The Next Leg of the Journey

kirkwhalum.com

Somehow or another time froze for a moment as I looked at the label on the bar of soap in my hotel bathroom. (I know, I need to get a job)! The word SOAP was nowhere to be found on the packaging. Instead was written, "Clarifying Bar." My mind raced to wonder, "What is the connection between clarity and cleansing."

I believe that the Lord was saying that the clarity we seek, the clarity we need in order to know what to do and when to do it... is somehow tied to the cleansing work of the Spirit. 1John 1:9 says; "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us of all unrighteousness."

As you meditate on that scripture, let those two words, "cleanse" and "all," sink deep into your spirit. Allow God to first cleanse your conscience (He has already cleansed away the sins themselves) and then to give you the clarity that you need for the next leg of the journey. As he washes away the guilt, he will also point you in the right direction.

Kirk

ENTER NOW INTO THE JOY OF YOUR LORD!

It is with so much sorrow and so much joy and so much gratitude (a true mixed bag) that we announce the departure of Rev. K.T. Whalum, Sr. to be with his Lord forever.  He left us peacefully here in Memphis at 7:28PM, October 22, 2007, with his wife Rosie, my wife Ruby and our dear friends Lumbrea (Rosie's sister) and Hazella LaVar of Stroke of Hope, and myself, Kirk by his side.  There were several of his closest friends with us at that time, for which we are grateful.

His life, especially at the end, was enriched and sustained by the prayers of you, his friends and family.  His home-going was beautiful because of your loving prayers.  We are forever in your debt.

We will now do our very best to "do what we know for sure" and draw close to The Comforter as we process having lost our "Rev."

Funeral arrangements are incomplete, but we will celebrate Rev's life on this coming Saturday (October 27th) in Memphis.

Blessings and thanks,

Kirk Whalum

BLESSED IS HE WHO TRUSTS IN GOD'S MERCY

Today was another "cliff-hanger" for us.  Having returned to ICU because of breathing trauma, Dad had a breathing crisis early Monday morning at around 4.  Rosie rushed over only to spend the whole day watching him suffer (more).  We have corresponded with his pulmonary specialist and neurologist to discover the following:

• Dad has blood clots in both lungs and legs (this is not good because the only way to treat them is with blood-thinners, and blood thinners are a no-no for stroke survivors because of bleeding on the brain).
• Whereas a tracheotomy is just about the only thing (though not desirable) that would possibly alleviate some of his breathing trauma, it would, in theory, go against his wishes as stated in his Living Will -- not to mention the many risks involved.

In summation (of these and other unstated facts concerning his condition), it is our understanding as of today's meeting that Dad is in fact dying.  We are thus preparing our hearts to celebrate with and for him as he inches towards his reward.  He has suffered so much -- more perhaps than many.  The doctor confirmed that he is in a very small percentile of people who have survived this long given his extreme condition.

Dad made it very clear when he was still speaking that what he was going through was "hell" and that he was ready to be with the Lord.  

We so VERY MUCH need your prayers through this difficult phase and hope that you will understand our position.  We are truly grateful and sincerely covet the privilege of praying for you and your family in any way in the future.

"Hope that is seen is not hope..."

Kirk

ROLLER COASTER...

Well, Monday was one of the most frightening days of my life.  I thought for sure that we would lose Dad.  Tuesday, having made it through that, I still felt that eery, surreal feeling that I was about to experience life without my dad.  I didn't sleep well (just a confession).  I kept going over and over in my mind what the funeral would be like. 

After all that Dad actually showed a few signs of improvement today!  It's a roller coaster.  The prayers of the righteous indeed do avail much.  

2 Corinthians 4:16 says: "Therefor we do not lose heart, though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.  For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal."

God please make this a reality in all of our lives today.

Kirk 

What I Know For Sure...

"I did the only thing I know for sure..."

These words stuck out for me as I read the eloquent, passionate assessment from my sister in the Work, Executive SOH director, Hazella LaVar, of the events of Monday, September 17th in Memphis regarding Rev. Daddy.  And here is what resonated in my "Holy Ghost Memory Bank."

"For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that He will stand at last on the earth.  And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God, Whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another.  How my heart yearns within me!"  Job 19:25-27

May I recommend the following download of a song by a friend and sister in Christ, Nicole C. Mullen.  It'll bless you as you, our precious angel (speaking for the very needy Whalum family) continue to be a blessing to others:

The song is called "Redeemer."

www.apple.com/search/ipoditunes/?q=nicole+c.+mullen

THE POWER OF PRAYER!

As an "adopted Whalum" I just HAD to post this. Today was truly one of the most amazing experiences of my life....

Between speaking engagements I picked up a message from Rev. Daddy's sister, Rosemarie, stating that he had taken a turn for the worse and was back in the hospital ICU. Another stroke had occurred accompanied by a series of seizures. When I spoke to Kirk, my heart dropped from the sound of his voice. I've never heard quite that tone from him no matter how negative the situation. He said the stroke was sustained in a part of the brain that was already so damaged there was nothing more they could do. Rosie, Rev. Daddy's wife, asked me to notify several mutual friends, which I did, but it seemed like I should be doing so much more -- but more of what?! As I continued about the tasks of my Mommy/Executive Director routine, I kept tabs with Rosie and Kirk only to hear that Rev. was totally unresponsive, having serious respiratory problems and then -- the clencher -- his blood pressure and heart rate were dropping steadily! The doctors were asking about living wills and other final arrangements.

I did the only thing I know for sure. Within 30 minutes I had contacted every SOH network president asking them to rally their committees for a national conference call prayer with the Whalum family. The few hours before the appointed time seemed like eons. I nervously paced the floor as I prepared my heart and mind to join with my SOH family.

Once we had 4 cities on the line I began to update the group on how dismal the picture looked. The 5th city to call in was Memphis. That network leader had just left the hospital and confirmed how very grave the situation was. Thus the praying began. Then something miraculous happened. As the prayers went up, the blessings came down and Rev. Daddy responded for the first time all day. He began to open his eyes!!! We prayed even harder...the nurses said they couldn't believe what was happening. He was really turning around!

There's a passage of scripture that says something about folk gathering in His name...and another one about the prayers of the righteous availaing much. Well, tonight's experience should make believers out of the most doubting of Thomases. There was no question that the spirit of the Lord was moving BIG TIME. And to top it all off, Rosie held the phone up to Rev.'s ear so he could hear us shouting and praising God for himself. I was practically doing the holy dance in the middle of the living room floor!!!!!!

Prayer is sooooo powerful! I don't know what tomorrow holds, but I DO know WHO holds tomorrow and I praise Him for all the wondrous works He has done. I pray for God's continued blessings on Rev. Daddy, all the Whalums and my precious, loving Stroke of Hope family.

May God's peace abide in each of you,
Hazella

OOOOO...DAD BROKE THE BED!

Well today is my first day "back in the office" after one of my crazy weeks of travel... After a whirlwind week I flew to Newark Friday and performed at Liberty State Park, left that night by train to DC, arrived at 6:30AM and performed at 3 church services at Reid Temple (venue of The Gospel According to Jazz), got on a plane at 2:30PM and flew to Cleveland to perform that night, woke up at 6AM for a radio interview and performed at Border's Books that night!!!

I only included that to set the tone for being "back in the office!"  So I went to see Dad and was able to hug the faithful and diligent Rosie to boot!  Dad seemed to be in pretty good spirits.  Same old challenges more or less  -- though Rosie is much more in tune with the details: 

1.  The phlegm in his chest causes him to have almost constant difficulty breathing.

2.  He still isn't strong enough, or perhaps doesn't have the will yet, to make any significant strides in speech or physical therapy.

3.  He still isn't able to nod or shake his head (thus giving us a much-desired connection with what's going on inside and/or what he needs.

4.  Seems that somehow he got a little bump on the head -- very hard to do when you're bed-ridden.  Let's say that some poor embarrassed attendant just failed to come forward and confess a simple slip while handling shower duties.  But we WILL be paying close attention!  (Not to worry, this is a top-notch facility and very highly recommended)

Having said that, we are so VERY grateful for all the prayers and the constant outpouring of love from you, Rev's family and friends.  There is very seldom (if ever) a time when you'll visit and be the only one there!

In fact, his guests over the last week have included Congressman Steve Cohen, Randy Wade, Dad's dear friends "Bubby" Brooks, Simon Howard, and Jackie Johnson.

A special note of apology here to one of his favorite grandsons, Kenneth, III who took the time to write a long note and posted it here on the site -- only to have it disappear!  I take responsibility for not having made posting directions clear.  Please post again!    :)

Dad also has a roommate named Mr. Haley.  He is able to speak and is quite kind.  We also pray that God will strengthen and bless him.

So how did Dad break his bed!!!  Don't know, I think perhaps one of the attendants accidentally broke it.  But I was there when about 5 attendants (all female) had to muscle him out of the old and into the new!  Let's call it an upgrade! 

The Lord is faithful.  He is loving and kind.  Job says that whether He is giving or taking away, IT'S ALL GOOD and His name is to be BLESSED!  So... WE BLESS YOUR NAME LORD JESUS!

Kirk