Strength From Above: The Power of the Holy Spirit

April 19, 2025, will mark one year since my father, Ronald J. Fullenkamp, went home to the Lord. Over the past year, I have reflected on the final week of his life, and each time I do, I am in awe of the physical, mental, and spiritual strength the Lord granted to all those who surrounded him in his passing.

My childhood home was purchased about twenty years ago by my oldest brother. He lovingly opened his doors to allow the option of my dad to pass in this familiar place. I am forever grateful for his kindness. With six children to care for him around the clock, along with many aunts, uncles, and friends to help, we made it happen.

Six days before he took his last breath, as Dad pulled into the driveway, he commented on being home. We moved him into the bedroom where my three brothers had grown up. Our journey to help Dad go home to heaven began.

That week was filled with family, food, prayer—and a lot of coffee! I can’t even begin to tell you how much coffee we had that week. Whenever someone needed a break—whether for fresh air, an emotional reset, or snacks—they were allowed to leave, knowing that when they returned, they better have freshly brewed coffee for the rest of us.

Someone sat with Dad at all times—he was never alone. His sister was a trooper, embodying what it means to pray without ceasing. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, we read, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” I will never forget her constant prayers. What a blessing she was.

Each of us had an unspoken role. Bryce was always cleaning—washing linens, sweeping, and tidying the restroom for guests. Matt maintained a level head, offering his well-respected opinions on future plans. Alison, a nurse by trade, was deeply involved in communicating with hospice, coordinating the care plan, and tending to Dad’s personal needs. Kevin, a businessman, handled legal matters, made phone calls, and kept paperwork in order. Jennifer, also a healthcare worker, partnered with Alison to care for Dad’s personal needs. As the youngest of the family, I’ve always taken on a mothering role, which is interesting considering I’m the baby of the group. I pitched in wherever I could that week, even though I don’t have a background in healthcare or business. I just tried to be useful.

My biggest role was sleeping by my dad’s side during the last two nights of his life. This was where I had to rely on my Heavenly Father for strength. My brother, Kevin, provided a cot for me to set up next to my father’s bed. The things that drained my energy those two nights were being away from my husband and children, waking every few hours to administer medication, and knowing that at any moment, Dad could take his last breath. I’ll never forget his last night—I almost gave up and went home. I remember calling Matt around 9:30 p.m., telling him I didn’t think I had another night in me. Thankfully, he reassured me that I could do it! He promised to come the next day to offer much-needed spousal support.

When morning came, I felt renewed and ready for the day ahead. I couldn’t believe I had made it! I did it. That’s when I realized, it was only through the power of the Holy Spirit that I survived another night. Everyone involved that week was able to handle whatever came our way because the Holy Spirit was present in that house.

Friends, I am here to encourage you. When life presents difficult situations, you don’t have to face them alone. Your Heavenly Father is there for you.

He listens when you call on Him.

He responds to your needs.

He wraps His loving arms around you.

Psalm 18:2 reads:

The Lord is my rock and  my fortress and my deliverer,

my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,

my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Reflection Questions and Path to Action:

1. Can you recall a difficult time when you knew it was only through the power of the Holy Spirit you made it through?

2. Reflect on that time, giving praise and honor to God for providing the strength only He can give.

   
   
   
   

   

   Rest in peace.