Sometimes Things Just Suck

My heart is so heavy.  Three people I know lost their battle with cancer within three days of each other... two of them on the same day.  Yes, sometimes things just suck.  I know, if you are like me, you hate that word.  I don't like it either, but it just seems to be the only word that fits.

I lost my dad to cancer when I was twelve.  I have lost many people I know to cancer.  And it is never any easier when you hear the word cancer.  Cancer just sucks.

I know people who are in the fight with cancer this very moment.  And I also know many people who are survivors of cancer.  And even then it still sucks.  Cancer takes so much away from you personally and so much away from your family.  But the one thing it cannot take away from you... is the love that that God has for you; and He hurts deeply for you and your family.  It cannot take away the fact that He is with you every minute of every day.  It cannot take away from you the relationships you build and the love that grows between you and those you know who are in the fight.

There are many people fighting this horrible disease every day; some that are very close to me.  They are getting better!  ... and cancer is NOT going to win!  Yet, even when cancer it not winning the battle, it takes it's toll on you.  It takes a toll on you emotional and physically and every way in between.  It is an ugly fight, but it's a fight that you do not fight alone.  God is with you every step of the way.  And if you are blessed to be a part of a community, a church, a group of close friends, they are also with you every step of the way.

For those in the fight, I know some days are literally hell.  But remember that there is one who fighting for you and holding you close even when you cannot hold yourself up.  I pray that one day there will be a cure for all types of cancer; a cure that does not involve tearing your body down to build it back up.  Until then, I will continue to trust in God.  I will continue to support those I love so dearly and continue to pray with and for them as they fight.  I will continue to walk along side of those close to me who have suffered loss because of this horrific disease.  And I will continue to pray over those in the middle of the fight, as well as the doctors working with them, as I continue to pray that God leads them to a cure.

As a dear friend said last night as we were circled up in prayer, "God knows what we are going to go through before we ever have a clue."  He is preparing us in ways we cannot imagine, for whatever unknown fight we might face. And if He already knows the pain, the heartache, the rough roads that may be ahead in any number of circumstances - then I can KNOW that He is going to be right there with us to help us fight the battle.

May God be near to us all.

Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:30-31

Did You Notice?

Someone I know made a comment on Facebook today that reminded me of something that happened to us a few weeks ago.  A few weeks ago Chris and I were walking to the car after the last Dallas Mavericks basketball game of the season.  We had stayed late so by the time we were walking to the car there was really no one left on the streets.  As we walked the path we always take to the car a gentleman started walking our direction.  As we got closer to him he started walking up to us and we stopped. He was collecting money for a program he was in for those who are recovering from drug and alcohol abuse. This program creates some type of newspaper flyers. We really couldn't understand everything he was saying about the paper, but we listened to him and then gave him some money. And then he said.... "So many people just pass by and never look up. Thank you for noticing me. Can I pray over you?" And then he prayed a beautiful prayer over us as we all held hands. Chris and I both said his comment of "thank you for noticing me" really broke our hearts.

I know that we can sometimes get calloused because of all the people standing on street corners collecting money.  But I have learned to listen to my heart and God's prompting.  There is usually something I feel inside when I know that God is calling me to reach out to someone.  That night, even though we were the only ones on the street, something inside both of us told us to stop.  And his words, "Thank you for noticing me", continue to haunt me.  It is so easy to hand someone money or a bottle of water or whatever you choose to do and be on your way.  But his words will make me be more intentional about really looking them in the eyes and really noticing them.  Because so many times, no one else will even look their way; much less look them in the eyes.

 Jesus "noticed" the woman at the well and had a conversation with her when others just stood around talking about her.  How many times do we really "notice" people around us.  When others are talking about someone they see, do we talk along with them, or do we "notice" them and do something about it.

It is really easy to get so wrapped up in where we are going that we don't "notice" what or who is around us.  I want to pay attention.  I want to be aware of my circumstances and those around me.  I want to see people the way Jesus did.  I want to be brave and not afraid to have those conversations that others may not want to have.  I want to be the hands and feet of Jesus.  It is my prayer that we will all begin to "notice" people more.

Blessings!

How Well Do We Trust?

As I was reading my devotional book from Sarah Young this morning, this was today's message....

"I want you to learn a new habit. Try saying, "I trust You, Jesus," in response to whatever happens to you. If there is time, think about who I am in all My Power and Glory; ponder also the depth and breath of My Love for you. This simple practice will help you see Me in every situation, acknowledging My sovereign control over the universe. When you view events from this perspective - through the Light of My universal Presence - fear loses its grip on you. Adverse circumstances become growth opportunities when you affirm your trust in Me no matter what. You receive blessings gratefully, realizing they flow directly from My hand of grace. Your continual assertion of trusting Me will strengthen our relationship and keep you close to Me."

Some days more than others I need to be reminded of this truth. I do trust Jesus always. But my actions don't always convey my complete trust. Trust is easy when things are going well, but it's in the tough times that trust is so important. THAT trust, will grow a deeper relationship with God as you trust Him "no matter what"

May the new year bring each of us into a deeper relationship with Him as we "trust". Will you join me in remembering.... "I trust You Jesus!"..... every day.

 

Blessings!