“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time” (1 Peter 5:6 NIV).

Our family plays in creeks. Other families have leisure pastimes like biking or camping or playing softball. My kids have grown up playing in creeks, I played in creeks, and even my dad played in creeks. We have a creek-playing season, and we even have creek shoes. You can’t go out and buy creek shoes; they have to be the too-small pair of tennis shoes from last summer with your toe poking out of the top to really qualify. 

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” (Ephesians 6:18 NIV).

The day did not go as I had hoped. A young student at the adolescent mental health unit where I worked had violently threatened several staff members and myself. Throughout the day he refused several overtures for conversation from staff members. He eventually initiated an incident and had to be restrained. How unfortunate! However, as I reflect on this encounter some 45 years later, I see a slightly different picture.

“Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17 NIV).

Arriving at the troubled adolescent hospital unit, I prepared my mind before walking through the door. The violent threats I had received the day before from one young man were still fresh in my mind. The proper clothes would be of little benefit if I did not have a healthy perspective. Who knows what the young man’s night had been like? He may have reconsidered his actions. He may be ready for reconciliation. I did not know. All I could do was be sure of my motives and intentions. At first glance, he did not appear to have had a good night. The scowl on his face and the tension in his body spoke volumes. I prayed he would be receptive to our efforts to reach him.

“…and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:15, 16 NIV).

When I worked at an adolescent mental health unit, I typically wore dress shoes. On this day I was wearing tennis shoes, since they would be more suitable in a scuffle. A young man with a history of violence had leveled a direct threat to me and a few other staff members the day before.

“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place” (Ephesians 6:14 NIV).

I knew I was possibly in for a tough day. Yesterday, a young man from the adolescent mental health unit where I worked had leveled a direct threat to me and a few other staff members. I was dressing for work. What would I wear? I decided to be ready for anything. A thick flannel shirt with a leather belt were two of the items I chose to don for the uncertainty ahead.

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13 NIV).

After college graduation and before leaving for seminary, I worked as a counselor in a hospital for troubled adolescents. In many ways, it was an eye-opening yet sad time. I saw what a lack of love, guidance, and family structure can do to a young person.

“You came near when I called you, and you said, ‘Do not fear’” (Lamentations 3:57 NIV).

When I received my breast cancer diagnosis, I wanted to first do what was necessary to rid my body of the disease, and then, to hopefully prevent the disease from coming back. When I heard the words “chemo” and “double mastectomy,” I could not say that I immediately declared, “Sign me up.”

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10 NIV).

How can I complain? When we were in the throes of Covid, my family was reeling from the murder of DJ, my oldest nephew, in the city of Berkley. My brother, Dennis, was on duty when he received the call from his commanding officer to meet him at the station. Dennis had served more than thirty years on the police force, at one time as a canine officer. He knew something was not right.

“Then Hannah prayed and said: ‘There is no Rock like our God … the Lord is a God who knows’” (1 Samuel 2:1a, 2b, 3b NIV).

Have people ever said the most ridiculously stupid things to you about cancer? Instead of words of comfort and reassurance, I was often greeted with things like, “Oh, my uncle died of that.” It drove me absolutely bonkers. I'm sure I'm not the only one. The truth is, we all have the tendency to put our foot in it when we're not sure what to say or we are awkwardly trying to help.

“…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:2a NIV).

Have I ever told you about Poochie? Poochie was my dog growing up. He was a total mutt that preferred lounging in the shade of the porch rather than doing any kind of activity except eating. Other than food, the only thing that would get Poochie off the porch was the sound of a car with a broken muffler.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it” (Matthew 13:45-46 NIV).

The year my wife, Sue, was diagnosed with breast cancer happened to coincide with our 50th wedding anniversary. We’d already made plans for a November trip to Hawaii to celebrate. The surgery was scheduled for October with reassurances from her oncologist:

“But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine’” (Isaiah 43:1 NIV).

Do you have a Jekyll and Hyde inside of you? The famous book The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde deals with the idea that one person can be both very kind and very evil. One person. Two natures. Cancer can manifest this Jekyll and Hyde in us.

“Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains” (Psalm 107:13-14 NIV).

I first met Kris when she attended a Bible study I hosted at Maple Tree Cancer Alliance. She was in the middle of treatment for breast cancer and had all but given up on life. She told me that she did not know the Lord, but admitted she was searching for a reason for what she was going through.

“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it” (Luke 9:24 NIV).

The world is full of beautiful things: gorgeous homes, fine furnishings, landscaped properties, fancy automobiles, boats, and planes. You can travel to exotic destinations. You can even have a designer body and clothe yourself with designer clothes. This life is rich with opportunities.

“Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God” (Luke 18:27 NIV).

Does anyone else have “pet peeves,” things that just rub you the wrong way? Currently, my number one aggravation is hearing someone load spiritual burdens onto the backs of others. It goes something like this: “If only you were more loving, forgiving, considerate, hospitable (or insert your own virtue), you would be really fulfilling your Christian obligation.”

“I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me. When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands, and I would not be comforted. You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples” (Psalm 77:1-2, 14 NIV).

When my husband, James, and I married, we knew we wanted to have children someday. Several years later, we decided we were ready. After eight months of hoping and praying and starting to wonder if something may be wrong, I was pregnant. The hope of this child was quickly shattered.

“You performed signs and wonders in Egypt and have continued them to this day, in Israel and among all mankind, and have gained the renown that is still yours” (Jeremiah 32:20 NIV).

What did we do before high fives? I know we’ve probably been shaking hands and giving hugs since the beginning of mankind, but nothing seems to show undeniable, spontaneous celebration like a high five. “WOW! Look what you did!! You’re incredible!”

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John‬ 3:16 NIV‬).

Since cancer showed up in your life, you probably have thought more about death than ever. Whether you are recently diagnosed, undergoing treatments, continuing to survive, or in the care of hospice, death can loom large. The prospect of dying can be distressing, depressing, and scary, but God’s will for you is not to perish but to have eternal life!‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“So the sisters sent word to Jesus, ‘Lord, the one you love is sick’” (John 11:3 NIV).

The story of Lazarus’ death in the Gospel of John sets us up with the scene of a family dealing with a very sick brother. Just like many of us, the family knew Jesus intimately. They had even entertained Him at their home. And, like many of us, they sent word to Jesus. Look at today’s verse: “So the sisters sent word to Jesus, ‘Lord, the one you love is sick.’” They probably sent word by messenger; we send word to Jesus in prayer.

“I am the only one left…” (1 Kings 19:10 NIV).

Have you ever felt alone in a room full of people? Most people I ask this question of say yes. This might be because the people around you are strangers—but too often, they are not. They could be friends and family. This loneliness can come from a realization that the people around you cannot seem to connect with important parts of your life.