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Sometimes life takes us places we never expected to go. And in those places God writes a story we never thought would be ours. (Renee Swoope)

Baptized in the Spirit: (spring 2005) Luanna called home when she was a freshman at college. "Dad," she began, "I want you to know that I have the Holy Spirit. I know I have Him. I did what you said and it worked." Luanna was amazed that such a delightful thing was not more widely known among Christians. "Why didn't they tell me about this in church?"

The Gathering Storm: Luanna's life began to unravel when she was a senior in college, but no one understood why. At that time I knew nothing about bipolar disorder. She withdrew from graduate school in the fall of 2008 after a bout with depression and suicidal thoughts. She moved back home and seemed to be happy. We did fun things together: hiking, shopping, funny movies, picnics, canoeing, and (yay!) World Outreach Church. Everything was good.

But Luanna was more fragile than I realized. My journal for 22 Dec 2008 states, “Today Luanna tried to leave us.” Something within her momentarily snapped without warning. Luanna was treated for an overdose, placed on overnight suicide watch, and then released from the hospital.

Letting Go: Two days later on Dec 24, Luanna asked me if she could drive to the Atlanta airport to pick up her fiance Drew. He had just gotten a short leave from his military assignment at Camp Casey, South Korea. Drew and Luanna planned to spend Christmas at the home of his parents. Her heart was set on going. But it was only two days after a suicide attempt! With the fierce protective love of a parent, I did NOT want to let her out of my sight! I asked the Lord, “What should I do?”

Your love for Luanna is nothing compared to the love I have for her!

That was His way of asking me to release her into His care. So I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and gave Luanna to Him . . . not just for this day, but forever! Luanna left me a lovely note when she departed.

Dad,
Thank you so much for your time and encouragement while I have been here, and most especially for your prayers for me. I love you very much, and it means a lot that you have done these things for me. I love you, and look forward to seeing you again.
Love, Luanna