THE RISE STORY

In December 2021, a close friend sent me a Bible for Christmas and encouraged me to read it in 2022.  Always up for a challenge, and having never read the Bible in its entirety, I took him up on his offer and began a year-long reading plan.  In June of 2022, after a weekend at Camp McCall with my son and some friends, I came home and realized something was off with my health. After a visit to the doctor two days later and some initial testing, it became apparent that I had cancer.  Broken down and helpless, God had me where he wanted me. That night, I prayed in a way I never had before, and relinquished control to God for the first time in my life.

The next day, two weeks behind in my Bible reading plan and extra motivated for guidance, I began to read my daily assignment.   John, Chapter 11 is the story of Lazarus.  It is a story of love and healing, and is the only place in the Bible that Jesus weeps as a result of His love for His friend.  When I came to John 11:4, a peace came over me and God made it apparent that He still had plans for me and my broken life.  In my crisis, He revealed to me that control is an illusion and that the only way to peace is to trust in Him and His will.  

Over the next year, I struggled with the “why” behind it all.  In my struggle, God would use my passion for turkey hunting and a series of successes and failures to reveal to me what mattered most; faith, family, and loving others. 

God isn’t finished with me yet. I struggle to live the life I know I should live, and I am thankful that He is so gracious and loving.  God never promised us life would be easy, but He assured us if we rely on Him, He will never fail. 

Whatever it is in life that knocks you down, press on and have faith in His plan for you.  Rely on Him and don’t give up.  RISE

- W. Eric Seymore - RISE Founder

When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” John 11:4