out of but I can actually have it open at this point. They said that'll probably improve with time. But they suspect that the immunotherapy is responsible for those issues. We meet with my oncologist Thursday (10/16) to talk about the new plan, but it does sound like we are going back to the drawing board yet again. Re-adjusting is the theme of our fight.

Prayer requests:

- Clarity on what the new treatment plan will be. The effectiveness of that treatment. And the ability to stick with a plan for more than a few rounds. And for the Lord to take this disease away totally, as only He can.

- Pray for our family as we adjust to life without Poppa Don. The service next week should be a beneficial time to celebrate his life. Our kids loved Poppa Don and Eden considered him her best buddy for a long time. They will all process the loss in different ways and we want to help them do that well.

- October-December is busy for everyone in America. We also have 2 kids birthdays to celebrate in the midst of the holiday fun. Eli will be 8 on 10/24 and Eden will be 5 on 11/25. They are a joy to celebrate.

Ready, break.