More than Meets the Eye

When very caring people lovingly ask me ‘how I’m doing’ usually somewhere in the conversation I feel the awkwardness of how to respond to the statement – “You look so good.” Even though they’re saying I don’t look as though I have cancer, which I’ve learned to take as a compliment to the Lord, there’s always more than meets the eye. The challenge with anything physical is that the outward might appear good, but the inside is anything but good. I guess it’s best to remember that outside does not  always reveal the inside.  One recent example is an MRI scan I had done less than a week ago. Although I’m looking okay, only the scan could go past the outside and catch multiple cancerous nodes found in my (remaining) right lung. 

There’s a stereotypical idea of what people with cancer should look like.  Pale skin, yellow complexion, thinning or no hair, weight gain, weight loss, unsteady gait, and maybe oxygen dependent are a few of the outward features that come to mind.  People may experience one or more of these side effects at various stages of treatment depending on how long it’s been since they were first diagnosed. The biggest change that’s occurred and endured for me is thinner and straighter hair; much straighter hair. I was bald for at least 6 months in between; wearing a wig during daytime work hours and switching to a scarf or cap in the evenings. For me it was easier to don the wig every day, rather than re-tell the cancer story countless times to those who hadn’t discerned the difference in my appearance.  After I stopped taking chemo my hair grew back straight, straight, straight. Early on, I hoped those tempted to say they liked it better curly would get a little tongue tied.  Too fragile to perm, it’s just going to remain straight for awhile.

I’m so glad the Lord loves us so much, and thankfully His love isn’t contingent upon our outward appearance. When the prophet Samuel was sent to Bethlehem to anoint the next King of Israel, the Lord eliminated any possible contenders based on physical attributes and instead (in David) the youngest, most inexperienced son. He proclaimed his selection process this way:

But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)

It’s good to remember it is better to enter Heaven ‘maimed’ on the outside than have that door kept closed by refusing to wholeheartedly receive Jesus Christ. (Matthew 18, Mark 9)  After all, these old, earthly tents weren’t made to enter Heaven. What will the completely transformed bodies be like? Look like? The scriptures are chock full of gems on this subject to treasure. Yet as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him." (1 Corinthians 2:9).  Praise God He will reveal so much to us if we’ll only listen, allowing His Word to penetrate deep inside.

Camp Chemo

What to bring??? The Bible (of course) – check; a good book – check; my favorite drinking cup filled with plenty of ice cold water – check; a lunch bag with sandwich, crackers, fruit, and maybe soup if there’s access to a microwave – check. I also brought my laptop during the first 8 months of treatments when I was still “working from home” for my former employer. I sure got a lot done those days sitting there for 6 hours while the Carboplatin and Paclitaxel slowly dripped into my veins. Wow! How very different this kind of checklist is from the typical “what to bring to camp” checklist I got when I was a kid: 

Bedding, Tent, Sleeping bag, Ground cloth, Blankets, Extra stakes, Pillow, Shade tarp, Air mattress, Axe, Air pump, Dust pan/brush, Large bags for storage, Water jug &/or water bucket, Potholders and not to mention bathing suit, sunscreen and lots of bug spray.                                                

Camp Chemo

Though “Camp Chemo” is set up to be meaningful, purposeful, and determined to rid the campers of cancer, it can be more “light” hearted than anticipated in view of the golden opportunities there to catch fish for Jesus. The battle worn camper who knows Jesus can be an enormous light to someone just learning the to remain strong in the fight of their life. In the book of Exodus, Moses was just such a man.  He was a real trooper when called to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land at over 80 years old. Israel was fighting the Amalekites and it wasn’t going in their favor. Moses went to the top of the hill with the priests Aaron and Hur. When Moses held up his hands Israel prevailed and when he let down his hands the battle swung Amalek’s way. As Moses tired, Aaron and Hur then began to hold up his hands for him and Israel once again took control. You could certainly say seeing a man’s hands lifted heavenward is most always an encouraging sign to others entrenched in battle. (Exodus 17:10-13)

Hands reaching up for help signify humility; the realization that the battle can’t be won alone. Moses had help from his friends, but ultimately he relied on the Lord, and we must do likewise during our earthly times of trial. Ephesians 6:6-16 offers another kind of checklist for each of us to be prepared to meet the day. The full armor of God is needed now more than ever: the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, feet shod with the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit.   My “camping experiences” have taught me more than being prepared with the outward supplies.  Most importantly they have revealed to me that “though the outward man in perishing, the inward man is being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16) So until that time I go to be with my Lord and Savior, there is a whole world of people out there, camping in this world, who need to know Jesus. Lord, how do you want to use cancer to reach them and teach them how great you are?

For more posts from Comfort in Christ Cancer Support go to http://comfortinchristcancersupport.blogspot.com/

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Fought the Good Fight

The man you see pictured here is a man of God, our former Calvary Chapel* Pastor, Ed Gaines. He went to be with the Lord September 28, 2012 after a 2 year battle with cancer. Since Ed’s body was compromised by kidney problems for 22 years, he needed extra strength from Jesus to fight this final fight with cancer. Over the span of his life and mine we weren't friends long, but our paths crossing was more than significant. About a year after my husband and I moved to Tucson from the Fairfield Ohio area (where Ed was pastor at Calvary Chapel Tri-State*), I found out I had cancer and so did Ed. As he prayed with me from far away over the phone I felt blessed to have this precious connection with him. We encouraged each other over the next two years. Ed told me reading my blog helped him press on and in turn the Lord continued prompting me to declare the need for all of us to stay focused on Jesus Christ.

Regardless of his health problems, Ed preached the Gospel week after week, every chance he had. Ed regaled us with tales of the dialysis nurses preparing for an earful of God’s truth whenever they saw him walk through the door for treatment. (That’s how I want to be!) When Ed was physically weak and unable to walk to the pulpit he insisted the elders assist and if need be carry him to a chair on the riser so he could still preach. (That’s how I want to be!) This man was all about getting God’s Word to God’s people and any issues he faced were secondary. Ed didn’t take the easy road on controversial topics either: he spoke boldly knowing the Lord could be trusted with the results. What an example he was to me! Are we only willing to put it all on the line when we’re staring at death? Ed was faithful, healthy or sick.

The Apostle Paul said “I die daily.” (1 Corinthians 15:31) This exclamation was not born from  his suffering from cancer or some other life threatening condition, but rather the realization we all die. This is part of the curse of original sin. (Genesis 3) Paul also comprehended and believed (as he said to the Philippians’ church) “I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ.” (Philippians 3:8). Paul was simply saying he willing to die because he knew his eternal destination. The same was true of Pastor Ed. He fought the good fight and now is wearing the crown. (2 Timothy 4:8) Perhaps with a golden Afro? J

Are you sure you will meet believers in Christ after you pass from the earth? Remember Jesus said “no one comes to the father except by Him” and that He alone paid the whole price for sin. If this is your belief you can be confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.“ (Philippians 1:6) 

For more posts from Comfort in Christ Cancer Support go to http://comfortinchristcancersupport.blogspot.com/

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Detours

Unplanned stops on life’s journey can be greeted with perturbed annoyance or embraced with curiosity. Sudden changes in the charted course jolt the system. Wait! I have other plans; a career to accelerate – no time for unwanted news; especially bad news about a disease. We’re so apt to plan out the day, the year,and surely set some long term goals such as getting married in the prime of our youth, having biological children, and retiring early with money in the bank to cruise to exotic locales. Every person I have encountered with cancer including myself has felt a bit robbed of life's planned pursuits when the truth of cancer settles in.

For certain, cancer has carried me to places I never would have otherwise traveled. I pray to the Lord every day to use the circumstances I find myself in to shine brighter for Him than ever before. I pray those that know me will get the message that the life we live is not under our control and that our so-called plans are nothing more than steps to order our days. The nurses at the cancer center and I are on a first name basis now. Last week "Lisa" told me she was “inspired” after I held the IV pumping chemo into my body while explaining just a few things cancer has taught me, namely that my body is truly a rotting corpse while my spirit is being renewed day by day in the image of Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:16) How real is that? The Bible teaches “A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)

Another pit stop I make to manage cancer side effects are trips to the Physical Therapist, ‘Rick”. Yesterday I had an interesting discussion with him which started out with his comments about the concept of time. He said time was made by man, meaning we have expectations about our lives, our days, and what we want to accomplish, as I outlined above. I told him I appreciated his view, but beg to differ with his belief that man creates time. I communicated to him that God who is outside of time created time for our benefit. Morning and evening, God declared each 24 hour period “good.” Man brought evil into the world by disobeying God. Our attempt to hang onto time is a futile attempt to control our lives and ultimately God. Furthermore cancer is just one effect of a broken world and I would never blame God for it. With regard to time, we put the pressure on ourselves to check off what’s on the bucket list as if a life worth living is based on what we do, especially for ourselves.

I told Rick when I became a Christian my ambitions started to be about serving God and serving others. Since none of us know how many steps we will take on earth, we need to keep eternity in the forefront of our minds. As a believer in Jesus Christ my eternity with Him will be a total fulfillment of the life I’ve partially experienced here. Now we know in part and then we shall fully know. 1 Corinthians 13. In Heaven I live forever serving God and other believers. Rick didn’t run out of the room screaming “Jesus freak”, but did say he thought the things I conveyed to him made sense. 

Unlike the oft repeated phrase it’s “just my opinion" here instead are words we can be sure of; promises we can all take to the bank. “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.” (Philippians 3:20, 21)

Now with that we can truly live the way we’re supposed to – at peace in Christ and worry free.

For more posts from Comfort in Christ Cancer Support go to http://comfortinchristcancersupport.blogspot.com/

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Perfect Timing

It’s said, “It’s the little things that count.” Last Thursday we sat in the doctor’s office once again awaiting results of the PET scan taken a couple days earlier. For those taking notes, a PET scan is positron emission tomography, which is a nuclear medicine imaging technique that produces a three-dimensional image or picture of functional processes in the body. How do they do that? Seriously: by injecting us with radioactive glucose, letting it course through the veins for forty-five minutes, and then sending us through the tube for some pictures. Wherever the glucose lights up is “hot” for possible cancer. I’ve had a few not so good PET scan results over the last 2 years, but this last one held good news for me. Though the cancer isn’t gone, it’s stable, which means two small nodes are getting microscopically smaller and there isn’t any cancer moving about in the body to cause trouble elsewhere. Most thrilling was the special answered prayer connected to this message.

My son is getting married at the end of December. My husband and I so hoped and prayed the doctor would think it might be time for a break from chemo so I could be healthier to enjoy this upcoming blessed event, particularly since the wedding will take place in cold Wisconsin climes. Brrr! When the doc brought up only 2 more cycles of chemo, then taking a break for most of November and December we were so happy. I hope to get stronger – get back to going for walks! To be sure, my friends; it’s those little things that are much appreciated during a trial like this so don’t take your health for granted – ever. As a believer in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, I do want to be about the Lord’s business, especially since every breath I take with just one lung comes from Him.

Some may say because I am a Christian I shouldn’t be sick or if I had enough faith the Lord would take cancer away. I say, the Lord allowed cancer to visit me at just the right time for many practical reasons having to do with treatment and support I’ve received. Even more so I pray He has used my infirmity to reach many more people for Him than I could've ever done without cancer. A couple of examples from Scripture come to mind. Joseph is really noted for beauty far exceeding a song about his multi-colored coat. His brothers sold him to slave traders when he was a teen and he spent many years in prison before finally being released and revealed as the “prince of Egypt.” Joseph’s time of confinement was spent learning the Lord and ministering for Him to Pharaoh’s servants. When finally released, he was prepared for the biggest job of his earthly life – feeding a multitude of people during a famine, including the brothers that betrayed him! (Genesis 37-50).

The Apostle Paul did amazing work for the Lord, planting churches all over the region, healing the sick, raising the dead and suffering terrible persecutions for the name of Christ. Since he did such amazing things for God one might ask why did he have to suffer at all.  Why didn’t the Lord just give him smooth sailing? 2 Corinthians 12 verse 7 tells us Paul also had a thorn in his flesh, something physical the Lord allowed in his life to keep him from becoming self-exalted or conceited. He prayed just like I’ve prayed for the Lord to take it away. It would be silly not to pray for that. Instead of focusing on the calamities Paul says he boasted in them, saying when he is weak Christ is strong. Now, the Lord knows I am no super saint, but the question remains – how will I respond to my infirmities? The cancer isn’t gone. The thorn remains, but God is still good and my son is getting married!

 Come December 29, 2012 I will be feasting at Jake’s wedding banquet, enjoying fellowship with others who love him and share his joy in joining his life with his bride. As special as that day will be, as much as I look forward to seeing this happy event come to pass, I am even more eager to go to the wedding feast in Heaven that awaits those who have surrendered their earthly lives to the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ.(Revelation 19:7-10) The Scriptures make it clear that only those who have trusted Jesus Christ while alive will enter Heaven so please make sure you’ve got that straight today. ("Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6.  "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16)

One closing thought: Perhaps big trials on earth are preparation for big jobs in the life to come.

For more posts from Comfort in Christ Cancer Support go to http://comfortinchristcancersupport.blogspot.com/

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Just Be My Friend

Comforting

A brand new cancer diagnosis affects not only the recipient but friends, family and co-workers in various and sometimes strange ways. It can scare with stereotypical images of extreme nausea, hair loss, fatigue…early death. These things may or may not come to pass because types of treatment depend on type and stage of the cancer. Get all the facts! Yes, that is vitally important. Families and friends should also “Get all the facts, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.” For the most part, most loved ones tread lightly in the early days sighing that they “don’t know what to say.” Of course that’s only natural. To come right out and speak plainly about fears could include tears. Neither party may be ready for such possible awkwardness, but whoever said it’s time to be brave and act like nothing has changed? Wishing cancer hadn’t come won’t make it so.

The Bible has a few bits of wisdom on how to handle these times of crisis with someone you love who’s battling cancer. Galatians 6:2 simply states; “Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Wow! We fulfill the law of Christ as we shoulder the load of those around us. Proverbs 17:17 teaches “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” It can be very difficult to simply sit with someone undergoing treatment especially in a room full of people harnessed to IV pumps who’ve lost their hair and their ‘get up and go.’ So, how can you just be a friend? Remember Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” In the same way your friend with cancer must rely on Christ to get through the trial, so too must you draw from His strength to be the kind of friend you want to be – serving and selfless.

Life is forever changed when cancer calls; that’s for sure. Not to hope for complete healing would be silly, however the reality is that the Lord may call some of us home sooner than we planned. I’ve run into a few well meaning people with ideas about healing.  They have said that God doesn’t want us sick. The way to get well is to muster up enough faith, praying the right way, a certain number of times per day and buying the latest teachings on the subject of health and wellness. Others have offered to sign me up with companies who market nutritional supplements that “fight cancer.”  Even though there are definitely some helpful remedies out there, I guess what I’m really saying is that there isn’t a single synthetic treatment on the market that can compare with a simple, kind gesture. Oh, how I’ve been uplifted with being asked “how are you?” “A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.” (Proverbs 15:13)

By just being a friend in obedience to God’s call to love one another, the mercy of God is made manifest in the body of Christ. It’s been a tremendous and powerful testimony to tell those inside and outside the church how the love of God has been demonstrated by people who don’t even know me. Likewise, God has used these ‘angels’ in human form to teach me how to give more fully to others in need of the same comfort I have received. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (2 Corinthians 1:3,4)

For more posts from Comfort in Christ Cancer Support go to http://comfortinchristcancersupport.blogspot.com/

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Cord Blood Cancer Research

All women expecting a baby take note of a way for you to help enhance the life of someone suffering from cancer by donating the umbilical cord for research. After your little bundle of joy is delivered, the umbilical cord is typically tossed away as useless. I’ve read that for at least the last 20 years research had been in the works that is finally starting to get attention; the benefits and positive results attained from using cord blood to treat disease.

As one with cancer, I am interested in this because all the chemotherapy and radiation I’ve already had in the last two years is now having its effect on my bone marrow. My white blood count is almost always low so I have to get a shot of Neulasta each time I have chemo to get those white cells going again. Someday I might need to consider a treatment involving an infusion of umbilical cord stem cells. It involves an IV infusion up to a 5 hour period, no different than the chemo treatments I’ve taken in the past. Since an essentially foreign substance from another person is being introduced into the body, it’s of course not without risk of rejection and also carries potential side effects such as “nausea, vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite, mouth sores, hair loss, and skin reactions.”  Although there may be some side effects, the benefits may out way the risks. 

Consider this: “Chemotherapy and radiation therapy generally affect cells that divide rapidly. They are used to treat cancer because cancer cells divide more often than most healthy cells. However, because bone marrow cells also divide frequently, high-dose treatments can severely damage or destroy the patient’s bone marrow. Without healthy bone marrow, the patient is no longer able to make the blood cells needed to carry oxygen, fight infection, and prevent bleeding. BMT (Bone Marrow Transplant) and PBSCT (Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplant) replace stem cells destroyed by treatment. The healthy, transplanted stem cells can restore the bone marrow’s ability to produce the blood cells the patient needs.” (http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/bone-marrow-transplant)

So how is cord blood obtained for use in treatment? Here’s more information from the Cancer.gov website: “Stem cells also may be retrieved from umbilical cord blood. For this to occur, the mother must contact a cord blood bank before the baby’s birth. The cord blood bank may request that she complete a questionnaire and give a small blood sample. Cord blood banks may be public or commercial. Public cord blood banks accept donations of cord blood and may provide the donated stem cells to another matched individual in their network. In contrast, commercial cord blood banks will store the cord blood for the family, in case it is needed later for the child or another family member. After the baby is born and the umbilical cord has been cut, blood is retrieved from the umbilical cord and placenta. This process poses minimal health risk to the mother or the child. If the mother agrees, the umbilical cord blood is processed and frozen for storage by the cord blood bank. Only a small amount of blood can be retrieved from the umbilical cord and placenta, so the collected stem cells are typically used for children or small adults.” One such public bank available in Arizona is http://www.clinimmune.com/cordbloodbank/index.htm Click the link to the site and watch a short video on how you may donate your baby’s cord for this useful therapy.

I wanted to find an example of how cord blood research has benefited an adult with cancer and Google provided this article about treating adults with leukemia.  Click on "Umbilical Cord Blood Transplant: Effective New Leukemia Treatment For Adults" to read the article. The following is an excerpt: “For years, we've been able to use cord blood successfully to treat children with leukemia and other blood disorders. But researchers have wondered whether the small amount of stem cells in cord blood can create a whole new immune system in fully-grown adults, who are also more likely than children to reject a less-than-perfect transplant,” says Dr. Laughlin. “We’ve been able to show that just two ounces of blood harvested from an umbilical cord can generate a new blood-producing immune system, and we don’t even need a perfect match for a successful transplant because of the immature nature of cord blood stem cells.”

As if all this isn’t reason enough to be a proponent of cord blood research there is no ethical problem with using biological material otherwise destined for the trash can to save lives. Because a child has to die for an embryonic stem cell to be used and if aborted fetuses are being acquired for research, I will not, in good conscience, participate just so I can live a few years longer. The Apostle Paul taught the Athenians long ago this principle that describes the One, True Creator God of the universe… He gives to all life, breath, and all things.  And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being…(Acts 17:25-28).  

We’re here because of the Lord, His infinitesimal power, intelligence and grace. We have no pre-ordained right to kill an innocent baby to extend another life not mean to last more than 70-80 years at best anyway. Cord research is a humane way made allowed by God to kill cancer, but if we live or die let be to the glory of the Lord knowing Heaven is our forever home, keeping our gaze on Jesus the giver of all good things. 

For more posts from Comfort in Christ Cancer Support go to http://comfortinchristcancersupport.blogspot.com/

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Mercies in Disguise

A repeated theme in the need to stay strong in the fight with cancer is to look for the blessings that come from raindrops; tears we shed over our earthly course being changed without invitation.  A lyric from a current song playing on the radio by Laura Story simply called "Blessings” asks “what if the trials of this life are God’s mercies in disguise?”  Truly, is there a better way to look at a condition we can’t, in our strength, control or eradicate?  We didn’t ask for cancer to come knocking but here it is; a house guest we just can’t seem to get to get rid of. Falling into depression is a natural response to loss, but camping there is of no possible good. Men, women, and medicine can offer synthetic temporary relief from the grief that pours in, but keep in mind pills and postures can’t match pondering the promise of eternal life offered in Jesus Christ.

Once we’ve dried our eyes again, let’s ask Jesus to show us how He wants to use us to serve Him, to serve others. The picture of Moses fleeing Egypt after he killed a man for persecuting a Hebrew slave comes to mind. He finds himself in the desert near the tents of Jethro the Midianite.  (Exodus 2) Moses had been raised in the lap of luxury, a prince in Pharaoh’s court. After wandering the dry and thirsty desert he begins learning how to tend sheep, notably one of the dumbest creatures on earth. God certainly didn’t predestine Moses to commit murder however He most definitely used the results of the sin to prepare the way for Israel to be delivered from slavery through this man. We don’t read that Moses sought to go back to Egypt before the appointed time. He spent 40 years tending the sheep before the Lord spoke to Him through the burning bush. Here’s an example of God’s mercy in disguise and God using circumstances to accomplish His will.

Last week, after much forethought and consideration I formally submitted my resignation from my job so I can go on Long Term Disability. It took time for me to wrap my mind around the need to stop work much earlier in my life than planned. The stresses of trying to schedule so many medical appointments around work, along with the duties of my job have gotten to be too much. So here we are, looking at 90 days waiting to get paid at 60% of my current income and trusting the Lord to show Himself strong in our lives. We’ve seen Him provide through so many people and in so many ways. He’ll do it again. What’s more important? The single greatest “mercy” of getting cancer has been the multiple opportunities to speak to others about Jesus. Though some, to my sorrow, don’t want to hear, that is not the point. Speak anyway and let the Lord take care of the results.

I choose to look at this next leg in the journey simply as another venue for ministry. What will the Lord do to use my situation as a blessing to others? Cancer is news that brings the life and death dilemma to the forefront. It forces one to consider not only if they want to live, but how they want to live. The key to peace in this life is to be completely sold out for Jesus. The world pulls hard, trying to get us to hang onto various things that have no place in God’s tent. We may try to hide these idols under a bushel hoping no one will see (Genesis 31:29-39) , but God sees.

From the lips of someone who knows full well today may be the day of reckoning one’s life, let me be vessel of your mercy in disguise as you consider the need to be fully sold out for the Lord Jesus Christ and to allow whatever trouble you’ve been in to be used for His glory.  After all, God is plenty powerful to turn trials into mercies. 

For more posts from Comfort in Christ Cancer Support go to http://comfortinchristcancersupport.blogspot.com/

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The Finish Line

The Apostle Paul states…. “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:  I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  (Philippians 4:11-13) Paul had it rough yet he was content. When he speaks of being abased he was not kidding. He was beaten with rods, stoned, and shipwrecked just to name a few trials he suffered for the sake of the Gospel. (1 Corinthians 11:25-28)  

Everyone’s road is different. Some suffering is brought about while actively sharing God’s Word and some is simply from living in this broken world.  I have learned that God uses even cancer to challenge me to grow and share His Word with a lost and dying world.  A few days ago I found out the results of the recent PET scan which showed two new cancerous nodes. Not again! I was almost there – nearly done with treatment at least for awhile. Grrrrr! I also learned that the genetic test that could have resulted in a new, more convenient drug was not a match.  So I begin IV chemo again this Monday. All this news was delivered in the usual detached fashion I’ve become accustomed to, but as I’ve said before I will not give anyone an excuse not to believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ because of cancer in my life.

Suffering in this life is to be expected. We cannot get to Heaven unless we first die on earth. All we’ve endured is nothing compared to the incomprehensible agony Christ Himself experienced.  Jesus was beaten by men, took the weight of sin on His shoulders and on top of that He was separated from the Father while He hung there on that cross for you and me. I reflect on this passage from Hebrews 12:3-4 – “For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.” 

Can we take solace in remembrance that no matter what hardship we suffered Jesus endured so much more for our sake? The book of Hebrews also states the following about how the Lord understands our trials: “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb 4: 14:15) Yes he understands what I’m going through! It was not His will for me to be in this spot facing down big bad cancer. The reality of disease is evidence of a world broken by sin and that is what He died for.

So… now what? The ever present fact that life is short makes spending one’s days pleasing the Lord all the more imperative. As my husband likes to point out “no one is promised tomorrow.” Whether in plenty or in want; whether afflicted or healed, the motivation is contentment and the goal is Jesus Christ. He’s there at the finish line waiting for us and when we see Him face to face we can confidently say of disease – not ever again!

As the chorus to the old hymn goes…“Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”

For more posts from Comfort in Christ Cancer Support go to http://comfortinchristcancersupport.blogspot.com/

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All Things for Good

(I decided to re-post this one with a new title because it's a tribute to all the people whose lives intersect during a crisis and how the Lord works it all to the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28) 

 ‘Where are you from?’ ‘What are you in for?’ So go the conversations that can start up by folks cooling their heels at one of the cancer centers in town. All of us have different reasons for being there and yet share a common detour in our lives. So here we sit, waiting to have various tumors irradiated or simply annihilated by way of a chemo treatment. Gowns on, determined to keep our spirits up we wait for the next dosing delivered through various means of conveyance.  

Coffee, tea and other light snacks are offered to take the edge off the experience. Being escorted to our treatment rooms is a pleasant walk with quite kindly people; knowledgeable in their areas of expertise.  Once in the room all the numbers have to line up before “it’s a go,” whether its exact placement on the radiation table or the right reports on blood levels compatible with receiving chemo. It all has to be perfect, at least as perfect as can be this side of eternity. We wouldn’t want to have the body even a millimeter out of alignment with the radiation beam. That would be useless not to mention potentially catastrophic. We lie on our tables or sit in our chairs, putting another mark on the wall as it were, counting off the number of times we’ve been there. Those of you who’ve had these treatments know this familiar terrain.  

I’ve been told and I suppose rightly so that only those dealing with cancer can adequately understand and have compassion on others in the same boat. That’s what originally prompted me to seek out the Lord’s will and wisdom in starting this new cancer support group at Calvary Tucson. The scriptures command us to “Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) When burdened, the typical response may be to run and hide, but hopefully instead afflicted saints will choose to share their trials, as the Lord reveals to them what it is He would have them learn. Christians bearing cancer possess eternal hope in the Lord Jesus Christ and are blessed beyond measure knowing though our earthly tents are wearing out one day we will meet the Lord face to face, and what a day that will be! I like this passage from Hebrews 10:23-25:  “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” 

A few men of God come to mind who gladly shared their burdens with one another. One example is Jonathan who surely shouldered David’s anguish over being exiled from the kingdom and hunted by Jonathan’s father Saul. Here is the prelude to Saul’s attempted murder of David: “Now Saul spoke to Jonathan his son and to all his servants, that they should kill David; but Jonathan, Saul's son, delighted greatly in David. So Jonathan told David, saying, "My father Saul seeks to kill you. Therefore please be on your guard until morning, and stay in a secret place and hide. And I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are, and I will speak with my father about you. Then what I observe, I will tell you."  Thus Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father, and said to him, "Let not the king sin against his servant, against David, because he has not sinned against you, and because his works have been very good toward you.” (1 Samuel 19:1-4)

Jonathan put himself in harm’s way more than once for David’s sake. Because of his great love, the King in the line from whom our Messiah would be born was saved. It’s often been said we don’t know how far reaching may be the affects of our faithfulness to God through our love for our neighbors. Remember the angel Gabriel said to Mary, “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end." (Luke 1:31-33) May we follow the example of Jonathan and of Jesus Himself to first love God, and then to show that love by bearing one another’s burdens no matter what afflictions may befall us.  (For me, one intersection has been this waiting room at UMC.)

For more posts from Comfort in Christ Cancer Support go to http://comfortinchristcancersupport.blogspot.com/

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Cancer Free?

According to the Bible, Adam & Eve (before the fall) and the Incarnate Jesus were the only persons who we could honestly say were cancer-free. Of course Jesus had a perfect body and never experienced any disease.  Right after sin came in the first couple lived to be hundreds of years old before they began realizing the effects of sin on their bodies.  Scientists have found evidence of cancer in the fossil record so it’s been around for a long time. It’s common knowledge that all people have cancer cells in their bodies. Our immune system “finds them and destroys them before they get a chance to multiply and cause problems.” (Wiki.answers.com) Clearly immune systems get weakened from environmental causes, as a result of unhealthy choices, and through the aging process, but what might not be so obvious is a simple truth I’ve learned about this whole notion of being cancer-free.

Early on I aimed my sights at getting rid of all traces of cancer, hoping for it never to return again.  I had my heart set on it. Rightly so every step made toward seeing the Lord accomplish that mission was met with great rejoicing. But what now – what should my outlook be since learning two nodes recently found on PET scan are cancerous? How we respond to dilemmas popping up along the way is always a choice. Praise God, He has given me some insight on how to see this new development. Cancer can put a stranglehold on hope, but I can be free from worrying about the future because Jesus is already there. God’s Word teaches “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4)  

The earthly heart might solely be concerned with cancer or any other disability for that matter. However, with belief in Jesus Christ comes absolute certainty that He is with us throughout our sojourn here, giving us hope we can put worries to rest. Setting our minds “on things above” means receiving and embracing His peace, patience, goodness – those godly attributes that flow from God’s throne. In spite of his earthly trials, the Christian has eternal joy set before him just as Jesus did when He bore the cross of shame on our behalf. (Hebrews 12:2) We do not have hope in this world, rather we desire the “better country” Abraham sought as described in Hebrews 11. There will come a day that I will be able to truly say I’m free from all diseases.

Freedom from the presence of cancer will be a tangible and eternal reality when God creates the new heavens and new earth. “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." (Revelation 21:4) We will then be absolutely free from all the affects of sin, guaranteed. There’s s song playing on the radio by Building 429 these days that rings in my head: “All I know is I’m not home yet. This is not where I belong. Take this world but give me Jesus. This is not where I belong.” Hallelujah!!

For more posts from Comfort in Christ Cancer Support go to http://comfortinchristcancersupport.blogspot.com/To receive automatic email updates of new posts, send an email request to: comfortinchrist@googlegroups.com 

Still on the Throne

      

Who wants bad news: anyone? No one! We all want a ‘future so bright you gotta wear shades.’ The sunny side of the street sure is a nice place to be. What happens when bad news comes, and it will inevitably come to all who inhabit this fleshly tent in this fallen world? Today I went to my chemo doctor to get the results of my recent PET, CT and Brain MRI. None of these tests are routine in nature and are now part of the fabric of life fighting cancer. I will need to have these scans done for the rest of my natural life to catch cancer before it grows. My radiation oncologist told me a few months ago, “once bitten twice shy.” I ponder this sober reminder in my heart so I will not take any time for granted. The doctor told me today we have to get a better read but it looks like “a couple of hot spots” showed up in two lymph nodes near my heart that could be cancer.

It was surreal to hear this and I reflected back 17 months ago when I first heard the word cancer applied to me.  My statement then was “I’m so glad I’m a Christian.” Today my first thought was “Jesus is still on the throne.” Good news or not so good news, He’s still on the throne of my life and I know I belong to Him.  When I talked to my sweet husband Flynn shortly after my doctor visit he shared with me a message today that he heard about Jesus feeding the 5000. The disciples should have learned through this miracle how amazing it was that all those people could eat and there was no lack; all their needs were supplied. How true this has been for me on this cancer journey. The Lord has provided comfort and consolation, friends with food and fellowship and funds just at the right time and in the right way. My task, one might say is to allow the Lord to pour forth His love upon me and in turn, as I have been supplied, I share the “Bread of Life” with anyone who cares to know about Him.

John 6  which teaches the account of the feeding of the 5000 reads, ”Then they said to Him, "Lord, give us this bread always." And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.” (Verses 34 & 35)  Are we interested in following Jesus only when we are on the sunny side of the street or will we trust him in times of testing too? That’s an active and living faith, isn’t it? My regular work day ended with a Facebook message from a now 29 year old “kid” we witnessed to about 13 years ago. He spent many years away from the Lord and now he wants to re-connect with God as he put it. Today he just wanted to say how much he enjoys the Bible verses my husband and I post each day. How sweet. That’s what it’s all about – keep passing out the bread!

Medically speaking the doctor told me she’ll call me tomorrow to let me know more about the results. We are praying for wisdom for us and for her. She indicated the drug I’m currently taking may not be effective for me and I could go back to IV maintenance chemo. Another option may be to have my radiation doc treat these lymph nodes with a laser beam. Since he did a fabulous job with me before, I would trust him with that tricky procedure. Regardless, Jesus is still on the throne. Listen with your heart to these words from John 6:38-40. “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day."  

I’ve seen the Son of God and believe He died for me. I hope you believe that too because His promises always have our best in mind. The cancer support group that I have wanted to start at our church may become a reality as we meet tomorrow night with two of our church pastors. I must believe that the Lord has allowed me to go through all these phases of treatment so I could be a comfort to others walking in my shoes. Such is the reason for the scripture passage from which the name of this blog is derived: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

Two things I will pray to remember henceforth; Jesus is on the throne and keep passing out the bread.

For more posts from Comfort in Christ Cancer Support go to http://comfortinchristcancersupport.blogspot.com/

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Content In All Circumstances

Depending on one’s definition of contentment the concept can be more or less elusive and perhaps seemingly impossible to attain. For most people being content renders images of money enough to retire on, being surrounded by loved ones and maintaining ideal health… forever. Such goals are reasonable within the human perspective on life. We look for security in the things we can see, touch and feel. Hoping to be happy based on gratitude given by others is clearly a natural aspiration. What if…what about - when these circumstances change? What then? Is contentment more elusive than ever?

I hope in speaking for myself, more than one reader can identify with my regret over being foolish with finances and ruining the notion of early retirement. Having lived long enough to recount a number of bad decisions about relationships, I may have reduced my circle of love. One reason to write this blog is to share trials with cancer in hopes to encourage others, so clearly good health can’t be my source of contentment either. It seems to me contentment must be defined as a state of satisfaction, which can’t be altered by outside conditions. But can we be content in ALL circumstances? As a Bible believing Christian I am confident lasting contentment is attainable inasmuch as we desire to know Jesus; the One who keeps and delivers our souls.

Today, I had an exercise in learning to be content. As I sat in the doctor’s office waiting to find out if the two dense spots they found on a mammogram last month were anything to be concerned about, I considered the state of my heart. Anxiety wanted to creep in. Worry was waiting at the door. What would be the point of worrying about the outcome of the test? Jesus put it this way: "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?” (Matthew 6:25-27) I prayed to the Lord again today to help me be content no matter what the test showed; positive or negative – “let me praise You Lord Jesus because You are so good to me.” I never met the technician before today, but I was elated when she told me I just had simple cysts – nothing to worry about.

As one of my doctors is given to say about cancer; “Once bitten twice shy.” It is a real possibility that though cancer is now in submission, it may reappear. To live in fear of any disease is far from biblical. “Perfect love casts out fear.” 1 John 4  To live in fear that my life may end sooner than later is a waste of the precious time God has allotted. Oh to be content always, in a constant state of dependence on the Lord! How much better that would be!

The apostle Paul wrote these words for our benefit: “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:  I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:11-13) Paul did not just arrive at this pinnacle of peace without first suffering loss. Of his tribulations he writes: “Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness-- besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. (1 Corinthians 11:25-28)

All this Paul endured for the sake of Christ, for the privilege of knowing and proclaiming the One who set him free from sin and death! He was content I think because he knew that this world was not his home and a “better country” awaited him. Until I reach my heavenly habitation, I expect to wrestle against worry and at times find true contentment elusive. As Jesus replaces fear with peace of mind and perfect love I expect to be less encumbered by the world and look ever forward to the day when I meet my Lord at the door to His mansion above. With God all things are possible!

For more posts from Comfort in Christ Cancer Support go to http://comfortinchristcancersupport.blogspot.com/

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