Facing Death

“Here is the test to find whether your mission on Earth is finished: if you're alive, it isn't.” Richard Bach, author

We’re often confronted with the reality that life is short for some folks. God’s plans are not ordered by our human thoughts, and so, while early death is a reality, it remains a mystery to humans.

The Psalmist said, “All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Ps. 139:16. So whether or not you embrace Richard Bach’s philosophy, we have to trust God’s plan for our life. 

No one knows this better than my friend, guest blogger, and cancer survivor Venita McCart. Today, she shares the moment when she confronted the reality of death.

Thoughts We Remember To Forget

By Venita McCart

“He has set eternity in the hearts of men.” Ecclesiastes 3:11 NLT

Here’s the thought: I want to live forever. Here’s the other thought: That’s not going to happen. Here’s the other-other thought…

I’m a writer; a thought-keeper. I journal, make lists, scribble on sticky notes, and paper scraps. I shall not forget anything profound. (Or more likely, slightly sensible.) I may need these thoughts for an article, devotion, or best seller. Okay, so I’m an optimist, too.

Do I want all my thoughts? No. When I changed doctors recently the little girl in scrubs said, “Be sure to list your medical history on these forms, especially details about your cancer.” I would rather just forget all the cancer stuff and I never really want to write it down. But I must.

I would rather forget other things too, like death. I once was an expert at forgetting it. Then the diagnosis came and death was in my face, but I ached so to live. My conflict within brought other thoughts I didn’t want: Aren’t you supposed to be a Christian? Shouldn’t you be okay with this? I am a Christian. But I had never been a dying Christian before. I was afraid. 

I called out to God, the best prayer ever: “Help me!”

Then I remembered Jesus spent much time and many tears in a garden praying, facing death he knew was coming. His soul was crushed with grief, like mine. He pleaded for life, like me. He anguished for release, like I did.

In prayer, with eternity in his heart, He found peace about dying…and the keys to peace for me. Jesus Christ went to the dreaded cross to give me the eternal life I crave.

Here’s the thought: I want to live forever. Here’s the other thought: That’s not going to happen. Here’s the other-other thought: Oh, yes it is!

Jesus knows your dilemma. If you are struggling with the fear of death because of cancer, remember the Creator and Saver of your eternity. Ask Him for His thoughts, for they are eternal, and they are for you. If you call, He will answer.

Venita McCart and the group she founded, Faith Force Cancer Support Ministries, has ministered to hundreds of patients since 2005 through group meetings, personal contacts, writing, and speaking. She is currently working on materials to comfort and encourage cancer patients, their loved ones, and to help others create support ministries. She and her husband live in central Illinois. Venita may be reached at venitamccart@yahoo.com.

If you have a prayer need, please share in the comments section or email me with confidential requests. Would you also take a moment to pray for other requests? 

Our prayer list for today includes several battling cancer. Please pray for comfort, healing, and strength. While you’re at it, pray for their families, as well.

·       Courtney, young mother with brain tumor

·       Emily, 12-year-old with bone cancer. Her body has responded well to the initial phase of treatment.  She still has a long road ahead.

·       Sally, who continues a 12-year battle against breast cancer

·       Lori, my cousin’s wife, with metastatic cancer

·       TC’s father-in-law, not doing well

Also:

Please lift up Karen Redding’s husband and children as they are grieving her death.

U.S. soldier Jesse McCart whose information is on a separate page above. Please visit that page for updates including contact info for him and other GIs recovering and rehabbing in the same military hospital in Texas. It would mean a great deal to these servicemen to receive encouragement. Pre-stamped postcards from the post office are a great method to do so on a regular basis.

Jesse McCart and men from his unit

I selected our worship song today as a tribute to our armed forces who have paid the ultimate sacrifice so we may enjoy the freedoms we have. "Finally Home," by MercyMe.

 

 God bless,
Laura

© Laura Hodges Poole

A New Normal

Sgt. Jesse McCart

“O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me.” Psalm 30:2

Normally in this spot each week, I post Writers’ Corner—encouragement and tips for aspiring writers. We all have days where life doesn’t cooperate, and this was one of those days for me. God works everything for our good and His glory, so I felt led to set aside what I had started writing and instead share an update on the U.S. soldier we’ve been praying for.

In a span of a few seconds, Sgt. Jesse McCart’s life and that of his family changed forever. 

Jesse and two other U.S. soldiers stepped on an IED in Afghanistan on July 30, and were seriously injured. Jesse lost part of both legs. He arrived in the United States on a ventilator and in critical condition. He has made remarkable progress in the last week and a half. 

His family has graciously shared these photos of him.

According to the latest family update today, Jesse will be moved into a private room from ICU as soon as the room is ready. He slept last night the whole night which they rejoice for since he has had difficulty sleeping. Sleep is so important for his recovery. His pain is still an issue and the doctors are trying different medications to see what will be effective. He has continued physical therapy and is able to get in and out of a wheelchair. To quote his wife, “We definitely have a long road in front of us, but we have gotten a great start!”

We all face uncertainty in our lives, and none of us are guaranteed tomorrow. Hug someone you love. Forgive someone who doesn’t deserve it. Ask God to help you love that person you feel is unlovable.

Thank you to all the prayer warriors who’ve joined in prayer for Jesse and his family. I will keep you posted as I get updates. If you have a prayer request, please leave it in the comment section or email me. My contact info is above. I’ve love to pray for your needs. 

God bless,

Laura

© Laura Hodges Poole