Overwhelmed. It’s a word I’ve used often since March 9th.
Miraculously (another word I’ve used countless times), it’s not being overwhelmed with fear, anxiety, or dread … not that those emotions don’t sneak in frequently. I have been overwhelmed by the love of God.
There has been such a response of support and love from people everywhere. Even strangers have found their way to Mike’s bedside, asking if they can pray. Others, whom we know, show up all over the place … fasting , praying, making us eat, writing in the “guest” book, making us laugh, sharing a tear, sharing an impact Mike has made, just waiting to meet any need if I ask.
I am so humbled. We don’t deserve this.
“But you would do this for them,” someone said to me when I tried to explain how I feel.
Honestly, and I’m being very honest here … I don’t know if I would. Maybe … for a few … at times. I hope I would … but I know I’ve missed many opportunities.
This … this outpouring … people are on alert everywhere … so concerned … so generous … it’s the receiving end of a firehose of love. It’s … it’s overwhelming.
I think of our every shortcoming of who Mike and I are … our inwardness the last few years as we’ve shifted gears in life … our energy focused on Mike’s return to school and a new career … my absorption with my job.
We’re busy, distracted, inward, self-focused … not deserving.
“And you’re right.. You don’t deserve this. That IS the point.”
If I’ve heard anything “audible” from God this week, it is that. His love is not deserved. That’s why I’m being so blown away with this … there are no conditions here … no strings attached … just raw, authentic kindness. I guess this is what you call supernatural love.
The conversations I’ve had with workers in the hospital, the prayers with strangers … these things came about not because I’m so strong, Because, really … I’m not …
It’s your doing. People like you, who are reading this, have shown my family so much love and kindness… piled up so thick that it spills everywhere and we can do nothing other than see everyone around us with eyes of love (even the “pirate” in the room next door, with the colorful – and LOUD – language).
You have been Jesus to us and His presence keeps spilling over.
Maybe this is what heaven on earth REALLY looks like.
Rashellbud 
You’re right. We don’t deserve it. ..yet He gave…so thankful!
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Thank you for publicly sharing such meaningful thoughts and applications about grace. We prayed for you and Mike and your girls during worship team practice, during the church services and during Voltage with the middle schoolers. I made your family’s photo the wallpaper on my phone so every time I use it I am reminded to pray for you all, my dear friends.
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Shelly, I’m in awe of you. So thankful for your updates on Mike, and for your Raw honesty and emotions, your grace and faith; you inspire the same in others. Continuing to pray for Mike and your family, my friend.
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So beautiful. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. It is so encouraging to hear how the Lord is providing in the midst of crisis. His love is so indescribable, yet you are doing an amazing job articulating it. Praying He continues to shower your family with his grace and mercy, and that He shows up in such special, intimate ways that could only be Him. Love you!
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The testimonies are many my Jakey jason bettina jboi my many hospital stays joey need for encouragement countless words of knowledge exceeding infectious faith yet I find my self unable to find words to describe your gift to our family & our church
We cannot imagine life un”sausy”
Continued fervent prayer
The baker manibusan stofle clan ♡
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What a bittersweet post of His goodness and kindness. Thank you for sharing from the trenches of war. I’m standing with you in the fight for Mike’s life. And He is fighting with you.
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Although we have not met, I too have been praying for Mike and your family regularly! I will continue to pray for strength and healing for Mike as well as a continued overwhelming outpouring of light and love to you and your family.
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My dear Shelly,
Tears are streaming down my face as I read your beautiful words that so clearly communicate a glimpse of the height, and depth and width and breadth of the love of Jesus. You express exactly how I felt, and what my family and I received when my dad passed away, and when my mom was dying of cancer, and all the months that followed. To this day, I clearly remember that phone call with you in the middle of the night, November 2001, when you prayed for me as I had to make that emergency flight home. I remember the girls coming to my apartment to help me decorate my Christmas tree, that first Christmas without my dad – when I did not have the heart to celebrate. The girls cheered me up and helped me do what I did not have the strength or the will to do on my own. I am still in awe of God’s overwhelming, unconditional love when I remember all He has done and is doing for me – and for you – for all of us.
You and Mike and the girls are continually in my prayers. The last few weeks, the Lord has frequently brought to mind many wonderful memories of times spent with your family when we were worshiping together at Crossroads Foursquare Church (now Hope Foursquare) in Snohomish.
Yes, Jesus is Present with us always. “God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall in to the hear of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” Psalm 46
I love you all so much! “I thank my God everytime I remember you” Phil 1:3
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You expressed so clearly how I felt when people were praying for me all over the place and those nearby were doing so many things to minister to me. Praise God that we have grace, and may we respond to the opportunities He puts before us, opportunities to reach out and minister to others. Thank you, Shelly, for your willingness to open your heart and allow us to see what God is doing.
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Thank you for sharing and being open. Our family has been praying for Mike and the family. This morning one of my students who I didn’t even know that he knew about the situation came up to me this morning and said, “We need to pray for Mr. Asmus”. We are praying.
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