No doubt God allows trials, tribulations, and tragedy to good people too. Whatever God's plan, someday we will all understand, WHY. (?)
Quite a few years ago,we stayed at the simple, humble home of Cec and Shirley for a couple of days. During this visit I felt very much at home due to the loving Christian atmosphere and I especially treasured the simple healthy vegetarian meals prepared by Shirley.
My husband, Ben Arthur, and I are saddened by the recent heartbreaking news. But we believe that sorrows, pain and sadness will turn into joy. Cec will be able to write the tragic personal experience that will bring inspiration to millions and many people will be drawn closer to the Lord. God provided Cec to us to co-author Ben's story, "Choosing to Live: Triumph over terminal cancer." This book (click this) "Choosing to Live" has motivated many readers to accept the healthy way, physically, emotionally and spiritually as well.
Cec and Shirley have lost almost every material thing plus a loved one, but I believe their love for God will remain strong and confident. So let's continue to pray for him and his family.
What's happened with Cec Murphey:
On the morning of February 27, fire broke out in our home. Shirley and I got out and so did our daughter C-C (Cecile). Her husband, Alan Hege, was trapped inside and died in the fire.
For a long time I sat by myself and watched the fire fighters try to put out the fire. In the midst of that, the words of Job 2:10 came to me. Job’s wife saw all the chaos and loss and told her husband to curse God and die. He replied, ‘We have received good from the hand of the Lord. Shall we not also receive evil?’ As that verse filled my mind, I heard myself say, ‘Who am I to feel I should be exempt?’
The real loss, of course, is Alan. He and C-C were high school sweethearts and married after their first year of college. They had been married almost 30 years. He will be cremated this week, and we’ll have a memorial service later in the month.
The house totally burned and we’ll have to rebuild. Insurance will pay a large portion of the rebuilding. We saved almost nothing, but neighbors and our church family rallied around us. People provided clothes for us. Insurance will provide a rent-free house during the rebuilding. So many have done so much to help us and we’re grateful.
Here are examples of the blessings of God: In 1984, I ghosted the autobiography of ultra-marathon runner, Stan Cottrell. We liked each other and have stayed in touch through the years. Stan lives 1.5 miles from our house. He and his wife, Carol, insisted that we stay with them. My agent, Deidre Knight, and my marketing director, Jan Coates, took over getting out information and notifying friends. That left us free to pull ourselves together emotionally.
My office was the least damaged part of the house, but my computer was fried. Two of my neighbors rescued the hard drive. I bought a new laptop and have it set up. We were able to download everything except Quicken (that I use to keep our bank records). My library of reference books is totally gone, along with copies of the books I’ve written. To my surprise, our passports and most of our 2007 files were smoke filled but readable. We were able to get new drivers’ licenses.
Sunday morning we went to church, and it was communion Sunday—perfect for us. The Reformers of the 16th century formulated the doctrine of the means of grace. By that, they believed that God provided grace through prayer, reading the Bible, hearing the Bible preached, the celebration of the sacraments, and the communion of saints. Sunday morning we were with our church family and felt their loving embraces.
There is little else to say at this time. Shirley and I are doing quite well. Our daughter is having a difficult time—as we would expect—but she will pull through.
With deep gratitude to God and thanks for caring, supportive friends,
Cec
