May 3, 2014 - "Blessed be the Name of the Lord" (Written by Linda Phelps)

Charles Richard Phelps, IV (Chase) holding a picture of his father Charles Richard Phelps, III (Chad) 

“The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”  Today is a day to bless the Lord.  On May 3, 1988, the Lord gave us a happy, healthy baby boy, Charles Richard Phelps, III (Chad).  We praise the Lord for this gift.  On July 27, 2013, the Lord took this gift away.  “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”  A few days after the home going of Chad, Courtney (his wife), and their unborn baby girl my father-in-law reminded our family that “they are not lost if you know where they are.” (“Blessed be the name of the Lord.”)

When our first two children were born, I had prayed for girls.  I had three brothers and no sisters so I had asked the Lord for two girls.  Next I prayed that the Lord would give us a boy.  On Tuesday, May 2, around 10 pm we drove to the hospital and Chad was born on May 3rd at 9:11 am.  Chuck and I were delighted to have a baby boy.  In 1991 and 1995 the Lord gave us two more boys.  What a joy to have a “quiver” with both pink and blue arrows.  
(“Blessed be the name of the Lord.”)

Our first blue arrow was a little peanut.  He weighed only 17 lbs. 5 oz. at one year old.  What he lacked in size he made up for in spunk.  Chad was a fun, vigorous child and young man.  From a boy he loved music and sports.  In second grade he started reading the sports page.  Chad was always an earlier riser and in elementary school he would get up early, read his Bible, play the piano, and read the sports page.  He did it in that sequence not because he was so spiritual but because he couldn’t read the paper unless he had first finished his quiet time and practiced the piano.  He loved people of all ages and even in elementary school he wanted to preach.  I remember one Sunday when we were snowed in.  We had “church” with our family in the living room and Chad was the “preacher” for the morning.  We thank the Lord for his salvation at a young age and that Chad sensed the Lord calling him into the ministry as a junior higher.  
(“Blessed be the name of the Lord.”)

I am sure that each of our family members would agree that these past few months have been the most trying months of our lives, but they have also been some of the best months of our lives.  Psalm 119:71 reminds us that “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statues.”  They have been good months because of what we have learned about our Lord and His Word.  He is refining us, molding us, and preparing us for ministry and eternity.  We desire that our testimony would be like that of missionaries Adorniam and Ann Judson.  When the Judson’s lost their infant son, Roger, on September 11, 1815, Ann wrote, “But what shall I say about the improvement we are to make of this affliction?  We do not feel a disposition to murmur, or to enquire of our Sovereign why He has done this.  We wish rather, to sit down submissively under the rod and bear the smart, till the end for which the affliction was sent be accomplished. . . . O may it not be in vain that He has done it.  May we so improve it, that He will stay His hand, and say, ‘It is enough.’”  
(“Blessed be the name of the Lord.”)

In a few days (May 11th) it would have been Chad and Courtney’s fourth wedding anniversary.  Chad married a godly, sweet girl.  She was a dedicated and loving wife and mother.  We are so thankful to call Courtney our daughter-in-law.  She added joy and a tender spirit to our family.  The two of them were so entwined that even after only three short years of marriage I believe that it would have been an overwhelming burden for one to live without the other.  Therefore, our gracious and loving God instantly took them home to heaven together.  
(“Blessed be the name of the Lord.”)

Chad spent 25 years, 2 months, and 24 days on his earthly journey.  During the week of the funeral I remember my husband saying to several teens that though the book of Chad’s life is closed, there are no dark chapters.  That happy, healthy baby boy who grew up to be a godly husband, father, son, and youth pastor continues to be a blessing – Revelation 14:13 “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth:  Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.”  
(“Blessed be the name of the Lord.”)

If I could talk to Chad today, I would say, “Happy Birthday!  I love you!  I miss you!  Thank you for your life and testimony.  You were a precious gift given to us for a time.  Now we promise to ‘Fan the Flame’ of your short, well lived life for the days and years to come.”  (“Blessed be the name of the Lord.”)

Written by Linda Phelps, Mother of Chad Phelps.