Out Of The Ashes

We sang a great song in church today which contained the lyric "out of the ashes we rise".  There is something intriguing about fire.  As the weather is turning colder, I imagine many will turn to the warmth of a fireplace or a campfire for comfort. Yet, when something burns, it leaves very little remnant of its former self.  A log placed on the fire, when consumed completely, is no longer recognizable.  All that remains is some charred dust, or ashes if you may.  The fire causes total and absolute destruction.  It is no wonder that ashes are a symbol of repentance and humility...there is nothing illustrious about ashes.

I guess that is what captured my attention when we sang a song about rising from the ashes.  There are times in our lives that we are totally devastated.  Sickness, financial ruin, shattered relationships, to name a few, cause us to hit rock bottom.  Just like the ashes from a fire, the remnants from these horrific situations are ugly, dirty and filthy, nothing with which to be proud.

Yet, a remarkable thing sometimes happens on occasion.  Just like the mythological bird, the phoenix, somehow something arises from the ashes.  A new entity, a vibrant creature of some sort evolves.  The ugly ashes become a glorious creation.

I am so grateful God caused me to rise from the ashes of cancer.  Although there are still challenges ahead, the ugliness of the fire pit in some ways has been transformed into some true beauty.  As a matter of fact, some of the joy I feel today is because of the devastation of my previous self.  I can't help but remember how things used to be, e.g. multiple hospitalizations, chemotherapy, blood transfusions and desperation.  That was then.  This is now.

So, out of the ashes we rise.  We most certainly do, if we allow God to devastate us and bring forth a new creation.

You can read more about my devastation and ultimate victory in my book, "A Place I Didn't Want To Go: My Victory Over Cancer", which is available on Amazon and Kindle at the following link:

http://www.amazon.com/Place-Didnt-Want-Go-Victory/dp/0983453624/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324565593&sr=1-1

   

Tasting Success

"You scream.  I scream.  We all scream for ice cream". 

I don't know where I first heard that statement but I still remember it many years later.   Maybe it is because I love sweets so much, especially chocolate.  As a matter of fact, I could eat chocolate practically every day.  I saw a T-shirt that said, "Save the earth.  It's the only planet that has chocolate!"  I heartily agree.  Brownies, chocolate chip cookies, peanut M & M's, etc. have always been a regular part of my diet.  Of course, having an occasional doughnut with chocolate frosting (what else?) is also a special treat.

Based on my dietary habits, you must imagine that I am extremely overweight.  Not so.  I try to run several times a week, not particularly to lose weight but to keep from gaining too many pounds.  Also, I weigh myself periodically at work wearing the same type of clothes to keep track of my tonnage.  So, for the most part, I stay around the same weight.  Sometimes I'm up a few pounds around the holidays or when I'm prevented from exercising (like when I am sick or extremely busy at work). Sometimes I am down a few pounds (which is a great joy).

Nevertheless, I occasionally indulge in some ice cream, especially convenient since an ice cream eatery is not too far from my house.  Also, the stores which I frequent have multitudes of ice cream flavors from a variety of manufacturers.

The other day I discovered some interesting facts about Ben Cohen, one of the founder's of Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream.  First of all, I found out that Mr. Cohen and I share the same birthday, although he was born several years before me. I also discovered that he suffers from a condition called "anosmia" or loss of smell.  He also has diminished taste sensations.  After he worked odd jobs in his lifetime such as driving a cab or working at McDonald's, he ventured into the ice cream business.  Due to his loss of smell and inadequate taste sensations, it propelled him and his partner Jerry Greenfield to make extraordinary ice cream with exquisite tastes and large pieces of fruit, chocolate, nuts, peanut butter, etc., perhaps to compensate for his sensory deficits.

As a result, I went out and bought some Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream the other night to find out if this was true.  Sure enough, the taste was wonderful (although the price was somewhat high for just a pint).  Yet, amazingly, the great taste was developed in part from Ben Cohen's handicap.

So, Ben Cohen's story is yet another wonderful example of how adversity can lead to success.  If he hadn't lost his sense of smell, perhaps Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream would not be quite as popular or flavorful as it is today.

Cancer or major illness can also open up hidden talents.  As you may be aware, it propelled me to be a writer, something perhaps which will stay with me the rest of my life, even when I am old and feeble.  When I am unable to work physically, Lord willing, I will still be able to write.  Many more books and blogs may be forthcoming in the future, all because I went through cancer treatment and felt compelled to write about my journey.

What talents are waiting to be discovered in you because you have had cancer or are going through cancer?  Just like Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream, the sweet taste of success may be imminent as you use your undiscovered talents. 

My TV 24 Interview

I interviewed on the "East Alabama Today" program on WEAC TV 24 in Gadsden, Alabama on October 9, 2013.  This interview can be accessed on You Tube at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZ87f7zss9g&list=PLKWqwDAKBf2H3CRx7zQOaDXKFohuLTc2v&index=1

The Bigger Picture

Mark chapter 2 gives an incredible incident of healing of a paralytic.  Mark 2:1-11 reads:

"When He had come back to Capernaum several days afterward, it was heard that He was at home.  And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room, not even near the door; and He was speaking the word to them. And they came, bringing to Him a paralytic, carried by four men. Being unable to get to Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof  above Him; and when they had dug an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic was lying. And Jesus seeing their faith said to the paralytic, 'My son, your sins are forgiven.' But some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, 'Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming; who can forgive sins but God alone?' Immediately Jesus, aware in His spirit that they were reasoning that way within themselves, said to them, 'Why are you reasoning about these things in your hearts?  Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven’; or to say, ‘Get up, and pick up your pallet and walk’?  But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins—He said to the paralytic, 'I say to you, get up, pick up your pallet and go home.'"

I am amazed of the ingenuity and the compassion of the men who brought the paralytic to the Jesus.  Not perceiving the large crowd as a discouragement, they composed a scheme to place the paralytic within healing distance of the Savior, going so far as to tear through the roof.  Although the Bible doesn't mention how long it took to dig through the ceiling,  I imagine the scores of onlookers watched with amazement as the drama unfolded.

However, when the paralytic was being lowered down, what were the first words out of Jesus' mouth?  Jesus proclaims in verse 5, "My son, your sins are forgiven."  He didn't say "You're healed" or "Rise up and walk" (at least, not at the first).  Jesus demonstrated that the most important need in one's life is to be forgiven of his sins.  Being healed of an illness is nice, yet it is not the most urgent problem in a person's life.  Sicknesses come and go.  Yet, ultimately the sin issue must be addressed.

Unfortunately, the paralytic died years later, although the Bible doesn't say when.  However, having his sins forgiven, he experienced eternal healing.  Walking on the streets of Capernaum, I'm sure, was a great joy after his lameness was removed.  Even more so, having been delivered from his sins, he is now walking on the streets of glory.

Support Can Be Beautiful

I have been blessed with several radio and TV interviews recently to talk about my cancer survival and book. One day I dropped by a local TV station in Birmingham to leave a book for one of the hosts on the station.  As I stopped by the station, I couldn't help but notice the massive TV tower outside of the building.  I later discovered that this tower is 978 feet high, quite an impressive structure.  To keep it from toppling over it is secured by multiple cables, some extending for several hundred yards.  One of the cables even stretches across the main road in that area (where other TV stations are located).  You could say that the massive structure is kept in place by ample support.

Isn't that similar to our journey in life?  Most of us (including myself) would like to accomplish great things.  However, we cannot get there alone.  There is an old saying that you "have to pick yourself up by your own bootstraps."  Obviously this is impossible.  You can't raise yourself off of the floor...you need help.

So, as I travel onward, I'm forever indebted to the many support structures in my life as I try to soar higher and higher.  The family members, the co-workers, and especially my church family have been the cables to try to keep me from falling as I venture upward.  I guess you could say these people keep me grounded, to prevent me from toppling over.

Hence, it is imperative to obtain a great support system.  Once a support team is assembled, who knows how high a person can soar? 

Come Before Winter

I noticed something had changed in the atmosphere as I was leaving my house for work the other day.  Maybe it was just my imagination, but the sun appeared to be at a slightly different angle on my driveway.  Of course, I know the sun doesn't move but the days are getting a little shorter.  The leaves are starting to fall.  Autumn is quickly approaching, officially arriving in just a few days.  Long range weather forecasts are showing a gradual cooling of temperatures.  It's just a regular change in seasons, one may argue, so what's the big deal? As a matter of fact, some people even relish the time when there will be a "nip in the air".  However, for me, there is a sense of sadness. 

 

Think of everything that changes when fall and then later winter arrives.  For example, the days of short pants, short sleeve shirts and exercising in light clothing are put on hold.  Venturing outside may require a light jacket, then maybe later a heavy overcoat to deal with northerly winds and falling temperatures.  Thermostats will be adjusted in the home.  Electric blankets (one of my favorite comforts) will be summoned into use.  Of course, there is the limited sunlight with the shortened days, forcing commuters to drive home from work in utter darkness.  It is rather depressing. 

Reminds me of the cynical prediction about the weather by Bill Murray in the movie, "Groundhog Day" about winter.  He said, "I've got a prediction for you.  It's gonna be cold, it's gonna be gray, and it's gonna last you the rest of your life."   Not very encouraging.

Paul, in II Timothy chapter 4 (maybe his final writings before his death) told Timothy to "make every effort to come before winter" (verse 21).  Maybe Paul was wanting his cloak he had left at Troas (verse 13) to provide needed warmth as the weather was soon to change.  Perhaps Paul longed to see his beloved disciple before he died or just needed encouragement in his present situation.  Whatever the case, he urged Timothy to come before winter.

The Bible says, "In the day of prosperity be happy" (Ecclesiastes 7:14).  Great advice.  When life is going well, when the sun is shining, when health is good, when all of the bills are paid, when you are surrounded by friends, be content.  Unfortunately, as we all know too well, winter is coming,  a time when we'll long to see an old friend or have the warmth of a garment to protect us from the elements.

You can read about the winter I endured in my book, "A Place I Didn't Want To Go: My Victory Over Cancer".  Gratefully God brought me through this time and the snow is now melting.  My book  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

 

  

Just Say The Word

I was reading Matthew Chapter 8 the other night and noticed the wide variety of healings accomplished by the Savior.  I guess you could categorize the sicknesses in this fashion:

1.  Casual sickness. In verses 14-15, we discover that Peter's mother-in-law was lying in bed with a fever.  Maybe she had a cold or a virus  of some sort.  Apparently she didn't feel well and went to bed to recover.  It is hard to say, but I'm thinking that maybe this was just a minor illness.  After Jesus healed her, she got up and waited on Him.  Many times in life we get hit by minor illnesses which are more or less a nuisance.  We're not deathly sick, mind you.  It's just that an illness interferes with our work or family plans.  Maybe it goes away in a week or two, but it is still very annoying. 

2.  Chronic sickness.  Verses 2-4 describe a man with leprosy, a chronic debilitating condition. Left untreated, leprosy caused permanent damage to the skin, nerves, limbs and eyes.  There was also considerable social stigma associated with leprosy as lepers were considered unclean and had to dwell apart from the general population.  It was a horrible way of life.

3.  Calamitous sickness.  Verses 5-13 list the centurion's servant, lying in bed, paralyzed and experiencing tremendous pain.  Not really sure what was going on with this person, but it appeared to be a painful illness.  He was immobile and suffering.  It was a desperate situation.

4.  Chaotic sickness.  Verses 28-34 tell of two men who were demon-possessed.  They lived in the  tombs and were so violent that no one could pass by the road.  The local residents went to great lengths to avoid any interaction, fearing their own personal safety.  Sometimes illnesses today are so complex that families and neighbors are perplexed to understand how to intervene.  There appears to be no simple cure.  

However, no matter the depth of sickness, from Peter's mother-in-law to the demoniacs, Jesus healed them all.  The centurion, knowing Jesus' power, was well aware of the secret for removing all of these ailments.  In verse 8, he proclaimed to Jesus, "...just say the word and my servant will be healed."  That's all it takes.  Just a word from Jesus.  Just say it and everything will be made well.   

Furthermore, in today's world, we may also experience the different types of illness.  Being treated by healthcare professionals (of which I am one) can help, but the ultimate cure comes from the lips of the Savior.  We must entreat His favor with the attitude, "...speak, for Thy servant is listening". (I Samuel 3:10).  Once He speaks the true healing begins, whether instantaneous or in time.