Surgery – Miracles – Rejoicing

Bryson’s recovery from surgery on his left eye in January continues to be miraculous (a word not to be used lightly), resulting in a complete restoration of the transplanted cornea in that eye. The left eye, which became suddenly blind in 2015 and was regressing toward blindness again this past year, now boasts 20/25+2  vision! 

This Friday, May 17, he will undergo Cross Linking surgery in his right eye, the goal of which is to slow the progression of  the same insidious disease (Keratoconus) that blinded his left eye. Several months of healing are required in order to reveal the results of this new surgery, during which Bryson will have blurriness and discomfort. I will update you on the result of this surgery as soon as I am able. Thank you for your prayers during this time.

For those interested and able to participate in the $4,000 out of pocket cost of this new surgery, we would be grateful. We have not yet been able to fund the shortfall that exists from the January surgery, and this week’s surgery will drain much of what is left from our account. In order to conserve funds to pay for this surgery, we discontinued my salary as President of All the King’s Horses Ministry in mid March. Obviously, this puts a strain on my ability to pay for Bryson’s current living expenses, and his myriad special needs. While this situation is discouraging, we know that the Lord will provide in His time, as always.

This shortfall provides me with a wonderful opportunity to praise the Lord! How unfortunate it would be to fail to remember His faithfulness and praiseworthiness when He allows us to come upon a difficult juncture. Rejoicing during such times is an act of obedience, and always appropriate in light of all our precious Savior has done for us! Who knows? Perhaps our praises mean even more to Him when our circumstances remain difficult and our resources fallow.

I can also praise Him as the beat goes on in terms of Bryson’s other physical frailties. Last weekend, he fell three times, injuring himself once (not serious, just black and blue this time). His wrist (with 2 torn tendons from a recent injury) remains a concern, and he daily wears a brace. I also praise God that He is giving me the strength to battle forward in my recovery from shoulder surgery, even as the ups and downs of post-concussion and chronic fatigue syndromes linger. I am thankful for every “good” (high energy) day I am granted, even as the Lord continues to teach me that His joy is my strength (Nehemiah 8:10) on the “roadkill” days as I have come to call the low energy days. 

Yes, I still have many days of extreme exhaustion when my mental clarity is slow and foggy, making it difficult just to think. These are the days that are the hardest to bear, particularly in view of the myriad needs of a special young man who endlessly needs his eyes medicated, who daily needs help in the bath and in tying his shoes and cutting his food, who obsessively and suddenly perceives that his ears need to be cleaned and his toenails cut, who can break down into an angry two-year-old trauma, without notice. But yes, I will say it again (Philippians 4:4) these are the times to rejoice!

Rejoicing is never a “put on.” How good to know that we do not need to go around with phony, sugary smiles on our faces, pretending all is “fine,” to protect our “Christian” witness. In order to truly praise and honor Him, there must be honesty between Brothers and Sisters in Christ. Being real with each other will enable those around us to seize genuine hope too, empowering them to praise God from the midst of their pain, even through their tears.

What can I rejoice in, what can you rejoice in dear reader of this newsletter, when we find ourselves at the lowest of lows? For starters, we can rejoice that the Lord is right here with us in the midst of our struggles, that He has never failed us in the past, indeed that He will never leave or forsake us. King Jesus will keep showing up in His way and time, providing for us as He sees fit. Jesus Christ is an Anchor that holds, no matter what we may ever face! 

“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
And saves those who are crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
 But the Lord delivers him out of them all.” Psalm 34:18

“I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord
In the land of the living. Wait for the Lord;
Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14

As mentioned last month, I am more passionate than ever regarding the unique calling that All the King’s Horses Ministry has received from the Lord to shed the light of Jesus Christ to many in this dark world. All the King’s Horses Ministry will continue to point unbelievers to Jesus Christ for salvation. We will continue to encourage struggling believers to persevere in hope, relying upon Jesus Christ more and more, and upon ourselves less and less, reminding all to rejoice in the Lord always  as we journey through this difficult but temporal world. What a joy! What a privilege! Yes, I will rejoice!

Thank you for your prayers and support. 

Your brother in the battle for Christ, 

Barry Milazzo 

But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24