"He Can. He Will. And even if He doesn't." Dad Update 10/23/2014

I find myself sending out emails to friends and co-workers titled "Inspiration Tuesday" or "Inspiration Wednesday". Really, there is no specific "Inspiration" day, as any time I find a story that I feel has tugged at my heart, I immediately send it out for inspiration to others. Some days, my need for inspiration is greater than others, and it's amazing how these days where I feel I need that inspiration and guidance to remind me that our path is perfectly created for us, right then and there I find my inspiration. 

A few months ago I was introduce to Matt Chandler, a pastor in the Dallas area, who was diagnosed with brain cancer on Thanksgiving Day a few years ago. I read his story, felt truly inspired and then, for some reason, continued on without sharing his story and his faith. But then the other day Mom asked, "Have you heard about that pastor in Dallas who has brain cancer?" And right then I was reminded of Matt's story, and right then I knew I needed to share how he's inspired me. 

I encourage each of you to watch this short video of an interview he had in 2010: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvRCXSPqhN4. 

Matt Chandler talks about a story in the Old Testament, the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, where they say "He Can, He Will, And even if He doesn't." Matt's perspective is so incredibly perfect, he says that he believes God can heal him, he believes God will heal him, and EVEN if He doesn't, he believes that "If I'm here, let's work. But if I go home, that's even better."

He Can. He Will. And even if He doesn't. 

What an incredibly powerful message! Dad's last trip to the Cancer Clinic went well, as his doctor is extremely pleased with his progress and is continuing him with chemotherapy and Avastin treatment. The visit was normal, the visit didn't include a BIG MRI result or any news that the doctor felt the tumor had progressed due to any physical signs, but for some reason this time felt a bit different for me. I can honestly say it never gets easier going to the Cancer Clinic, you never become numb to the realization that your loved one has cancer, and you never become numb to hearing someone say this was their first trip, that they recently found out they too had cancer. 

For those who are getting treatment for the first time, both young and old, male and female, and representing every type of cancer, I want to embrace them and pray with them. I want to tell them it will all be 'ok'. I want to share with them that the darkness and pain of a cancer diagnosis will slowly fade and be filled with light and joy, as weird as that may sound. And maybe that's yet another gift Dad's cancer has given me, it's given me the ability to share this light and joy in my blog with others who may be faced with a cancer diagnosis. 

I remember the first week of Dad's diagnosis, oh what a whirlwind it was! You're attempting to process the word "cancer" and what it means to your loved one and to you. You're attempting to schedule appointments with numerous doctors and you're attempting to keep it all together. You're also attempting to figure out how to share your new diagnosis. Are you open? Are you private? Do you want everyone to know the details? Will people understand or will they shy away and be fearful to say anything? 

Oh the questions you ask yourself and the moments where you feel like it literally is all falling apart! These moments, as dark and painful as they may seem, now have created such light and joy in our lives. We are better because of Dad's fight.

Dad continues to feel well, and each day forward is such an unbelievable gift. I have to remind myself that if God's plan is to allow Dad to BEAT this cancer, then what a wonderful plan He has for us, and if that's not God's plan, if God's plan involves hurt, tears and pain, then what a wonderful plan He has for us!

I believe God can heal my Dad, I believe God will heal my Dad, but even if he doesn't, I will praise him throughout it all. Continue praying, as we continue fighting to BTHO Brain Cancer!