Hope in the Lord

"He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters." Psalm 18:16

My eldest brother was recently diagnosed with cancer....for the fourth time. This latest iteration is a large and fast-growing tumor on the back of his tongue - inoperable due to its location. Once he begins chemotherapy and radiation treatments, his throat will swell shut, so he's in the hospital now having just had a tracheostomy; with it, a feeding tube has been put in place.

There's no denying the seriousness of the situation. It's going to be a long 10 weeks of treatments. The added element of dealing with the trach is frustrating for him. But what has always struck me about my brother is his amazing attitude. It's never, "Why me?"

He doesn't mope. Maybe privately he has his moments of discouragement...but he never lets it show (and I suspect he doesn't allow those moments to persist if, in fact, they occur). 

He matter-of-factly plugs away with whatever course of treatment is required, and that's that. When it comes to recovery, attitude is important - so I think he's got that part covered.

Everybody can use a little help, though...and I'm a firm believer in the immense power of prayer. I pray every day that Rich will feel the power of God's love as it surrounds him, and that he'll be able to tap into that power for the strength he needs to get through this challenging journey.

If you're so inclined, maybe you'd like to say a prayer for him, too.

Thanks.