I’ve come to dread the question, “How’s Steve?”  It used to be easier to answer – when there were up’s and down’s, good days and bad.  Now, it seems like all the days are difficult and all the nights are long. This stretch of road requires a lot of endurance, and the determination to count the moments as they come without measuring one next to the other. So the question is tough to answer, but I know everyone cares about how he’s doing and wants an update, so for this one I went straight to the horse’s mouth.

 

Steve talked, I typed (word-for-word – I promise!)  He was exhausted at the end of this..but here are his words to you:

 

Hello family and friends,

 

I was listening to Chris Tomlin’s song, “God of Angel Armies” this morning and there was such a presence in the room. It made me well aware that Jesus has some assigned angels that have gone before me in my battle with ALS. I’ve had some tough weeks lately but I’m also aware that I’m not alone. While there are times my family and friends can’t be with me, Someone is always with me.

 

Thank you for all your prayers and your faith. I am in God’s hands and I can’t think of a better place to be. Last January, I remember wondering if I would see this year’s US Open.  It starts tomorrow, so I have a pretty good chance and I’m excited about that (please imagine Steve smile/smirking here.) One thing that is happening to me that I’d love to share with you is that I keep falling in love with Bo Stern over and over again. (Another smile – he’s just trying to fluster the scribe here.)  There are some earthly treasures that carry more weight than others, and Bo does it with honesty and faith and grace.

 

Keep praying and keep faithfully asking God for His will to be done in my life and through my life…as we should pray that for everyone, always. I sure do love you.

 

Your friend and warrior in Christ,
 

Steve

 

P.S. I think Ricky Fowler has a great shot at winning the US Open, if you wanted to know who I’m pulling for.

 

18 Comments

  1. Thank you for more than you will ever know. You sir, are a blessing and a teacher….

  2. So good to hear from you Steve. You and Bo and your family come to mind often. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. We will be watching some of the golfing too so we will keep an eye on your pick. Ken and I don’t golf, maybe to late to learn, but we still enjoy watching. Blessings !!

  3. I’m pulling for Ricky as well! Love you Steve

  4. thanks, Steve. That was a good word. Love to you from us

  5. Hi Bo and Steve,
    Something struck me as I was reading this and I hope I can convey my thoughts correctly, because it was such a powerful feeling. I think most of us tend to get caught up in the pains and strife of our lives every day and don’t stop to notice God being present in our lives, even without requesting through prayer. So for Steve to notice that presence in the room, regardless of the hurdles he has to overcome in order to be mindful of that moment at that time, makes me realize what a privilege it is to be able to experience all that Jesus is giving him during this journey. Steve’s heavenly reward is beyond comprehension, but he is actually able to taste it in this earthly realm, and bear witness to it for the rest of us to experience also. I feel so grateful to be part of Team Stern; it has been a life changing experience. I love you guys.

  6. Hey Steve, we now have yet another way better use for the letters A.L.S…who knew they meant Angels Love Steve? I know pretty much nothing about golf except that the balls hurt if you try to catch ’em with your hands…so I’ll be on your team and cheer for Ricky Fowler too!

  7. Love you so, Steve. Great to hear from you. Enjoy the Open. I’ll be pulling for your guy to win! 😉 As always, hugs and prayers and God’s will to you and your love… Smooches, Karla & Charlie

  8. Leslie Forbes-Mariani

    I am humbled and blessed. The grace of God is evident in your lives more and more each day. You motivate, encourage, and inspire me, thank you for allowing me to be apart of your journey. You are loved, my family and I remember you in prayer each night. Les

  9. Yes to angels of armies.
    Yes to capturing the depths of love.
    Yes to sharing the sacred to the multitudes. Thank you.
    Oh and Yes to Ricky Fowler…loved watching his last victory
    in that crazy playoff.
    Yes to continuing to pray for Thy Will Be Done on earth
    as it is in heaven.
    All my love.

  10. Thank you, thank you for sharing with us, loving on us and helping us to some what understand the struggles of going through one of the hardest battles our earthly beings can experience here on earth. 5000 miles apart we are still united in hearts and spirit and we love you and cherish your love back to us through the beautiful transparency you are gifting to others.

  11. Thanks Steve & Bo for your encouragement to us. My friends, I haven’t said much, we havent talked much, but we share so much, our Lord, our church, our kids, our families and our Grandsons! God Bless you today my friend & fellow Grandpa! I Love you too! Steve P.

  12. Thank you Bo and Steve for helping to prepare us as we begin our journey down this difficult road. Know that your honestly helps others who are struggling to find answers on how to deal with this horrible disease. The love you have for God and each other shines through the darkness. My prayers are with you and your family.

  13. Thank you for the update. I love how you have been authentic and consistent from the time I met you before ALS up to this year’s US Open. You’ll always be a true hero to me. Love you too.

  14. Thank you Steve & Bo for your update. I woke in the night with you both on my mind. They were such happy thoughts, remembering you in my prayers makes me happy. To hear of your special angels keeping their vigilance with you gives such pleasure in our Lord! We’re with you and will take up a new interest in golf!

  15. So glad to hear an update on dear Steve! Love and hugs to him and the whole Stern family!

  16. My Friday AM Men’s group is still praying for you Steve, plus three other people we know who have ALS. You are the one we worry about the least, because you are the one we know trusts in Jesus. But we pray for you all.

  17. I’m new to your story. I heard Bo on Focus on the Family the other day over 106.9, The Light out of Black Mountain, NC. It touched my heart and I’m praying for you. I ordered the book, “Beautiful Bafflefields” and have almost finished reading it. It’s so encouraging. I love the way Bo expresses herself. So refreshing amidst all the pain. Thank you for sharing your story and your lives with me.

    Kathy Taylor

  18. Thank you Steve, love you too mate! The Aussies did ok in the golf but just not good enough this time.