Hope: the Wonder Drug

Hope.

What a powerful little word.

As you may know, we’re walking with my Dad through his cancer journey, and he faces his first chemo treatment today. Prayers appreciated for that- thank you!

When we found out he had cancer, we already knew something was wrong. He was losing weight, he’d had significant bowel issues, and he was weaker. His appetite was on and off for a while. By the time he was diagnosed with cancer (thank you ER team!) it was stage four and had already spread to his liver.

The doctors weren’t real clear (but I am also very far away and hadn’t spoken to them) about the prognosis. Words were used like “…make him more comfortable…” which made me immediately think: end of life prep.

So, I made plans to fly down and see my dad because we just don’t know what tomorrow holds. And I am so glad I did. I needed it. His mind is still very much intact- making jokes, laughing at my jokes, teaching my nephew how he does investments and spreadsheets…

But there was just something about him that looked so tired. He didn’t want to eat. Some days he would barely drink the two protein shakes they recommended. It was like he had given up, and was going to starve to death whether the cancer killed him or not.

Guys, I have never ONCE seen my dad back down from a challenge. This was concerning.

My sister has done a tremendous job of taking care of him and getting him to and from appointments, and just loving on him. I am so very grateful!! And with the weather we’ve had lately up here, I am super grateful he is down there and not sloshing through ice and snow to get to the doctor.

We’ve had a few frustrating experiences with appointments for him not being what we thought, feeling like a possible waste of time, but at the end of last week, dad and Joni went to a chemo education class for families.

I had told Joni told let me know how it went, and I was surprised when she said “It was WONDERFUL! The woman was so nice and full of hope! She gave us a bag full of gifts, a quilt that volunteers had made, and great information. She said that chemo has come a long way, there’s no reason to feel sick with the meds they have now, and that lots of people actually start to feel better with chemo!”

I was astounded. The last time we saw an up-close cancer battle was when we lost our mom back in ‘93. I was so glad to hear things had changed.

You know what? That night, my Dad ate dinner. Like, cleaned his plate, and then asked what was for dessert. And the next day the same thing, and the next day…

The experience the woman at the cancer class had allowed her to be a beacon of hope for the people she came into contact with. She was able to help them along their journey with a positive outlook, because she had seen good with her own eyes. Romans 5 tells us that experiencing God brings hope!!

Hope literally changes everything.

Church, there are people out there who have been beat down by life. They need our words of hope! Don’t hold back from praising God for His goodness, and what His awesome presence means in your life!

Even if certain circumstances have caused your faith to wane, receiving hope from another with similar experience can reignite your appetite for the things of God!

Hope: Hearing Others Praise the Eternal

When there is life, there is hope.

And certainly when there is hope, there is life!

Romans 5:1-5
(1) Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
(2) By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
(3) And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
(4) And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
(5) And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Psalm 31:21-24
(21) Blessed be the LORD: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city.
(22) For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee.
(23) O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.
(24) Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

Psalm 42:11
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.