areliablefaith

It is probably best that an unwelcome diagnosis comes as a complete surprise.  If I had expected a cancer diagnosis, it would have meant that I was living in a state of worry and dread before I got the news.  That’s NOT how I live, thanks be to God.

A month ago I had a small crusty spot on the top of my right ear cut off.  A mumbled, “it might be Basel cell” was the only hint that something might be amiss.  The call two weeks later that included the words “melanoma” and “refer you to a specialist” changed our family’s outlook in a profound way.

I was thankful Lisa, my beloved, was between work calls so she could hear what the doctor explained.  Starting this new journey together was the first of many gifts the LORD has provided so far.  Lisa has been a strong and steady support as we deal with an illness that I don’t yet feel, but nevertheless, know is at work in my body.

About 30 minutes after the call, I headed outside to shovel mulch.  My career has been in leadership roles in industrial plants.  One of the ways I recharge and connect with our Father is to work in the yard.  The LORD and I have had lots of great conversations mowing the yard and digging in the dirt.  Today there was a real need for connection with the Father and there was a pile of mulch that was ready to help with that.

While I was very surprised by the diagnosis, I do not want to give an impression I was overwhelmed or fearful.  There were plenty of questions arising, but there was also a real and deep peace.  I am almost two weeks later as I write this and that peace is still tangible and real.  In fact, there is a bubbling joy because of God’s constant reassurance that He is right here with me in this journey.  I type with a smile on my face because it is real.  His children will know His presence in the most profound ways when we walk through the unknown and difficult.  The distractions of life shrink when faced with the realities of life and death. 

As I shoveled the mulch and put into words what I was experiencing, what I was feeling, the questions I had, I sensed the Holy Spirit wrap me in love.  As I paused in pouring out my concerns, the Holy Spirit spoke to my soul, “TRUST ME”.  Folks, when the Lord speaks such a word, it is better than gold. 

Here is what I know.  The LORD is walking with me in this walk with cancer.  The LORD has a plan for my life and at this moment He is not finished with me on this side of eternity.  I know that there is good (and possibly great good) that will come out of this as I walk surrendered to the Father’s will.  I know my family… that is my biological family, my faith family, and my circle of friends are with me in this walk.  Because of all those things, I know the Lord will lead me through as I trust Him and follow His leading.

The night of the diagnosis I slept about 3 hours and then I woke up.  As I lay there unable to sleep, it became apparent that I was in for a long night.  Every time the “What Ifs” arose, I would slip into praying in the Spirit.  Soon the what ifs were replaced by either memories of God’s faithfulness in the past or pictures of things I believe God still has in store for me to do.  One of those things was to chronicle my journey and share it with others. 

Hence, you are invited into my journey to be a part of God’s story.  Your prayers are most appreciated, but most of all I pray that the LORD uses my story to encourage and help you and others.  Feel free to share the link with anyone you know who may be going through a struggle, cancer or some other difficulty.  And please let me know if there is anything I can pray with you about.  God likes it when we pray for one another, and I like to do what God likes.

Be blessed my friend and don’t forget to be a blessing!