In the last three days we’ve heard from Mary as she’s thought about cancer’s effects and God’s counter-effects. Today she addresses you, blog reader, with a desire to encourage:
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It will never cease to amaze me that so many people have offered to pray for me and are continuing to pray. Some of them I don’t even know. Maybe this incredible gift has come because both you and I are members of the same family: God’s family. Though we may not know each other in this world, we’re going to be close siblings in the next, and that’s a lovely thought.
Meanwhile, for you I’m praying, “Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.” (1 Timothy 1:2) Though I don’t know your specific needs, I do know that these amazing gifts (grace, mercy, and peace) are always welcome and beneficial.
As for me, please pray that any and every decision I’ll need to make in the days ahead will be made in God’s wisdom and by his leadership. It’s possible I’ll be asked to join a medical study with other pancreatic patients or to undergo a new series of chemo treatments stronger than the ones I’ve already had. The doctor may request further testing or specific scan dates. My loved ones might present alternative treatment plans to help me. If together you and I seek God first, he’ll let me know which choice is best in every case.
For now, I’m content to lead a “normal” life for as long as I can. I’ll let you know through this blog when symptoms of my cancer appear or when any other significant development occurs. Thank you for standing with me during this past year; my heart is bursting with gratitude!
The future may bring new lows and new fears to fight. But God’s Word tells me that no matter how cancer mounts its attack, the Lord will be right next to me, ready with a spiritual (and sometimes physical) counter-attack. And no matter what happens, I know without doubt he’ll continue to bring good from even the darkest of days.
“We exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5)
P.S. The baby I’m holding in the picture is our little Anders, the one born prematurely who had to spend 3 weeks in the NICU. I’m delighted to report that at 2 months old, he is thriving!
Mary, thank you for your honesty and willingness to share your life with us. You are and have been a wonderful instrument if God’s love. Yours and Margaret’s family are precious to so many of us. You both are examples of how to live for Christ. Just as Moses couldn’t hold his arms up we will be your Aaron and Hur, standing beside you to hold them up for you through our prayer (Ex. 17:11,12).
Mary, all of us look forward to your updates, as you are able to post them. Thanks, so much, for this beautiful photo of you and Anders! It looks like The City, is shown below, with the car headlights. Please continue sharing your testimony with everyone you meet. You may be their only Witness, their only Light, as they go thru their situations, without Hope and assurance of Heaven!
You look happy and healthy…..love ya ~
Thank you so much for sharing. It just dawned on me that I am in the same boat with you, Mary. I, too, have a terminal illness. And if Jesus doesn’t come first, there’s a 100% chance I’ll die from it. It’s genetic — both my parents have it, and sadly, both my precious little daughters have inherited this disease from me. Oh, and my dear husband has it too. But thankfully, there’s a cure; it’s Jesus. I realize how foolish I am to live like I don’t have “cancer.” I have “sin,” and it’s way worse. Cancer or not, I need to be living exactly like you…making the absolute most of every moment, leaning on Jesus for wisdom to make every decision, and being content to live a “normal” life for as long as I can, overwhelmed with gratitude. I truly appreciate your perspective and how even in the midst of your trials, you are ministering to others like myself.
Thank you Mary for the update and uplifting words from your heart. You have proven God’s faithfulness and also your faithfulness through all of this. You are In our hearts and prayers. Bruce and I send our love to you.
http://gerson.org/gerpress/the-gerson-therapy/
Mary, thank you so much for sharing with us so openly and consistently through your thorny journey. Your reliance on the Lord and his Word is a blessing and encouragement to me. What a joy to see pictures of you with your kids and grandkids. Anders is a delight–thank the Lord you can hold him and enjoy his lively presence. You continue in our prayers throughout each day. Focus will now be also on your grandchildren as well as children. Finally, great appreciation to Margaret for her professional , creative communication skills. Judi