Dear friends:
As you know, another senseless tragedy occurred a week ago, this time in Colorado. Twelve individuals were killed and over seventy were injured. What started out as a special night at the movies turned into a deadly event. Many are asking why and how this could have happened. I wish I knew the answers, but unfortunately nobody does.
Tragedy surrounds us in life. In the past few weeks several of my friends and loved ones have been confronted with their own tragedy: a father in his early 40s with two young children dies while competing in a triathlon race, a former OB/GYN resident’s brother experiences an intracranial bleed, my friend’s sister and uncle were diagnosed with invasive cancer, and my daughter Raquel is being worked up for an autoimmune disorder. I am sure many of you could share similar stories. They are all around us.
It was eleven years ago on July 29 that I experienced my own tragedy. I was involved in a go-kart racing accident that rendered me paralyzed from my waist down. I have spent many hours thinking about tragedy. Not asking why but how does one continue? Why
is it that some people make it and others never recover from their emotional shock? Why is it that I have that twinkle in my eyes and others don’t? Is it that I am just a strong-willed person? I don’t think so, but I do know the reason.
I turned to the Bible to try to find the answer. As you know, tragedy is woven throughout the Bible. Almost all the disciples were killed, and Jesus was crucified. I would like for you to think about two men whose lives mean a great deal to me: Paul and Job.
As the story goes, Paul was a non-Christian when he was on the road to Damascus. In fact, he hated the Christian religion. Jesus had a special plan for his life, though. Paul was transformed on that road into a Christian and now we know him as Paul. Oh, what a Christian he was. Many of the most meaningful passages in the Bible were written by Paul. His life, however, was full of tragedy. He was stoned, beaten, imprisoned and finally, in a prison in Rome, he was beheaded. People have asked since his time how he could keep going and never drift from his mission to tell the gentiles about Jesus.
Charles Swindoll gives us a clue in his book A Man of Grace and Grit: Paul. “Paul’s secret was not found in a program, but in a Person. Christ made the difference. He taught His servant to endure all situations, every circumstance, each difficult challenge, no matter how adverse, through His power. Paul released all rights to His Master and, in turn, He released all the strength Paul needed.”
The second man I would like to talk about is Job. As you know, Job loved God. He had everything one would ever want: a good family, good health, and wealth. But that all changed, didn’t it? Satan took everything away from him—his family, his farm and, finally, his health. Job did not give up, nor did he ever stop loving his God. The reason may be difficult for some to believe, but God gave Job all the Grace he needed to continue, just like He did for Paul.
So that brings the story to me. Prior to July 29, 2001, I had everything: a good family, a very successful OB/GYN practice, a good OB/GYN residency program, and health. However, on that day I went from the top of the mountain to the bottom of the valley in a matter of seconds. I lay on a go-kart racing track with broken ribs, a collapsed left lung and a severed spinal cord. I was fighting for my life. My body was broken, but my heart was not.
God promised me while I was unconscious that He would give me all the Grace I needed to continue the mission He had for my life. He would be there to pick me up when I fell. He would carry me when I could not walk. He would make sure the twinkle in my eye would continue. As was the case for Paul and Job, God gave me all the Grace I needed to continue.
So, my friends, tragedy is a part of living, unfortunately. I wish I could promise you it wasn’t. However, I can promise you inner peace if only you would believe. His hands are reaching for you. He wants to pick you up when you fall and carry you when you can’t walk. He wants to give you what He gave Paul, Job and me. Because of Jesus, there is Hope in a world of despair.
You can have that twinkle in your eye also if you only believe. The decision is yours.
He is calling you!!
Love,
David
Dear Dr. Wolf,
You are so very inspiring. Thank you for your words!
Dr. Wolf, your words are EXACTLY what I needed to hear, and your timing couldn’t be better!!!! Jesus conquers, we ARE victorious!
Thank you for always being an inspiration to me!!!!
> Dear MaryLou,
Thank you so much for your special words. I remember your visit. It meant so much to me. Thank you for your friendship.We have been in some very interesting situations in OB and OR.
I think you will like my book when it is done.
God Bless You, Dr. Wolf
Dear Leanne,
God’s timing is alway correct. I am glad my words were an inspiration to you. Thank you for following.
God Bless You, Dr. Wolf
With tears in my eyes, as always, I send you love. Your messages always reach and touch at just the right moments.
I will always remember you, Dr Wolf, whether we ever meet again or not. You’re always in my heart, in my most cherished memories (my firstborn, and just in learning from you, medically) and in my thoughts and prayers. I always remember you on July 29 as I remember getting the phone call that hurt so much to hear, yet I knew, God had something mighty in store for someone that already praised and gave Him all the glory. I am always humbled by your spirit and inspired by your strength and follow you in faith.
In His name and in love and peace, Anita xo
Dear Anita,
I alway appreciate your kind words, support, and prayers. Someday, I hope to use your saved stem cells. You alway inspire me with your words.
Love, Dr. Wolf
After losing our second son just three years ago today very unexpectedly and my husband having a major stroke 8 months ago that has left him unable to walk and speak properly I look to you for inspiration. I hope that my faith can let me accept all of the challenges in my life the way you have. Thank you again for knowing you all of these years and giving me hope.
Virginia Galdes
Dear Virginia,
It has been my honor. I will be praying for you and your husband.
God Bless You, Dr. Wolf
Dave,
You are very inspiring. I always look forward to your new postings on your blog.
Dear Diane,
Thank you very much. Thank you for believing. You and your husband are a role model to so many.
Love, David
Wonderful message – thank you!
Dear Susan,
Thank you so much. Thank you also for being apart of my Center.
Dr. Wolf
Thank you so much for your ispiring thoughts. Most of us would like to be like you but fall short. You give me pause for thought to pick myself up and do it all over again! Through faith I do feel I have overcome much but nothing like you have had to – you are my hero.
Dear Josephine,
Thank you for your special words. Remember I am not strong because of me, but because of Jesus.
Take care my friend, Dr. Wolf
Dr. Wolf,
I always consider you my own personal “God-trick”. Just when I start throwing myself a pity party complete with decorations, a message from you arrives. Thank you for putting me back on the path that I need to be on. You are truly a remarkable man. Say hi to Anita for me. I miss you guys.
Dear Sharon,
Thank you for reading my message. I am glad my words were meaningful to you. Thank you for typing all thos letters and allowing me to be your OBGYM physician. You are special.
Love, dr. Wolf
Thank you for your inspiring words David! You truly are an amazing man. I remember visiting you in the hospital shortly after your accident, you definitely had that twinkle in your eyes and you said then, “This is not the way I planned my life, but now I make a new plan and with God’s help I know I will!” You have done just that and I know you will continue to help many people with this book you have written. God bless, MaryLou
> What a Journey and Gift David, You have touched so many people by your prayers and your Life. Amen. None of us know what our lives are meant to do, but through our Faith, we do know that we are truly Blessed.
We will continue to serve the Lord and I believe that He guides us in our daily lives. All part of the Divine plan. God Bless you in all you do and the inspiration that you provide, Happy anniversary.
Your Friend in Christ,
John
Dear John,
Thank you so much for your special words. You probably know you are one of my role models. Thank you for Haiti and alway taking such good care of me. Keep up the good work John.You are needed and and appreciated.
David
Dear Mary Lou,
I remember when you and others came to see me on that Sunday afternoon. That was so important to me and my recovery. I really appreciate your prayers and friendship.
Love, Dr. Wolf
Dr. Wolf,
What beautiful words, couldn’t have been said any better by anyone else. We can’t even imagine losing a loved one as in the Colorado shootings or a tragic accident that happened to you. You are a very special person to be able to do what you are doing & inspire everyone else in similar circumstances. What a pleasure having you as my doctor in the past, long ago years, & being a part of your new website.
Thank-you. Sharon
Dr. Wolf,
You have put a twinkle in many peoples lives with your inspiration. We cannot imagine what it would be like to lose a loved one so suddenly as in the Colorado shootings or to have a tragedy strike a loved one as has happened to you. We can only accept what it is & go on from there. Some can do it and some cannot. You were my dr. for many years in the long ago past & it was a pleasure to come to your office to see you. You delivered my one & only son. The best to you everyday.
Sharon Mahon
Dear Sharon, Thank you so very much for your special words. I am so honored that you allowed me to be apart of your life. I hope my words will alway be an inspiration to you.
God Bless You, Dr. Wolf
Very nice
Dear Barbara,
Thank you.
David
Please give your daughter Raquel Our very best wishes
Love
Bruce & Mary Ann
Dear Bruse and Mary Ann,
Thank you for reading my message. I hope it was meaningful to you. I will keep you informed about Raquel.
Love, David
Dr. Wolf, you never cease to amaze me. How is it that you know just when your friends, family, former employees, need your wisdom? My week has been full of unexpected trials. I am having to dig deep into my faith. Thank you again for putting things in perspective. Love you always.
K.C.
Dear K. C.
I am glad my message was meaningful to you. I want you to know I am proud
to call you one of my friends. I hope my book will be of help to you also.
Love, Dr. Wolf
Your words are truly soothing. Thanks for taking time to care about others. You have a wonderful gift from God. Keep spreading your inspiring words. May God Bless you and allow you to continue your mission.
Dear Kim,
Thank you so much. I really appreciate you taking time to read my message and respond. It means a lot to me.
Dr. Wolf
Dave, I know your testimony will reach many people who need inspiration. I know you have changed me.. Thank you for keeplng the Lords works in our every day life.
Love and Smiles, Beth
Dear Beth,
Thank you alway for your kind words. I am sure you know how special you have been to me throughout all these years. I will always remember you standing by my side during all those surgeries.
Take care my friend, Dr. Wolf
Dr. Wolf, you are such an inspiration to me! I count having known you as one of my many blessings. I have been going through my own personal tragedy the last 2 years, and I know that one day soon I will have an amazing testimony to share. Prayer and praise is what keeps me going every day. I wish I could say that I am strong every day; I do get battle weary. But God carries me through those times, and reading your blog lifts me up at the right moment. You are a blessing. Keep living God’s will for you. Janice
Dear Janice,
Thank you for sharing. I am so greatful you are one of my prayer partners. I will continue to pray for you and your family.
Love, Dr. Wolf
Dear David,
Wow!!! What a message in a few short paragraphs. That is the best sermon I have heard in a long time. So proud of you and the way you have continued to keep the sparkle in your eyes as you keep your hand in the Lord’s hand. Blessings on you. Hope to see you soemitme soon.
Love and prayers, Claudia
Dear Claudia,
Again thank you. Remember your Mother and Father played a big part in my life.I will send my message Monday.
Love, David
Just what I needed this morning Dr. Wolf. We didn’t work together long but we connected on God’s playing field. Thank you for the words this morning and a reminder of just how fast life can change for all of us. I have not lost that twinkle in my eye either. Thats not the way God made me. Take care sir. love ya, Brenda
Dear Brenda,
Thank you for reading my message. I am glad it was meaningful to you. I hope things are going good for you and your family. I think of you every Wed. when I go by your store on my way to Monroe wih my residents.
God Bless, Dr. Wolf
Dear Dave,
I thank God for you ,your friend-ship and asking me to be
one of your many prayer partners.
Is’nt it great to know that God’s annointing is upon us and
that no matter what life has in store for us his grace is
sufficient, his favor is upon us and that he will never leave us or forsake us.
Our Lord says to just Trust him by relinquishing control
into his hands.Let go,and recognize that I am God. This
ishis world:he made it and he controls it. Amen.
Love, John
Dear John,
Thank you for your comments and prayers. It means a lot to me.
God Bless you, David
Dr. Wolf,
Looking at today’s date, you will be in my thoughts tomorrow as it will be July 29th. The day your world changed !
Love, Sharon Mahon
Dear David,
Thank you for your heartfelt and timely message. Tragedy matters, but how we handle tragedy matters more. Your message is a much needed reminder for all of us.
Love,
Connie
Dear Connie, Thank you for allowing me to enter your heart and tell my story. Because of you lives will be changed after they read ” The Gift Is You “.
Love, David
Beautiful Dave. As always inspiring others. Proud to have you as my friend and inspiration
Rick
Dear Rick,
Thank you for taking time to read my message. I really appreciate your special words and friendship.
Take care my friend, David
As always, very insightful. It is so true that we become so much better after tragedy. These words are a great reminder that God has a plan, and the answers are not always known. Thanks for the beautiful words.
Dear Cristina,
Thank you so much for your kind words.
Dr. Wolf
Dr. Wolf,
I continue to be in awe of your strength, wisdom, love and solid faith. God has a plan for all of us and in Him we should put our trust. Thank you for sharing “The Gift is You” with all of us.
Many blessings to you & yours,
Dawn Brown
Dear Dawn,
Thank you for reading my message. I am glad it had meaning for you. I hope you are doing well.
Dr. Wolf
Dr. Wolf,
I think of you often, and miss my yearly office
visits with you, as you were always (and still
are) a ray of sunshine – a light from above,
burning brightly ~ still touching/healing so
many hearts. Always in my prayers, & I thank God for you and all His blessings.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, especially
heartfelt. With love always, Linda Doyle
Dear Linda,
It was so good to hear from you. So many great memories. I am glad you were able to read my message. I hope it was meaningful to you. Tell Danny I am doing well. Love, Dr. Wolf
Dr. Wolf, thank you for sharing your hope and trust in our Savior. I can’t imagine going through life without Him. He has been my strength and my song for 30 plus yrs now and I am so glad He is yours as well. Just wanted to fill you in on my son and daughter. My son just recently married and lives in MN. . Our daughter Ashley, our miracle baby has graduated from HS and is soon to attend Bob Jones University in SC. She is a strong believer and is a ray of sunshine in our home and hearts. Thank you for letting God use your tragic circumstances to encourage others to look to the One who knows and loves each and everyone of us, and for your daughter Raquel we pray Eph. 3:20. May God continue to use you and bless you as you serve Him in this way.
With love,
Pat Raburn
Dear Pat,
Thank you for sharing. I hope you are well and happy. I miss talking to you. Dr.Wolf
You have such strong faith and trust in our Lord. When I used to go to you as a patient, that was one of the things I admired about you the most. Your strength. This is something that only Jesus gives us. And you are right, if you believe in him and put your trust in him, he will walk, carry, & stand by you through all your adversities. I do miss you Dr. Wolf and I hope you are doing well.
Dear Sally,
So nice to hear from you. I hope you are well. I really appreciate your special words and following along with my story.
Dr. Wolf
Dave,
Jane and I will always be grateful for your expert, compassionate care and kindness toward our family. Thank you for all you do for so many. Raquel has our thoughts and prayers for a favorable outcome.
Chuck and Jane
Dear Chuck and Jane,
Thank you for reading my message. I hope it was meaningful for you. As you know your friendship is so important to me. You are alway there when I need you. You are in Anita and my prayers. Love, David
Thank you Dr. Wolf for being a bold messenger for the cause of Christ. In a world where it seems to becoming more and more offensive to people to admit that you are a Christian, it means so much to me to hear you boldly tell what God has done for you and through you. I know that Gods grace and blessings in your life are only beginning because of your continued obedience to Him. I will be praying for your daughter and the others you mentioned as well. – God Bless and keep writing.
Dear Debbie,
I hope my message was meaningful to you. I really appreciate you following along. Take care. Dr. Wolf
Dr. Wolf,
That twinkle in your eye is what I miss the most about the ob clinic. This message was just what I needed at this time. I have grown to love and respect you like no other. Continue on your mission of inspiration and letting people know that this is what God had in store for us. He could not have made it all roses, we would not grow from that but adding bumps in the road is what make us who we are. Miss you guys tell Laurie hi for me.
Love Becky
Dear Becky,
Thank you for taking time to read and comment on my message. You are missed by all. My book should be out in 2013. Stop by and see us.
Dr. Wolf