The Beauty In Suffering. 10/15/2014

Note: This blog post isn't one centered specifically around Dad, his treatment or further treatments ahead, instead this blog post is one that was specifically inspired by Dad. It's a blog post I wanted to share, one that I feel as though many of us can relate to- Suffering. Dad continues to do well and we are so incredibly blessed with each and every day. Continue praying, as we continue fighting to BTHO Brain Cancer!


Suffering. I don't think there is a more perfect word to describe a cancer diagnosis. There is much suffering in hearing the word "cancer", there is much suffering in hearing the "life expectancy" and there is even greater suffering watching a loved one go through treatment. 

This suffering has brought a true gift to my life, as I now have a much greater appreciation for life. Cancer has given me a gift. The suffering has given me a gift, as it's all lead to something wonderful- quality time.

You see, I've been able to share special moments with my Dad. And maybe these special moments are just watching his favorite tv show on a Monday night, or hearing him thank me for making dinner, or even listening to him snore while I'm trying to take a Sunday afternoon nap- But all of those moments are each uniquely special to me. I've learned to appreciate these moments. I've learned to say everything I want to say to him and tell him I love him every chance I get. Now if that isn't one of the most wonderful gifts one can receive, I'm not sure what is!

I know the life expectancy, I know the statistics- heck, I also know that something can happen to any of us tomorrow. I am faced with the realization that my Dad might not be around forever, I am faced with the realization that my Dad might not walk me down the aisle at my wedding- but I'm also faced with the realization of how precious each and every day is. I've realized the gift of cancer, that suffering has given me a gift and I will embrace that gift with all of my being.

Which is why my heart broke to hear the story of Brittany Maynard, the young lady who has decided to end her life on November 1 after being diagnosed with brain cancer (glioblastoma) earlier this year. She says she doesn't want to suffer, she says she wants to die with dignity. 

But isn't that what God promises us? He promises suffering. But he also promises to bring good out of all suffering. My devotional was just perfect the other day, and exactly how my family has tried to live our lives in our suffering with cancer. I just pray that Brittany Maynard realizes this before November 1. I hope she realizes that there is such a greater power controlling it all, and sometimes you just have to let go and let God take over. 

"Be prepared to suffer for Me, in My Name. All suffering has meaning in My kingdom. Pain and problems are opportunities to demonstrate your trust in Me. Bearing your circumstances bravely- even thanking Me for them- is one of the highest forms of praise. This sacrifice of thanksgiving rings golden-toned bells of Joy throughout heavenly realms. On earth also, your patient suffering sends out ripples of good tidings in ever-widening circles. When suffering strikes, remember that I am sovereign and that I can bring good out of everything. Do not try to run from pain or hide from problems. Instead, accept adversity in My Name, offering it up to Me for My purpose. Thus your suffering gains meaning and draws you closer to Me. Joy emerges from the ashes of adversity through your trust and thankfulness." James 1: 2-4; Psalm 107: 21-22

Our suffering has been great and challenging, but I also know the pain we've felt this last year in our battle against cancer, is nothing compared to the joy we will experience as we stay on this path led by faith, and not by sight. 

Each and every day I read a quote by Dana Hurst, a quote that has such significant meaning in my life:
"My fight. To not let suffering win. To not let it take away the joy in my faith. To not let it affect the relationships in my life. To instead, take it for it's own and run and use it to make me better. To allow it to show me when I am weak. To embrace those weaknesses when they are near and become stronger for it."

Fighting each day to see the good in the suffering, fighting each day to see the good in the storm and reminding myself that 'life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain." And my friends, I'm dancing.