When we arrived in the hospital conference room to receive the shocking news about Nate’s pancreatic cancer last Tuesday, Nate was dressed in a new grey business suit and the red tie I’d given him two weeks before. (Who knew Wal-Mart had such great looking ties?)
He’d spent the morning fighting for a client in court and had won the case. I thought he looked especially handsome as he stepped into the room. Standing up each time a new doctor entered to introduce himself, Nate reached out for seven hand shakes and gave seven greetings. He was in lawyer-mode and was definitely the catalyst in the room.
After three hours had passed and all the miserable facts were swirling in our brains, the head doctor said, “You’ve had a terrible afternoon, and I think that’s enough for today. We’ll meet again tomorrow and talk more then.”
Nate took out a Post-it note to write down the time and place, while I dabbed at my eyes with his handkerchief, already soaking wet. The meeting had officially ended, but the doctor had one more thing to say.
“All of us on your medical team had gone over your test records before today. Anticipating meeting you, I expected you would be… well… not in such good condition. Everything I saw in the data said that…. well… Actually, I just can’t believe you were at work today… and even in court.”
Nate, only half listening, took it as a compliment. I took it as a portend of difficult days coming quickly. We have traveled through six of those days so far, and I was right. Nate’s pain is escalating. His suits are in the closet. And the lawyer is not at work.
But God is at work, and he is working on our behalf. As we climbed into the car today, there, folded and tucked into the back of the driver’s seat, was a wad of bills. One hundred dollars. Someone knew of our many 180 mile round trips into Chicago from Michigan, and thoughtfully provided a couple of tanks of gas. God’s touch is in the details of our lives, and we feel him very close.
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” (1 John 4:18, 16)
God is definitely at work. We are praying today and every day. Love you.
You both are walking through “the valley of the shadow of death”. Remember it is only a shadow of it. I have heard of God healing people even in the 4th stage. They were the ones who embedded God’s word in their minds and hearts, eating it like food and speaking the positive affirmations into your very being. This will be a challenging time of not only the battle to come out with restored health, but the most important catalyst is the battlefield in the mind. I experienced this when I was going through those four years of retoring my adrenal burnout and multiple imbalances. You both are blessed to have people in your life whom you can trust with even the darkest of any doubts that will try to torment you. These people are the ones who will help you to see the spec of light at the end of the tunnel on the days when it is overwhelming and exhausted from it. Just like Moses had one flanked on each side of him to hold up his arms to win the battle, the Lord is surrounding you with many to do the same for you both. May the Lord bless you both with His overwhelming peace, grace and the joy of knowing you are very much loved by Him and the rest of us.
Oh Margaret! I am so sorry to hear this news. Your Moody friends from long ago are lifting you and Nate up in prayer here in Atlanta. Our God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.
Amen, God is at work – especially in our most difficult situations. I am praying that God will strengthen you and your precious family. What a great God we have – who will be with us in all our circumstances. Thanks so much, Margaret, for sharing your experiences – amidst your pain. We are praying here.
Thanks, Marg, for letting us share in your lives during these difficult days and nights. You have so many lifting you before His throne.
Glo & Ron
Marni and Nate,
We will continue to uphold you before our loving Heavenly Father as you go through these difficult times. He knows what lies ahead, and in who’s hand you rest. We love you
Duane and Connie
Margaret and Nate. You are so right. God is at work! How precious to realize that it is Him who will provide all your needs. We love you and are praying for you.
Roger and Gale
I am so thankful that God considers even our tears to be so precious that he stores them all in a bottle – can you imagine the rainbows in heaven from his pure light shining through all of those prisms? We ill be praying, and weeping, and trusting, and rejoicing with you. Maranatha!
Hi. I’m a friend of Linnea’s from a Bible study class a while back. I am sorry to hear about the cancer. But I want you to know that you and your husband have touched this world in more ways than you know…raising such a wonderful and spiritual daughter who really means the world to me. Your family is an inspiration to those of us who are at the beginning of our walk in faith. You give me hope. I will pray that the Lord will shed His Grace upon your family….just mountains of it! Much Love, Rachel Pierpont
Hi Margaret,
You don’t know me, but I happened across you blog and felt compelled to comment. I am a cancer survivor myself – NHL – and during my journey back to health, I found an incredible support system and valuable information on this website:
http://my.crazysexylife.com/
I know it looks like an eleven year old girl designed it, but the people are wonderful. The content is a mix of traditional and alternative treatments, but mostly, it’s just a great support system for both cancer patients and their care givers. I know, because I’ve been both. And I also want to say that I’m in no way affiliated with this website or the people who run it. I’m just a member of the community and I value the support it’s given me. I hope it can help you and Nate, too.
My thoughts and prayers are with you both. Take care…
I’m a friend of Linnea’s too (in DTS together years ago in Kona-maybe she can tell you all the things we have in common.) I’m a regular reader of her blog which is how I came to yours. I plan to pass it on to my parents and in-laws, and others who are “getting through” things. I just wanted to say a few things: I am very impressed with your family; I took a few notes of spiritual lessons shared in your blog posts (I love lessons from a spider!); you all are on my heart and in my prayers, and I have a lot of faith in the power of prayer- He listens; my favorite verse of all time is Psalm 18:1 (plus the other 49 verses of Ps 18). bless you, Bethany Scott
How good of God to “show up” in such a tangible way on one of the most difficult days of your life, to let you know how much he cares for you. Blessings to those who follow His lead with every timely provision.
Wow I am actually speechless. Blessings to all. Trust in our almighty God, he will prevale and provide comfort if one has faith.