Joshua Sliva

Joshua would be 40 years old on April 10 if he had survived his bout with cancer. 14 years have past since his untimely passing. We remember him today.

I have thought of Josh much this past 14 years, but I am okay. God has allowed my imperfect life to continue and has paid me back with many blessings of the spiritual  and physical sort. I have enjoyed the friendship of God’s Spirit, of Jesus, and the Father. I have been allowed to simply be myself, to speak transparently, to have a ministry with the broken hearted. I have felt God’s loving comfort for grievers; I have identified with their pain.

These things we have learned from Joshua’s life and dying:

  1. The events of life, thrills or tragedy, are not mere speed-bumps to recover from, but are doorways which open to new worlds.
  2. Many hidden gifts and desires opened for me which were previously submerged by my own strict moral guidance system.
  3. Guidance for me now consists of The Father’s grace, His daily mercy, His unfailing love for me, His friendly encouragement, His dedication to my success and well-being, etc. etc.
  4. I am brand new.

Lastly, Josh, you taught us songs: “You’re the Smile on my Face,” “Home is where my Heart is Now.”

And my favorite words from Joshua: “If there’s a heart that needs un-breaking, mistake that needs unmaking, never be afraid to seek my face; tell me your heart’s desire, I know all that heart requires, the promises I’ve made will never change. If my word is in your heart, you’re always safe.”

I’ve tried to do this ever since.

Miss you son.

 

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10 Comments

  1. P. Norm said:

    Thank – you Pastor Tom,
    We’re lifted up greatly by your freedom to share
    very personal thoughts. A true reflection of Our Lord Jesus
    Christ.

    February 28, 2019
    Reply
    • pt s said:

      Thanks Pastor

      February 28, 2019
      Reply
  2. Hotel Turtle Creek said:

    Those are valuable words Pastor Tom, and the words you Quoted from Josh are beautiful and intimate. I will leave you with a quote with a bit of a twist.” Your reunion with Joshua is nearer now than when he first left you”.You are a blessing thanks.

    February 28, 2019
    Reply
    • pt s said:

      Rich, your a great friend. thanks so much, ts

      February 28, 2019
      Reply
  3. Laura Hoffses said:

    This is so beautiful and deep. Josh’s songs are still amazing. God has used you and your son to touch many. Thanks for the blog.

    March 1, 2019
    Reply
    • pt s said:

      Thanks so much, your words are very kind

      March 1, 2019
      Reply
  4. Carolann said:

    Hi Pastor Tom it’s been awhile since I left a comment. But I was deeply touched for you and the great work God does in and through you. I learn so much from you thank you for your love it and friendship. This is incredibly edifying and beautiful. Thank you

    March 1, 2019
    Reply
    • pt s said:

      Thanks Carolann, you’re a precious friend

      March 1, 2019
      Reply
  5. Carol said:

    I am teaching a teen class, the topic is spiritual maturity. I needed an example of a young life with an incredible testimony of a heart after God, my first thought was of Josh. His life still has an impact for Christ. Thank you for sharing.

    September 15, 2019
    Reply
    • pt s said:

      Thanks Carol

      September 16, 2019
      Reply

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