we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body
The moment your loved one is given the dreaded diagnosis you are dressed for battle, an unrelenting one at that. You are thrust into something you have no control over. You can't fix it. You can't rescue your loved one. You can't kiss her in hopes the dreaded 'C' would just go away. You are at the mercy of the team of physicians, nurses, and coordinating staff to help you on this journey. First, there is the confirmation of the diagnosis with more tests. Then there is the MRI's and the biopsies to 'stage' the tumor. Your hope goes up when they think they can eradicate this with a simple surgery until your hope is dashed that your loved one would have to go through the chemotherapy process to reduce the size of the tumor within. Every week I bring her to the Masonic Cancer Center I look around this united nations of sorts and try to hear the stories of people of color, different ethnicities, silently praying for them.
It was last week I noticed a 12-year old girl in a wheelchair with her beautiful head covering. My heart sank as I reflected on her battle within. Her mom and siblings were with her trying of course to comfort her. I saw a young woman with a chemo hat checking in for her next round. As I watched her I thought how her life might have been different had she not been given this dastardly diagnosis? She would be making plans for her future- where to travel to, what career path to pursue, or simply going to work and making a livelihood.
As I went down the hallway of chemo row, I noticed several guys who were hooked up receiving their own chemo regimen and wondering about their stories within. Were they worried about their future? Whether their employer will keep them on the payroll as the unrelenting costs of this disease build up?
As I silently prayed for them I, of course, wondered if they know the living, breathing Savior Jesus as they pursue this unrelenting battle? I am reminded of these words from Psalm 43:5-
Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God." In Isaiah 46:4 I'm reminded of these comforting words, "Even to your old age I will be the same, And even to your graying years, I will bear you! I have done it, and I will carry you, And I will bear you and I will deliver you.
God knows the battle one is on in life. After all, he sent his son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for each one us regardless of our skin color, ethnicities or world view. He wants to be their guide and comforter in times of trouble.
A sudden health diagnosis can rock one's boat, but I'm comforted by the thought that right here at the U of Mn Masonic Cancer center are some of the greatest medical staff to treat those who have been 'afflicted' with that dreaded 'C'
One final thought. If you are a caregiver of someone with this life-threatening diagnosis get help for your self whether it's the support groups at the American Cancer societyhttps://www.cancer.org/ or finding trusted listeners allowing you to share this journey.
Remember, no matter what you are feeling from moment to moment remember to honor God on the Sabbath, a day of rest he gave to each of us so we can rejuvenate!
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