No life is without its sudden surprises, and all of us have had shocking news at one time or another. I vividly remember the moment Nate and I were told of the mass on his liver, which ultimately turned out to be pancreatic cancer.
On Tuesday of this week, Mary and her family received one of those knock-down punches when they learned that her cancer, held at bay for 8 months, had suddenly returned. It was an awful day, most of which was spent in clinical waiting rooms, testing areas, and doctor’s offices. But even after heading home, their misery continued, since they had to deliver the bad news to each of their 7 grown children.
Wednesday, however, was a better day.
The human heart wants to lean into hope, and Mary and Bervin have an abundance of it, since it’s always rooted in Jesus Christ. Tonight Mary said, “I’m feeling good right now, and sometimes I completely forget I have cancer. Then someone will say something about life after death, or I’ll get a thought about the fleeting nature of time, and I remember. I guess it takes a while for the full truth to set in.”
She continued. “Sometimes, when I’m thinking about my limited future, I wonder about the disease itself and what will happen when it takes over. But as soon as doubts and fears creep in, I go back to what I’m sure of: God’s promises. At that point I need to re-claim them, and may have to do it again and again.”
Mary says that when her thoughts get shaky, she asks herself a simple question. “What does the Bible say?” Then she reminds herself that if it’s in God’s Word, she believes it.
For example, when the Lord says he’ll never leave her no matter what, she can depend on that. When it says his grace will be sufficient to her every need, she can stop being nervous about how bad it might get. When it says God is her sustainer, she knows he’ll carry her through anything that comes.
As she puts it, “I want to base my outlook on the facts, not the other way around.”
And the fact is, today was another very good day.
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10
Praising and Praying with Mary
- Please pray that my situation would not cause anyone to have a heavy heart.
- Praise for a wonderful family that is surrounding me with love and care.
Just heard in the news the other day that there are purple lights on buildings in Chicago remembering people who battle pancreatic cancer. Thanks for sharing your journey with us and may your love for Chrst be seen by others. There is hope in the Lord and glad to hear that you have a positive attitude.
I awoke this a.m. with Mary on my mind, praying for God to carry her and your family through this valley. This whole issue of dealing with one’s mortality is just plain hard. Dealing with our earthly mortality in light of eternity is still hard. As I have walked with The Lord a long time, the faith adventure always catches me by surprise. Each time I must start over placing my hand in His to trust His lead, my personality is to go it ‘alone’. He lovingly puts His hand out and waits for me to ‘catch on’ and hold His for the journey’s ahead. Watching those around me who hold His hand with grace is such a gift to so many. You and Mary both do it well. May God be glorified each day in the lives of those you touch.
Mary, we rejoice when we hear about your good days and we continue to pray for there to be more of those than the others. But be comforted with knowing that when you have rough days, the Lord has already rallied a multitude of prayer warriors to intercede on your behalf ( and for your family members who will have their struggle days with this whole process). May God continue to bless you and your family, with His amazing grace, peace and joy.
Mary, you and Bervin and all of your family remain in our prayers. When I read Margaret’s post, I can say that I did not want to believe the bad news and still feel very disappointed that after all the trials you went through with the chemo that there was not a period of “remission” , a”cure” was not an option. I am so thankful though that you and your family are able to go through this difficult time with God’s love and peace surrounding you. You do indeed have many believers praying for you. More importantly, Mary,you are in tune with Christ. Tears and prayers. Judi
The Father is always overwhelmingly abundant with joy, but never gives us more sorrow than we can bear – such an amazing, wonder-full and loving God!
Mary, your ministry to the City of Chicago, has really just begun. From your skyscraper home windows, look out at the downtown part of the city, especially at sunrise and sunset, and pray for those without Christ. They have no Hope, no Joy, no Peace, no Spiritual Understanding, perhaps. Like busy little Bees, they scatter here and there, always in a hurry. On sleepless nights, look at those taxicabs, and all the City’s lights. Your prayers, for the ‘faceless’ people, just may be their answers, that they need, so desperately. As we pray for God’s Perfect Will and Perfect Peace, I will also be praying for the City. Margaret, please convey my words to Mary, if need be.
Healing Hugs for all ~