I am learning some important lessons in this journey. For example, as strength varies throughout the day and when appetite diminishes, I learn to eat my ice cream FIRST! 🙂
I have heard many folks say we have good spirits or a strong attitude in the face of this cancer. The simple truth is this:
“Our gospel came to you not simply with words, but with POWER, with the Holy Spirit, and with DEEP CONVICTION. The word of God is AT WORK in you who BELIEVE.” 1 Thessalonians 1:5,13
None of us get this right all the time. We all get distracted. (For example, getting up the courage to eat was sometimes a struggle for me during the chemo, as was forcing myself to walk at least a half mile on my weakest days.) But God’s Word promises there is real power available to those who believe it…power to live out our moment by moment lives according to what we believe.
I remember teaching a values clarification class on stress management years ago to a group of adults with mental illness. In the middle of the discussion, a young man raised his hand and asked, “So you are saying that whenever we act in ways that contradict our true beliefs, we will always experience stress?” Exactly!
Belief is an active word. It doesn’t just refer to an historical discovery of some principle. True belief drives us to present action despite what circumstances may present themselves. We choose to love in unlovable moments. We keep quiet when we are tempted to complain about someone. We reach out when we are inclined to withdraw. We believe even as doubts cross our mind.
When the Bible says ‘believe’ it actually means “Keep on believing.” We can’t simply rely on a past decision or experience. We have to keep believing in the midst of each circumstance, the great ones and the challenging ones. True belief reminds us of our passion and purpose and doesn’t let the storms of life distract us. True belief keeps us focused with eyes firmly fixed on our goal, so we can continue to press on toward the prize we seek.
Dealing with this Leukemia requires all the prayers that many of you are offering on behalf of Marcia and me. (It matters!) And it requires believing and acting on belief, in what is and always has been true, and always will be true.
Thank you for this reminder I needed to hear today! Blessings, love and prayers to both you and Marcia!
Fr. Roger was a great believer in “eat dessert first”. Hope the icecream helped rest of meal go down. Loving prayers cover you bitrh daily.
Thanks, Bryan. We needed to hear that message today. You can’t imagine the strength you give out in the midst of your weakness. Of course, we know where that strength comes from. Our continued prayers for you and Marcia.
As we continue to pray for you all for strength and healing and faith and courage to walk this walk you’ve been given, we continue to be blessed by your words and insights. Worry is the prayer of the atheist, belief is an action to be actively lived out over and over again on a daily basis, …. and, as we struggle through whatever the Lord calls us to, take pleasure where we can, in the small things (eat your ice cream first!) as well as the big ones and know that ultimately he will use it all for his glory. Thank you so much for your willingness to share your journey. You ARE in our prayers!
Amen! The Lord be with you.