Cancer is responsible for having ruined many days for Mary in the last few weeks, and it chalked up another one today. Back at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota for meetings with several doctors, Mary and Bervin listened to honest reports about her prognosis and heard again that a “best case scenario” is to buy some time with chemotherapy. Today that sounded like a high price, and worst of all, even after paying it, gains weren’t guaranteed.
Tonight Mary texted me the following:
“Today was a rough day, but with the Lord’s help, we’re through it. Luke showed up and was wonderful, asking good questions and pushing for answers, options, etc. The chemo docs were experts and were very kind, as everyone up here is. What I heard is that chemo, at best, will only postpone the inevitable, and though we’ve known that since we got the diagnosis, it’s difficult to hear it verbalized.”
Cancer makes everything difficult. When it touches an individual, a family, and a circle of friends, the touch is one of pain, both physical and emotional. So today Mary has been doing the excruciating work of weighing her options. She wrote:
“Though the chemo docs said I shouldn’t give up, I kept thinking about Elizabeth Elliott’s quote: ‘In acceptance there is peace.’ I want to be totally on board with and at peace with God’s plan and timing. I think I am, and then find myself getting caught up with all the earthly excitement of babies and weddings, and I find myself longing for more earth-time, not longing for heaven like I should be. I’m ashamed to admit it!”
There is no shame in an admission of honest feelings, and God is pleased that Mary has always embraced life with joy and gladness. In Ecclesiastes he teaches there’s a right time for everything, and that long list includes a time to cry, a time to lament, a time to hold on, and a time to let go. It also says there’s a time to make war and a time to make peace. Today Mary has been asking herself, what time is it for me?
As she works to shape her answer to that question, she knows where to go for advice. She wrote, “God will help me to get a right perspective. It’s been a challenging day, but tomorrow will be better!”
Cancer makes every day challenging, but even while feeling vulnerable and without too many options, Mary has the one option that trumps all others: a God she can trust with the rest of her life.
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you.” (Isaiah 43:2)
Mary’s Prayer Requests
- Praise that chemo can be done at the Chicago hospital near their home
- Praise for Luke’s steady, knowledgeable presence on this difficult day
- Pray for unfettered trust in whatever God tells her to do
- Pray for the peace of God that passes all understanding
Strong stuff, Marni – so beautifully written!! Praying for you all.
Sending love , hugs, prayers for Mary to know what her Heavenly Father wants her to do and grace for all who love her.
Love Beth and Bruce.
Knowing that life chapters are coming to an end always are a shock. Even when we know Jesus well, the chapter of leaving this earth through death is unsettling, for it is the last consequence of Adam’s sin that we will experience. I know in my head the price for the sin was paid. I know in my head that I will see Jesus and live with God for eternity. I know in my head I am loved but the sting of death is still a sting. I have experienced loved ones dying who know Jesus and He gives a peace that profoundly changes all who are there. I pray now for graces in Mary’s life, her families life, your life and those she has influenced and loved on. I pray now that for the number of days God chooses to give her here, that those who do not know Jesus will want to. Miracles still abound. I will ask God to give you each miracles in this next chapter that bring you close to Him. Praying.
Even tho I only know of Mary and her family through you, Margaret, and Linnea, I feel so close to them in Spirit, because I know, we are ‘family’, and will one day live in eternity together.
I pray for that peace that passes all understanding for ALL of you, and God’s wisdom, grace, comfort & joy, to abound in your lives, for His glory to shine! What a testimony she is, as are you. No one on the face of this earth can say “do this or you should do that”, and trusting her heart, to hear the Father’s voice, could be the best she can do for all. God bless !
My heart is heavy with the news, but I know God has His perfect plan, and will walk with Mary and Bervin, and their whole family, in these difficult days, bringing glory to His name!
Lord God Almighty, bring Your wisdom, peace and comfort. Take Mary into areas of rest and confidence in You, that she has never known before.
“Peace, Peace, Wonderful Peace. Coming down from the Father, above. Sweep over my spirit, forever I pray. In fathomless billows of LOVE.” With comfort medicines, Scripture, Hymns, Praise Songs, family, friends, Moody Church (past and present), and the beautiful skyline of Chicago, I believe Mary and Berv will be experiencing some beautiful events, with the Holy Spirit, right by them. I hope Mary can continue to keep notes, so someday she will be at the podium, sharing HOPE with everyone. I would love to be with Mary, right this very moment!
Praying for the wisdom from above for Mary and Bervin.
Such hard news to hear. My heart is heavy and yet I know we are looking forward to the joyful Easter and saying, “He is Risen, He is Risen Indeed, Alleluia!” May our Risen Lord and God of Hope give you that peace that passes understanding as you make the hard decisions.
Such very difficult news, I’m so sorry. Prayers continue here for wisdom and comfort, knowing that “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
This is indeed tough news for you and all of your friends. God has been faithful so far and we know He will continue to be ,no question about that. I will continue to pray that God will make plain what the next step should be and that you will know His peace. It is that peace that we KNOW has come from Him, and only from Him. He has so clearly been witnessing through you and Bervin ;it has spoken to many. My love and prayers to both of you.
Mary,
Definitely praying for you and your family.
Praying your trust in Jesus will grow stronger, and that you truly experience His peace that passes all understanding.
That He will wrap you in His loving arms, hold you tight, and calm your fears.
Lisa
My prayer tonight is that as Mary and Berv make tough decisions that God will allow their family to come along side in full support – no matter the decision. They seem to be so blessed with loving children and certainly I know you are standing with them. Words do not describe what I feel inside after walking with my sister through the journey of cancer. She was only 49 when her battle ended. Margaret I’m praying for you as well. Sisters are so special and Mary is blessed to have you by her side! Blessings always!