“God is good all the time; all the time, God is good.” How long could you say that phrase and still mean it? It is easy to say God is good when we narrowly avoid a car accident. It is easy to say God is good when a sick relative is healed. When circumstances – even tough ones – turn out according to our desires, it is easy to say, “Praise the Lord!”

But what if you were born with a disorder that caused you severe pain for your entire childhood? What if your family was in a car wreck and you lost a portion of your hand when it was crushed under the vehicle? What if the school you lead for over twenty-five years experienced a devastating fire? What if your grandchild had to undergo major heart surgery? What if another grandchild passed away before being born? Through all of this, could you still say, “God is good all the time; all the time, God is good?”

It might seem impossible to remain faithful to God and trust in His will through circumstances such as those. Yet, by God’s amazing grace, one family has been able to do just that. Why? Because this family believes that in all things God has a plan, and that God’s plan is to use trials to make us grow in Christ and bring glory to God.

As the DeLeon family drove headed down the highway one evening, they had no reason to expect that their trip would be any different than the rest. Yet in an instant, everything changed. The family van swerved and then rolled onto its top, coming to rest on young Autumn DeLeon’s hand, crushing it. Doctors would have to remove a portion of her hand in order to save it. “God is good all the time; all the time, God is good.”

Of course, this tragedy would be hard enough for one person to bear, but Autumn had already endured a lifetime of trials. She had been born with a condition that caused her daily pain for most of her childhood. Think of how awful you feel once every few years when you come down with the flu and now imagine feeling that for days at a time, year in, year out. “God is good all the time; all the time, God is good.”

When the family van rolled over, leaving a mother and 8 children on a roadside under the care of paramedics, one of their first calls went to Dr. Dennis Ice, Headmaster of Heritage Hall Christian School and the children’s grandfather. Within the previous year, Dr. Ice’s one of Dr. Ice’s granddaughters – Isabelle – had been born premature and spent months in hospital NICU while another granddaughter – Zoe - had been born with a major heart defect that lead to life-saving surgery just months into her existence. “God is good all the time; all the time, God is good.”

As Dr. Ice headed down the highway to be at the hospital with his hurting family, he already had a heavy burden on his shoulders. A burden God had been helping him bear for some months. In the crisp, cold morning hours of a November morning, a fire had broken out in the Christian school which he had faithfully led for over two decades. The fire caused major damage to the school facilities. Classrooms had to be arranged, insurance had to be settled, families needed to be encouraged, and when inspectors gave their report the one word was spoken that no one wanted to hear: arson. The fire had been set intentionally. “God is good all the time; all the time, God is good.”

To be certain, it wasn’t always easy to say those words and mean it. Once, when a colleague reminded Dr. Ice that trials are “opportunities,” Dr. Ice replied that he wasn’t sure he needed any more opportunities! Who could blame him! And yet anyone who heard him make that comment could tell you that there wasn’t a single ounce of grumbling, complaining, murmuring, disputing, or bitterness in his words. The twinkle in his eye was saying what the entire family said through days, months, even years of trial. The very words Cassandra DeLeon said as she looked at her family’s crumpled van: “God is good all the time; all the time, God is good.”

 

This is the true story of the DeLeon and Ice families. Ben Ice, founder and President of Truth Trackers is the son of Dr. Dennis Ice. The families would never take praise and glory for their evident faith in God, but would gladly proclaim that it is only by God’s grace that we can say in every trial: “God is good all the time; all the time, God is good.”

 

Author: Aaron Whisler is a writer for Truth Trackers and is on staff at Heritage Hall Christian School in Muncie Indiana. He and his wife Brenda are currently going through a heartbreaking trial of their own. Myles Jonathan Whisler, was born on December 15, 2009, very early and with many medical problems. He will have to deal with many surgeries and a long road ahead. Aaron and Brenda trust a great God to see them through the days ahead. They too have testified that, “God is good all the time; all the time, God is good.”

   

 

Isaiah 41:13 For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

(Autumn’s verse)

 What can grip ones heart, increase ones pulse, and keep one lying awake at night? What can take possession of a soul unlike anything else? What can get ones mind totally off of reality and onto the “what ifs”? What can allow a good day in the sunlight, but when darkness falls—the unwanted visitor grips the heart?

  Fear.

 This word has been the subject of our home. This word has penetrated many of my children’s hearts these last couple of weeks. I myself have personally experienced this emotion that can overwhelm the natural mind and make one dwell on experiences that have or have not occurred.

Each of my children has different fears, all stemming from the traumatic event they experienced. Fear of crashing again, losing their parents, sleeping, fire, wind, burglars, the unknown, remembering, the dark.... All of these fears come at night when our thoughts are our very own. In the stillness of the dark, fear comes lurking.

Turning to the Word, the only truth that can help the soul, is the true remedy of fear. Resting in Christ is not just what you believe in your mind. One cannot just say I believe God, but it is what one is really trusting, resting in—a life that is acted out in obedience to His Word.

Memorizing God’s word, speaking of who He is, repeating over and over that God allows things in our lives for our good, repeating his promises, and listening to good music are all truths we dwell on.

Is God good? Yes! Can we trust Him? Yes! Resting in His Almighty arms is the solution of my soul. We will trust Him moment by moment.

Palms 23: 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Psalms 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Psams46: 2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

 Ps 188:6 The LORD [is] on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

 Proverbs 1:33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

 Proverbs 3:25 Be not afraid of sudden fear…

 Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness

  Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

 II Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

 Psalms 139:10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

 Ps 57:1 Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until [these] calamities be overpast.

 Ps 63:7 Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.

We were on the road one minute, and flipped the next. When the van came to a stop I, Autumn, couldn’t believe it had happened. You know when you see or hear about an accident you don’t really think about it happening to you. I think it’s about the scariest thing that has ever happened to me! I guess you have heard about me losing two of my fingers. It doesn’t really look that bad! After the accident I kept thinking about all that had happened. A couple of years before that mommy had our family memorize Ps 91:1-5.  It has been a big help. God has given me the strength to be happy about it. 

 When I was 5 I knew that I was a sinner but Jesus had died for my sins, and was buried, and rose again. I asked Jesus to take away my sins. That’s how I know, if I wouldn’t have made it, I would have gone to heaven!   Thank you for all your prayers.

Autumn Kay De Leon

Autumn wanted to write in her own words about the accident.  She typed this with her left hand using one finger. :) Nothing was changed except some mispelled words.  I hope this blessed your heart as it did ours.  

Cassandra

The Lord is Good. His mercy's are everlasting and His truth endureth for all generations.

 The Accident 

Many people have asked what happened. On October 10, I (Cassandra) left the house at 3:00 on Friday afternoon (Oct. 10) to drop off three of my children at Stacie's house (a friend at church). The car was packed with suitcases, pillows and all 8 of our children. Joshua, 13, was sitting in the front passenger side. I asked him to trade places with Autumn because I wanted to talk to her on the way. I remember he willingly gave up his seat with a sweet spirit. Autumn, 12, was now sitting in the passenger side and Joshua was behind her. Next to him was Mercy Anna, our 13 month old, in a 5 point harness. In the second bench seat was Melody, 10, Carissa, 9, and Serenity, 3. Serenity was in a booster seat. In the third bench was Timothy, 6, in a booster seat, and Stephen, 5, in a booster seat.  We were heading south on 83.  After thinking it over, I remember looking in the left side view mirror and when I looked up, I saw us going off the road. But I was too late, the embankment was steep and I saw a pole coming at us. I tried to swerve, all the children were screaming; I knew we were going to hit the telephone pole.  I turned the wheel and we hit and somehow we rolled.    The van was upside down, I had blood all in my face and eyes. All I kept thinking was, "I need to turn the engine off." I asked the Lord for strength and He allowed me to find the ignition. I knew if it was kept on we might blow. Next I unhooked Autumn's seat belt. Joshua was getting Mercy out. He succeeded in getting all the children out with the help off some teenagers. I knew I had to get out but I didn't want to leave Autumn. She was screaming.

 With the help of some men, I was able to scoot out on my back. I left my foot in the wreck so Autumn could see some of me. Autumn's hand was caught under the car. When the car rolled, the car landed on her hand, pinning it to the ground. We sang, "The Lord is my shepherd" together until Daddy arrived. Tom, a man from our local middle school, held her hand. The Lord brought him as an angel of mercy to stay with Autumn until Daddy got there.

I was taken to Good Samaritan hospital and transferred to Grant in Columbus. Michael asked Joshua to go with Autumn, so he went with her in the ambulance to Good Samaritan. She was later life-flighted to Nationwide Children's hospital in Columbus. Before she left, I was able to say goodbye to her because they put us in the same trauma room together before they transported us to different places. I told her I could not come with her and Daddy could not come (he was with the other children). That was the hardest thing I had to say to her. I told her that Jesus was with her. Then I remembered that my Dad was already on his way to see us heading east on 70. So I promised her Papa would be there at Children's when she got there and she calmed down some.

 Miraculously, my Dad (Papa) arrived at Children's 5 minutes before the helicopter did. (Michael had called him and asked him to go right to Children's when he heard Autumn was headed there). She had immediate surgery on her hand. She had an excellent surgeon who specializes in hand and finger surgeries. She lost her right pinky and ring finger, but kept her life. Her thumb was able to be saved.

I separated my shoulder, lacerated and fractured my nose and have many bruises. My face is pretty banged up; I have two black eyes. I was discharged from Grant at midnight. Pastor Bob Shaw and his wife Karen came to be with me, as well as Don and Kristy. What a comfort to have that human touch. My clothes were ruined in the wreck and I had nothing to wear. The Shaw's graciously went out and purchased everything I needed.

Melody was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital. Joshua was already there with Autumn so when she flew out, Joshua was able to comfort her until Ron Hinebaugh (from our church) and Perry Griffin (a visiting missionary) arrived. The other children were taken to Bethesda hospital to be checked out. My husband was with them with several other folks from church. Serenity was being checked out in the ER, she said, "Have you ever been in a crash and gone upside down?" Everyone had bruises but were miraculously not seriously injured. After several of them had CAT scans and were watched for a few hours, they were released.

 We are so thankful for our dear church folks who helped us and did what needed to be done—especially staying with the younger children so Michael could get to Children's hospital to be with Autumn.

The Miracles

I still can not believe all the miracles that took place. God allowed the accident, but comforted us all along the way. My mind kept going over and over the verses in Isaiah 41:10 and Psalm 131.

 We are praising the Lord for life and protection and for every little miracle. Here are a few of the more significant ones for which we give our Savior Jesus Christ all praise:

1. No one was killed. We still have all of our precious children with us.

>2. Joshua couldn't have fit in the tiny space Autumn had fallen in during the accident. It was providential that he was in the second seat and not in the front where Autumn was.

3. Autumn's head landed on her pillow. She does not have any bruises or head wounds because of this.

4. All the children's bucked secured them. I'm told the children received their injuries when they unbuckled themselves and fell out off their seats after the accident.

5. Joshua was the rock that kept all my children together and accounted for. The Lord gave him unusual strength to do what needed to be done.

6. My Dad was with Autumn the entire time at children's until Daddy (Michael) could come.

7. Autumn had a Christian nurse who cried with us and got on her knees beside the bed and prayed with all of us. We already knew her from the many previous times Autumn had been on this floor.

8. She had the best surgeon around.

9. We have the most wonderful Lord to comfort us.

The first thing Autumn told me when I saw her was, God has something special for me! Her Papa told her that! Amen!

Many of my children our suffering more emotionally know. Even I have to pray and sing and quote scripture to keep my mind off the accident. Pray especially for Joshua, Autumn and I, as well as the rest of the older children as we struggle with reliving the events. Please pray for physical and well as emotion healing. We know the Lord is the Great Physician of the mind and soul. We can trust Him.

My nephew has a quote, "God is good all the time, all the time God is Good". Amen!

Thank you all for praying for us. Your love and care is a great testimony to the grace of our Savior. May He be glorified in it all!

Cassandra De Leon


  Our wrecked 15-passenger van