[pinit]
A few weeks ago, we heard the words you never want to hear. You have cancer. Kedron was diagnosed with pappilary thyroid cancer. Thankfully, this is a treatable form of cancer. The doctor looked him in the eyes and said, “We fully expect to cure you.” But it still is cancer. It still changes your life.
One week from today he will have surgery to remove his thyroid. He may or may not need a couple days of radiation a few weeks after surgery. He will, however, from then forward be on thyroid replacement medication.
The past few weeks have been a blur as we’ve adjusted to the news, prayed about how to talk to the kids, and re-arranged our lives while waiting for surgery and recovery.
We’ve heard a lot of stories of others who have been through this. We’ve been overwhelmed by the care and concern of our community both near and far. We’ve also been overwhelmed by the responses we’ve received both helpful and not.
What else is there to say? When you realize that cancer has taken up residence in your home, when you realize it has eaten dinner with you, silently slept in your home, and traveled with you for who knows how long – it turns your world upside down and shakes it out.
You stare down the frailty of life and realize no one is immune. No one.
The question is, what will you do with your frailty? Will you face it in fear? Or will you face it with a foundation of faith?
Will you face it with a faith in a God who still loves you and holds you when things are rotten? Will you still believe that He walks with you, even in the dark, even in the shadows, even in the depths of whatever it is you must go through?
This is the lesson I’m learning through these days:
The faith you cultivate in the ordinary events of your life bears fruit during life’s famines.
Sooner or later disease, cancer, conflict, wayward children or spouses, or many other forms of pestilence will threaten to destroy you, and seek to starve your faith and hope. May you instead feast off the fruit produced by the Spirit that was planted and grown in a life of quiet faithfulness in the ordinary seasons of life.
Famine comes sooner or later. It doesn’t need to destroy you.
May you feast in the famine. Plant your seeds now.
Thank you for your prayers and concern for Kedron and our family. We are doing well, and we are being well-cared for.
*photo by Kedron Rhodes. Text by Amelia Rhodes.
Great post!! <3 you all! ((hug))
<3
Amelia, I will be praying, I will try to remember to pray for you and your family when I pick up my COFFEE cup in the mornings. Keep shining for him, even in your darkest time.
Oh Cathy, that’s so sweet and makes me teary!!
Praying for your family Amelia. Thank you for a sweet message of hope in the midst of your own famine time.
Thank you so much Lisa!!
Amelia I am so sorry your family is going through this nasty nasty disease. I will continue to lift you all up. Your blog post really touched home with me. Thank you my friend for being a ray of sunshine and thank you for challenging me spiritually. <3
Oh thank you Wendy. ((hugs))
sweet friend… I am so thankful you and your family are surround by Abba Father ….prayers are there for you !
What treats can I send? 🙂
Tanya, Kedron and the kids loooove cookies! 🙂 lol.
Thanks for letting us know so that we can pray.
Amelia, our WOW (Women of Worth) group is studying your “Isn’t it Time for a Coffee Break” book and we will be praying for you, Kedron and your family as you travel this road.
Kitty, thank you so much. That means more than you could know!!
Amelia, the seeds of faith that God has planted in your heart have been planted in others’ hearts through you. I’m excited to know that the comfort you receive from the Lord now will continue to be given over and over to others through your ministry. To God be the glory!
Charmel, thank you. I’m just humbled that God can use these simple words to encourage others. Yes, to Him be the glory!