Through illness, uncertainty, prayer, Christian friendship, and unwavering faith, Lucy Thrailkill discovered that God’s presence remains steady even in life’s hardest seasons.

“Under His Wings We Found Refuge”

Lucy Thrailkill — Persevering Under His Wings

A Diagnosis That Changed Everything

In the spring of 2016, Lucy finally convinced her husband, Gene, to go for a routine medical checkup. After nearly 57 years of marriage, she knew well that Gene could be stubborn, but she was thankful he agreed to go.

The very next morning, the doctor called. Gene’s blood work showed an extremely high white blood cell count. Within days, they were sitting in an oncologist’s office hearing the words no family ever wants to hear:

Gene had leukemia.

Chemotherapy began almost immediately. At first, treatments were every day, then several times a week, and eventually every other week. By December, his counts improved, and the doctors allowed a three-month break in treatment.

But from the very beginning, Lucy and Gene experienced something unexpected in the middle of fear: peace.

They often said:

“God has carried us this far. He is not going to drop us.”

That assurance became an anchor through every difficult season that followed.
 
Gene and Lucy Thrailkill have faced illness, uncertainty, and difficult seasons together while remaining grounded in prayer, faith, family, and the support of their church and Emmaus community.

Gene and Lucy Thrailkill — walking through every season together with faith and trust in God.

Opening Introduction

Some seasons of life test faith in ways we never expected. Illness, uncertainty, waiting, and difficult decisions can leave us feeling weak and overwhelmed. Yet even in those moments, God remains faithful.

Lucy Thrailkill’s story is one of perseverance through years of her husband Gene’s battle with leukemia, surgeries, treatments, and uncertainty. Through it all, Lucy found strength in prayer, Christian community, The Walk to Emmaus, her church family, and the steady presence of Christ.

Her testimony reminds us that perseverance is not simply enduring hardship alone—it is continuing to trust God, continuing to serve others, and continuing to walk forward even when the road is difficult.

Called to Lead While Carrying Heavy Burdens

During this same time, Lucy remained active in The Walk to Emmaus community. She and Gene had attended their Emmaus Walks in the early 1990s and deeply loved the ministry and friendships it provided.

In the middle of Gene’s illness, Lucy was asked to serve as a Lay Director for an Emmaus Walk.

She considered it an incredible honor, but shortly afterward Gene’s white blood cell counts rose again. Doctors recommended a stem cell transplant. Family members were tested, including Gene’s siblings and daughters, but no match could be found. Even after traveling to Emory University Hospital and being placed in the national database, there was still no match.

Lucy reluctantly called the Emmaus leadership and asked to step aside from serving as Lay Director because they did not know what the coming months would hold.

Yet God was not finished writing their story.

Learning Perseverance

Through The Walk to Emmaus, reunion groups, church ministry, and friendships rooted in Christ, Lucy and Gene found encouragement, prayer support, and strength during difficult years.

Faith grows stronger when we walk together in Christian community.

Lucy later gave a talk titled Perseverance during Emmaus Walk 540. In that talk, she explained that perseverance means continuing despite difficulty, opposition, or discouragement.

She shared that Christians must continue feeding on spiritual nourishment through prayer, scripture, worship, sacraments, Christian fellowship, and service.

One of the greatest sources of strength during Gene’s illness was Lucy’s reunion group—a small group of Christian women who met weekly for prayer, accountability, encouragement, and discipleship.

Their reunion group shared joys and burdens together. They prayed through difficult moments and celebrated God’s faithfulness through good ones. They also served side by side in ministry:

  • Making sleep mats for the homeless
  • Creating hygiene bags
  • Collecting coats and gloves
  • Supporting Save-A-Life
  • Restocking the church Blessing Box and Little Library

Lucy discovered something important through suffering:

Christians are not meant to walk alone.

“I Am the Vine; You Are the Branches”

One scripture became especially meaningful during this season:

“I am the vine, you are the branches.” — John 15:5

Lucy reminded pilgrims that branches must remain connected to the vine in order to receive nourishment and bear fruit. In the same way, believers must remain connected to Christ and to one another.

Prayer, worship, Bible study, reunion groups, and church fellowship became lifelines during the hardest days.

When Gene’s illness worsened again, the Emmaus community and church family surrounded them with prayer, visits, encouragement, and practical support. Lucy often said that knowing others were lifting them before God brought comfort and strength.

God Was Still Working

Through every difficult season, Lucy and Gene learned that God was still working even when they could not see the outcome.

Hymn of Promise beautifully reflects the hope found in Christ — the reminder that even in seasons of uncertainty, God is bringing new life, healing, strength, and grace in His perfect time.

The promise of God is often growing quietly beneath the surface long before we can see it.

Eventually Gene was placed on an experimental medication at Emory. Years later, his numbers remain stable.

But even then, their journey was not over.

As Lucy prepared to serve again as Lay Director, Gene developed a severe infection because his immune system was so weak. He eventually had two toes amputated.

Once again, church friends, Emmaus family, and loved ones surrounded them with prayer and support.

Through every hardship, Lucy continued holding onto God’s promises.

One image especially stayed with her heart:

“He covered us with His feathers, and under His wings we found refuge.”

Even when life felt uncertain, God never abandoned them.
 

During one difficult season, Psalm 91 became especially meaningful to Lucy and Gene:

“He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge.”

When Lucy shared that this scripture would become part of the Emmaus Walk theme, the song Shelter Me immediately came to mind. The message of God’s protection, peace, and presence reflected the journey they were walking through together.

This video was later created as a reminder that even in uncertain seasons, God remains our refuge and strength.

 

 

Walking Forward in Faith

Years after Gene’s diagnosis, Lucy and Gene continue trusting God’s grace one day at a time while remaining active in faith, prayer, church life, and encouraging others through their testimony.

God’s faithfulness continues through every season

Lucy’s testimony is not simply about surviving difficult circumstances. It is about continuing to trust Christ through them.

She encourages others to stay connected to Jesus, stay involved in Christian community, and continue serving even during painful seasons.

Her life reminds us that perseverance is not about being strong enough on our own. True perseverance comes from walking daily with Christ and allowing others to help carry our burdens.

God often strengthens us through:

  • Prayer
  • Scripture
  • Worship
  • Christian friendships
  • Small groups
  • Service to others
  • The encouragement of the Church

Lucy’s story is a testimony that even during long battles, God remains faithful.

Reflection Questions

When have you experienced God’s peace during a difficult season?

Possible answer:
“I realized I was not facing the situation alone. God gave me strength day by day.”

Who are the people God has placed in your life to encourage and support you?

Possible answer:
“My church family, friends, small group, or prayer partners have helped carry me through hard times.”

Are you staying connected to the Vine?

Possible answer:
“I need to spend more intentional time in prayer, scripture, worship, and Christian fellowship.”

How can you encourage someone else who is persevering through hardship?

Possible answer:
“A phone call, prayer, visit, card, or simple act of kindness can remind someone they are not alone.”

Living the Message

Listen to the full version of Shelter Me and reflect on God’s promise to remain near during every season of life.

Lucy’s testimony reminds us that perseverance grows through daily faithfulness.

This week:

  • Pray for someone facing illness or hardship
  • Reach out to encourage someone who may feel alone
  • Spend intentional time in prayer and scripture
  • Reconnect with a Bible study, reunion group, or church ministry
  • Trust that God is still working even when answers do not come quickly

When life becomes difficult, keep walking forward with Christ.

Scripture References

  • John 15:1–11
  • Matthew 18:20
  • Psalm 91
  • Galatians 6:2
  • Romans 5:3–5

     

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