We got about three inches of snow in my community a couple of days ago. Although it may not sound like much to most people who live in the United States, to those of us who live just north of Birmingham, Alabama, it's a big deal. In our area, we maybe get a significant snow about two times a year (sometimes never). But, when it does snow, schools close, people scurry to the stores to buy milk and bread (don't know why because we rarely lose our power due to winter weather) and motor vehicle accidents abound as drivers attempt to navigate on slippery roads. Local TV stations provide wall-to-wall coverage as the snow engulfs our area, giving continuous updates until the last snowflake has fallen.
That was two days ago. Today the high was in the low 50's. As a result, I decided to go jogging in my neighborhood, a frequent occurrence when weather conditions are favorable. As I was running, I noticed a few rooftops were still covered with significant snow. The entire roofs were not blanketed with snow, mind you, just the areas that the sun had not been able to penetrate. I recognized that, in order for the snow to melt, it would take one or two phenomena to occur. First, the sun would have to reach the snowy areas to begin the melting process. Second, if the sun couldn't shine on these areas, just an overall increase in the temperature would do the trick.
Come to think of it, we all have cold areas in our lives or snow that needs to be melted away. The snow could be something like bitterness, unforgiveness, worldliness, anger, hate, etc. Basically, the snow could be whatever area of our lives that does not resonate the warmth of God's love. So, how does the Heavenly Father get to these areas? He turns up the heat in the form of trials or tribulations. This heat could be financial difficulties, job struggles, or, as I strongly believe, physical sickness. Although the heat is painful, it ultimately points us to God in perhaps ways we have never seen Him before. David mentions this in Psalms 119:71, proclaiming, "It was good that I was afflicted, that I may learn Thy statutes."
Ultimately, it's painful having snow melt in our lives. Yet, God in His wisdom, sometimes uses our deepest hurts (such as cancer) to penetrate down to the inner recesses of our souls.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Mourning To Dancing
Just finished reading Bill O'Reilly's book, "Killing Lincoln:The Shocking Assassination That Changed America Forever". The book focuses on the life of Abraham Lincoln in the two weeks prior to his death and ends with the capture of John Wilkes Booth and his co-conspirators. Although I was somewhat familiar with some of the details of Lincoln's death, there were numerous facts which Mr. O'Reilly and his co-author Martin Dugard brought to my attention. For example, I never knew that Ford's Theater was originally a Baptist church. That's right. From 1833-1859, it was the First Baptist Church of Washington. In 1859, The First Baptist Church congregation merged with The Fourth Baptist Church and moved out of the facility. The property was purchased by theater manager John T. Ford from Baltimore and opened as a state of the art performance facility in 1863.
So, at one time, it was a church, a place which brings many glorious thoughts to mind. You see, for me, going to church is a peaceful place. Since I was born again in 1975, I have attended church regularly since that time except for when I was "providentially hindered", e.g. couldn't make it to church due to work or sickness. However, the joy of worshipping my Savior, fellowshipping with other believers and hearing God's Word proclaimed is something I relish on a weekly basis. In that place, I feel love, I feel comfort, and I feel happiness. It is a wonderful place of refuge from the harshness of life.
Even though Ford's Theater was no longer a church, in a sense, it was still a happy place. Audiences came, laughed, cheered, cried and sang as skilled performers entertained them on a nightly basis. It was a respite from the world. Even our sixteenth president saw it as a welcome relief to escape from the anguish of the recent Civil War.
Hence, it saddens me to think of the tragedy that occurred in Ford's Theater on the night of April 14th, 1865 when John Wilkes Booth shot the President. In one night, the whole theater changed. It would no longer be known for its actors but for its assassin. As a result, after the shooting, Congress felt it was no longer appropriate to use the theater to entertain others so it was purchased from Mr. Ford and converted to a federal office building. Not until 1968 was it reopened as a theater again, well over one hundred years after the tragedy that had occurred in its midst.
It is said that time heals all wounds, whether it be a diagnosis of cancer or another tragedy in life. It took well over a century for Ford's Theater to be restored to its former glory. Although it may take many years to recover, we must continually trust the Heavenly Father to one day turn our mourning into dancing. Furthermore, the Bible encourages us to "not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary." (Galatians 6:8 NASB)
You can learn more about my cancer victory and insights I gained from the battle by reading my book, "A Place I Didn't Want To Go: My Victory Over Cancer". It can be accessed at:
http://www.amazon.com/Place-Didnt-Want-Go-Victory/dp/0983453624/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324565593&sr=1-1
So, at one time, it was a church, a place which brings many glorious thoughts to mind. You see, for me, going to church is a peaceful place. Since I was born again in 1975, I have attended church regularly since that time except for when I was "providentially hindered", e.g. couldn't make it to church due to work or sickness. However, the joy of worshipping my Savior, fellowshipping with other believers and hearing God's Word proclaimed is something I relish on a weekly basis. In that place, I feel love, I feel comfort, and I feel happiness. It is a wonderful place of refuge from the harshness of life.
Even though Ford's Theater was no longer a church, in a sense, it was still a happy place. Audiences came, laughed, cheered, cried and sang as skilled performers entertained them on a nightly basis. It was a respite from the world. Even our sixteenth president saw it as a welcome relief to escape from the anguish of the recent Civil War.
Hence, it saddens me to think of the tragedy that occurred in Ford's Theater on the night of April 14th, 1865 when John Wilkes Booth shot the President. In one night, the whole theater changed. It would no longer be known for its actors but for its assassin. As a result, after the shooting, Congress felt it was no longer appropriate to use the theater to entertain others so it was purchased from Mr. Ford and converted to a federal office building. Not until 1968 was it reopened as a theater again, well over one hundred years after the tragedy that had occurred in its midst.
It is said that time heals all wounds, whether it be a diagnosis of cancer or another tragedy in life. It took well over a century for Ford's Theater to be restored to its former glory. Although it may take many years to recover, we must continually trust the Heavenly Father to one day turn our mourning into dancing. Furthermore, the Bible encourages us to "not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary." (Galatians 6:8 NASB)
You can learn more about my cancer victory and insights I gained from the battle by reading my book, "A Place I Didn't Want To Go: My Victory Over Cancer". It can be accessed at:
http://www.amazon.com/Place-Didnt-Want-Go-Victory/dp/0983453624/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324565593&sr=1-1
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Being Transparent
I went running on a busy street close to my house today. I did most of the running on the street, although I frequently had to run on the shoulder of the road to get out of the way of passing cars. As I was running on the shoulder, I noticed several items that had been thrown out of cars recently. More specifically, there were lots of beer cans and an occasional empty pack of cigarettes. Apparently the consumers of these items felt they needed to get rid of the evidence before they reached their appointed destinations, whether it was the local high school or maybe even their own homes. In other words, they were ashamed to be found with such items in their possession. They were trying to cover up their actions, even if it meant littering the road.
When I was undergoing chemotherapy, I also felt the need to hide something, although it really wasn't evil or sinful. At the beginning of treatment, the oncology team warned me that I would lose my hair as a result of the chemotherapy. To prepare for this, I asked a friend of mine who worked for a pacemaker company if he could give me a scrub hat to wear at work. You know the type...it's a simple surgical hat you see worn in operating rooms as illustrated by medical shows on television. I felt it would be a way I could still look somewhat professional in my work at the hospital while covering up my bald head.
Yet, to my amazement (and to the shock of my oncology team), I never did completely lose my hair, although it did thin quite a bit. But even though my hair looked atrocious, I decided not to wear a scrub hat. I felt like there was no need to be ashamed or to hide what I was going through. Maybe it was a subliminal message I was sending out to the world such as, "Look at me! I'm going through cancer treatment. Yet, I'm still able to work, go to church, etc." It was a testimony to the world that I was an overcomer and wouldn't be hindered by my cancer diagnosis and treatment.
The Bible exhorts us to not be bashful in proclaiming Christ. Matthew 5:16 says, "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." (NASB). Years later, I'm glad I didn't try to hide everything I was going through with cancer. By giving the public a glimpse into my illness, I was building a foundation for a ministry. In simple terms, the light that was radiating off of my balding head was a picture of the glorious light God was providing within my soul as He was delivering me from cancer. When I tell people now of what it was like to go through cancer, there is no doubting my testimony. They heard about me fighting cancer. But, even more so, they saw it!
When I was undergoing chemotherapy, I also felt the need to hide something, although it really wasn't evil or sinful. At the beginning of treatment, the oncology team warned me that I would lose my hair as a result of the chemotherapy. To prepare for this, I asked a friend of mine who worked for a pacemaker company if he could give me a scrub hat to wear at work. You know the type...it's a simple surgical hat you see worn in operating rooms as illustrated by medical shows on television. I felt it would be a way I could still look somewhat professional in my work at the hospital while covering up my bald head.
Yet, to my amazement (and to the shock of my oncology team), I never did completely lose my hair, although it did thin quite a bit. But even though my hair looked atrocious, I decided not to wear a scrub hat. I felt like there was no need to be ashamed or to hide what I was going through. Maybe it was a subliminal message I was sending out to the world such as, "Look at me! I'm going through cancer treatment. Yet, I'm still able to work, go to church, etc." It was a testimony to the world that I was an overcomer and wouldn't be hindered by my cancer diagnosis and treatment.
The Bible exhorts us to not be bashful in proclaiming Christ. Matthew 5:16 says, "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." (NASB). Years later, I'm glad I didn't try to hide everything I was going through with cancer. By giving the public a glimpse into my illness, I was building a foundation for a ministry. In simple terms, the light that was radiating off of my balding head was a picture of the glorious light God was providing within my soul as He was delivering me from cancer. When I tell people now of what it was like to go through cancer, there is no doubting my testimony. They heard about me fighting cancer. But, even more so, they saw it!
Friday, December 21, 2012
The Warmth of God's Plan
It's a great story recorded in Luke 24. Two men were walking to Emmaus on the day that Jesus rose from the dead. They were trying to understand everything that had happened in Jerusalem that week. Jesus had entered Jerusalem in triumph with a king's welcome. Yet, he was delivered to the chief priests and rulers and underwent a horrific death via crucifixion. Then it was reported that He had risen from the dead. So, as the gentlemen were walking, they were thinking and conversing to each other what had happened in Jerusalem. What did it all mean? They walked and talked, still tying to make sense of it all.
Then, an unknown figure joined their journey and conversation. With marvelous clarity, Jesus, unrecognized by them at the time, explained the Old Testament scriptures regarding the Messiah which had led up to the events in Jerusalem that week. Their hearts burned within as the Master Teacher provided some masterful teaching. It was all made clear to them. The death, burial and resurrection were all part of God's plan from the beginning of time. They now had hope in a risen Savior. After He departed from them, they exclaimed, "...Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?" (vs. 32 NASB). It was a heartwarming encounter with Jesus, a time when life made sense.
Although I still wrestle with the reasons cancer was thrust upon me, as I read the Scriptures, I can see more clearly why this occurred in my life. New insights for me regarding pain and suffering. A new ministry. New joys. New friendships. In a sense, it is a warm feeling inside, seeing the pieces of God's plan come together for my life. Mind you, I may not understand everything that occurs in my life. I still have many, many questions. Yet, what I am able to comprehend as Jesus explains the scriptures to me on a day-to-day basis is very heartwarming.
Then, an unknown figure joined their journey and conversation. With marvelous clarity, Jesus, unrecognized by them at the time, explained the Old Testament scriptures regarding the Messiah which had led up to the events in Jerusalem that week. Their hearts burned within as the Master Teacher provided some masterful teaching. It was all made clear to them. The death, burial and resurrection were all part of God's plan from the beginning of time. They now had hope in a risen Savior. After He departed from them, they exclaimed, "...Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?" (vs. 32 NASB). It was a heartwarming encounter with Jesus, a time when life made sense.
Although I still wrestle with the reasons cancer was thrust upon me, as I read the Scriptures, I can see more clearly why this occurred in my life. New insights for me regarding pain and suffering. A new ministry. New joys. New friendships. In a sense, it is a warm feeling inside, seeing the pieces of God's plan come together for my life. Mind you, I may not understand everything that occurs in my life. I still have many, many questions. Yet, what I am able to comprehend as Jesus explains the scriptures to me on a day-to-day basis is very heartwarming.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Invaluable Body Parts
"But now there are many members, but one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; or again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary; and those members of the body which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our unseemly members come to have more abundant seemliness..." (I Corinthians 12:20-23 NASB)
In describing the importance of spiritual gifts, Paul uses the illustration of the human body to describe the value of each part. He lists how every part is important, even those body parts which are less honorable or seemingly less valuable.
I truly came to recognize this when I was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2004. Before then, I was hardly aware of my bladder, except when it needed emptying. Yet, it is an amazing organ and has a valuable function. In simple terms, the webMD website describes how urine is made in the kidneys, and travels down two tubes called ureters to the bladder. The bladder stores the urine, allowing urination to be infrequent and voluntary. In addition, the bladder is lined by layers of muscle tissue that stretch to accommodate urine. Hence, the normal capacity of the bladder is 400 to 600 mL or about half a quart.
If we didn't have a bladder, urine would constantly flow out of our bodies. Wouldn't that be a horrific thing!!! All activities of life would be affected. As a matter of fact, urination would be frequent and involuntary...a constant burden upon working, participating in sports activities, and overall daily life.
So, here's to the bladder and all other body parts that don't get much credit. Every part of the body is important. Try to keep all of your body parts as long as you can.
Unfortunately, my bladder was killing me and had to be removed. I talk more about this in my book, "A Place I Didn't Want To Go: My Victory Over Cancer." It is available on Amazon and Kindle. It can be accessed at:
http://www.amazon.com/Place-Didnt-Want-Go-Victory/dp/0983453624/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324565593&sr=1-1
In describing the importance of spiritual gifts, Paul uses the illustration of the human body to describe the value of each part. He lists how every part is important, even those body parts which are less honorable or seemingly less valuable.
I truly came to recognize this when I was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2004. Before then, I was hardly aware of my bladder, except when it needed emptying. Yet, it is an amazing organ and has a valuable function. In simple terms, the webMD website describes how urine is made in the kidneys, and travels down two tubes called ureters to the bladder. The bladder stores the urine, allowing urination to be infrequent and voluntary. In addition, the bladder is lined by layers of muscle tissue that stretch to accommodate urine. Hence, the normal capacity of the bladder is 400 to 600 mL or about half a quart.
If we didn't have a bladder, urine would constantly flow out of our bodies. Wouldn't that be a horrific thing!!! All activities of life would be affected. As a matter of fact, urination would be frequent and involuntary...a constant burden upon working, participating in sports activities, and overall daily life.
So, here's to the bladder and all other body parts that don't get much credit. Every part of the body is important. Try to keep all of your body parts as long as you can.
Unfortunately, my bladder was killing me and had to be removed. I talk more about this in my book, "A Place I Didn't Want To Go: My Victory Over Cancer." It is available on Amazon and Kindle. It can be accessed at:
http://www.amazon.com/Place-Didnt-Want-Go-Victory/dp/0983453624/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324565593&sr=1-1
Friday, November 30, 2012
Leaving A Legacy
One of the local radio stations where I live switches over to a Christmas music only format around the middle part of November each year. I enjoy listening to the station, although it seems like some songs get much more airplay than others.
For example, one song I hear frequently is "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year" sung by Andy Williams. It's a great upbeat song, extolling the excitement of the Christmas season. It is also sung splendidly by Andy Williams and is certainly a holiday favorite.
However, this year the song has a special meaning or significance. If you recall, Andy Williams died this year of bladder cancer, the same illness that I fought and overcame. As a matter of fact, when I heard Mr. Williams had bladder cancer, I tried to contact him directly through one of his fan sites but never heard back. Nevertheless, this song and, in particular, his singing voice are now part of his legacy. Although I'm not very familiar with much of his music, it seems like the songs I have heard are fairly positive and uplifting. His songs are his legacy.
On the other hand, I am saddened to hear of the failures of Lance Armstrong. He is a cancer survivor with many Tour de France victories. His catchphrase, "Live Strong", can be seen on bracelets and other sports items. Yet, due to his drug usage, his Tour de France victories and his commercial sponsorships have been removed. He has gone from hero to zero in a short period of time. His legacy is now the image of one who took substances to secure his Tour de France wins. In other words, he cheated. Not the best way to be remembered.
When dealing with cancer, I am faced with a choice regarding my legacy. Do I want to be known as someone who fought cancer bravely and tried to help as many people as possible cope with the disease or do I simply want to get by? To me, the choice is clear. I choose to write, to speak, to encourage, to do whatever I can to help others. Although I fall short in so many ways, being able to assist others with cancer or major illness is certainly a good way to be remembered at the end of my days.
I mention more about my cancer battle and subsequent victory in my book, "A Place I Didn't Want To Go: My Victory Over Cancer". Check it out at:
http://www.amazon.com/Place-Didnt-Want-Go-Victory/dp/0983453624/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324565593&sr=1-1
For example, one song I hear frequently is "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year" sung by Andy Williams. It's a great upbeat song, extolling the excitement of the Christmas season. It is also sung splendidly by Andy Williams and is certainly a holiday favorite.
However, this year the song has a special meaning or significance. If you recall, Andy Williams died this year of bladder cancer, the same illness that I fought and overcame. As a matter of fact, when I heard Mr. Williams had bladder cancer, I tried to contact him directly through one of his fan sites but never heard back. Nevertheless, this song and, in particular, his singing voice are now part of his legacy. Although I'm not very familiar with much of his music, it seems like the songs I have heard are fairly positive and uplifting. His songs are his legacy.
On the other hand, I am saddened to hear of the failures of Lance Armstrong. He is a cancer survivor with many Tour de France victories. His catchphrase, "Live Strong", can be seen on bracelets and other sports items. Yet, due to his drug usage, his Tour de France victories and his commercial sponsorships have been removed. He has gone from hero to zero in a short period of time. His legacy is now the image of one who took substances to secure his Tour de France wins. In other words, he cheated. Not the best way to be remembered.
When dealing with cancer, I am faced with a choice regarding my legacy. Do I want to be known as someone who fought cancer bravely and tried to help as many people as possible cope with the disease or do I simply want to get by? To me, the choice is clear. I choose to write, to speak, to encourage, to do whatever I can to help others. Although I fall short in so many ways, being able to assist others with cancer or major illness is certainly a good way to be remembered at the end of my days.
I mention more about my cancer battle and subsequent victory in my book, "A Place I Didn't Want To Go: My Victory Over Cancer". Check it out at:
http://www.amazon.com/Place-Didnt-Want-Go-Victory/dp/0983453624/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324565593&sr=1-1
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Compensatory Damages
Recently, while traveling on the interstate, I saw a billboard featuring an attorney which stated, "In a wreck? Get a check". Apparently, if you're in a wreck, all you need to do is contact this guy and he'll find a way to get you some money to compensate for your loss. Of course, I imagine this is not a free service. Surely the guy on the billboard gets a cut from your reimbursement. Maybe his advertisement should more accurately read, "In a wreck? I'll also get a check".
Yet, this advertisement appeals to part of our nature. If we are given a raw deal, we feel like someone should make it better. If our steak is undercooked at the restaurant, we feel that the cook should cook it some more, or maybe even give us a free dinner. If our washing machine breaks down shortly after purchase, we feel the company should repair it or replace it without cost. If our car is a lemon, we think the dealer should make amends in some form or fashion. In whatever situation, the compensation helps overcome the sting of our discomfort.
Perhaps one of the greatest examples of compensation in the Bible is the story of Job. As you recall, Job was a wealthy man. Yet, within a brief period, he lost his family, his servants, his livestock, and, worst of all, his health. However, in chapter 42 of the book of Job, it is exciting to see how "...the Lord restored the fortunes of Job...and the Lord increased all that Job had twofold" (verse 10). In addition, "the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning" (verse 12). Eventually, Job "died, an old man an full of days" (verse 17). Maybe, on his deathbed, the terrible losses Job experienced in his life were just a distant memory.
I know that for me, personally, having had cancer, I am constantly seeking ways to compensate for the damage it inflicted upon me. My book, my blog and speaking engagements are part of this process. Mind you, these activities may not ever totally restore my losses. Yet, there is great joy when I see how God is using my affliction.
Furthermore, God may not give me a check like the billboard says. However, the wisdom, insights and ministry He has provided me due to my cancer are truly invaluable. In addition, just like Job, He may one day allow me to die an old man and full of days.
Yet, this advertisement appeals to part of our nature. If we are given a raw deal, we feel like someone should make it better. If our steak is undercooked at the restaurant, we feel that the cook should cook it some more, or maybe even give us a free dinner. If our washing machine breaks down shortly after purchase, we feel the company should repair it or replace it without cost. If our car is a lemon, we think the dealer should make amends in some form or fashion. In whatever situation, the compensation helps overcome the sting of our discomfort.
Perhaps one of the greatest examples of compensation in the Bible is the story of Job. As you recall, Job was a wealthy man. Yet, within a brief period, he lost his family, his servants, his livestock, and, worst of all, his health. However, in chapter 42 of the book of Job, it is exciting to see how "...the Lord restored the fortunes of Job...and the Lord increased all that Job had twofold" (verse 10). In addition, "the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning" (verse 12). Eventually, Job "died, an old man an full of days" (verse 17). Maybe, on his deathbed, the terrible losses Job experienced in his life were just a distant memory.
I know that for me, personally, having had cancer, I am constantly seeking ways to compensate for the damage it inflicted upon me. My book, my blog and speaking engagements are part of this process. Mind you, these activities may not ever totally restore my losses. Yet, there is great joy when I see how God is using my affliction.
Furthermore, God may not give me a check like the billboard says. However, the wisdom, insights and ministry He has provided me due to my cancer are truly invaluable. In addition, just like Job, He may one day allow me to die an old man and full of days.
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