Difference Makers

I'm going to share a hard story with you. One of those stories that just makes you wonder why things are the way they are. A story that encourages us to be difference makers in this world.

Through my daily radiation and and weekly chemo treatments I've have a pretty positive attitude. I don't claim any special mental powers in saying this, rather I have the good fortune of going through these treatments as a way of trying to prevent a reoccurence of my cancer. Sherri and I meet others however for whom treatment is at best only extending for a short time the little time they have left.

We met just such a person and family last month. Some of the meds I take with my chemo put me to sleep pretty quickly. During these times Sherri has the opportunity to talk with nurses and other patients. Not to long ago she talked with a lady and her husband and son. She was getting treatment for her stage 4 cervical cancer.

Our hearts broke for this young family as we learned of her bad news diagnosis. Time was not on their side. Sherri called her this week and learned that things have not gotten any better - that cancer has made life difficult. Out of respect for their privacy these are the only details I'll share with you. But you get the point, you've known family or friends or neighbors who had the same difficult story - unfortunately this young lady isn't alone.

My thoughts keep returning to this family. How different treatment is for them than it is for us. How sad it is to think about leaving a young son. How unfair it all seems sometimes. Life comes with great joys but also with amazing hurts doesn't it?

I keep thinking about Jesus' answer when asked about others who were killed through no fault of their own- were they bad people? Jesus answered they were no different- certainly not worse- than anyone else, but then He moved the focus from 'why' to those who were listening- including you and me, and said we need to repent or perish as well. I want to know why young moms die of cancer and I want it to stop and Jesus says to me - focus instead on what is important- eternal life where there are no tears and there is no cancer. Stop concentrating on the broken box of our life and look instead at the perfect gift inside of eternal life.

Even knowing this, we grieve over this situation. Jesus does too I am sure. He wept at Lazurus' death. He understands losing loved ones is never easy. So we consider our own hearts then respond in love. We have a gift certificate charity of sorts where we give prepaid cards to various stores to the nurses to give to patients who need some help. We'll do this here as well. If you'd like to help just let Sherri or me know. Sometimes making a small difference in someone's life can make all the difference. May God grant us the opportunity to make a difference in this story.

Blest Regards,
kp