genius

Posted on November 21, 2006 by Dana

There is a multiple myeloma patient I’ve heard about that can predict his blood counts before any test is done. Coaches are known for picking the brains of other coaches to try to get a little edge. In similar fashion, I’ve always wanted to meet this man to try to discover how he is so accurate in all his predictions. One of the nurses calls this patient a genius. Last week I found that my protein count is not dropping as quickly as it did last year. During the past month, the number only dropped from 1.9 to 1.5. As I looked over this report and prepared to receive chemo, a nurse came to me and said, “He’s here!” I asked, “Who?” She answered, “The genius! I’m going to bring him to you!”

Tom didn’t really look like a genius. He was wearing a cap that said “World’s Greatest Dad” and he seemed to move rather slowly. He stuck out his hand and introduced himself then sat on a stool next to my chair. “The nurse said you wanted to meet me,” he said. “Yes, I’ve heard a lot about you. Some say you’re a genius. The nurses say you have an uncanny way of predicting your blood counts. How do you do it?” Tom humbly shrugged his shoulders and said he was not a genius. He said he was simply doing his best to stay in the battle. Tom is seventy-seven years old. Within the month he has arrived home from Little Rock, Arkansas where he had just endured a second stem cell transplant. His first was in 2003, so I realized Tom has not had an easy three years. Though he looked remarkably strong just one month out from transplant, he shared that he almost didn’t make it this time. He was in the hospital six weeks and many complications came against him. But as he shared the doctors’ conclusions of the staggering odds against his survival, a twinkle came to Tom’s eye and he made a comment that proved to me he’s a genius: “You know, son, God is not bound by our human statistics.” I think this was another way to say what Jesus often taught: “With God, all things are possible.”

I pray you have a great Thanksgiving. Love your family, encourage the downtrodden, help the needy. Take time to truly thank God for all He has done for us.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7

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indestructible

Posted on November 15, 2006 by Dana

I’ve just started my fourth round of chemo this fall. I should get a ‘cancer level’ report by next week, so I’ll try to let you know the results. The bad number started at 3.3 and had dropped to 1.9 last month. It seems to be dropping a little slower than last year, and the cumulative affect of chemo is hitting me this week.

A few times since I’ve been diagnosed with cancer, someone has said, “You are indestructible until the time God has ordained you to leave this earth.” I understand this statement, but I sure don’t feel too indestructible these days. If I were a soldier in the war zone, I think I would want this belief to give me great courage. They say Confederate general Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson was a man of faith who exhibited amazing calm in battle because he believed his life was completely in the hands of his Maker. Unfortunately, he was mortally wounded by “friendly fire” at Chancellorsville in 1863. I’m not sure how such a wound impacted Jackson’s faith.

In the case of cancer, we seem to fight off the enemy, keep it at bay a while, live a full life, then prepare to fight again. God gets the credit for each day I live. I thank him for new weapons to use against this disease and for doctors and nurses who sincerely care for their patients. I am thankful for all the people who pray for me. I know God has the power to speak this cancer into nonexistence, but at this point I’ve just got to deal with it. I don’t mind saying I often feel destructible.

Now lest you think I’m writing a rather faithless, depressing message, remember that feelings and faith are not the same. People might argue that the way “Stonewall” Jackson died proved his faith was absurd. But who’s to say he was wrong? Some would say the constant recurrence of cancer proves God is not really in control but medicine is. But perhaps this is a part of a mysterious cross I am to bear on this earth. Arguing these matters does little good, because often our faith and feelings are so intertwined we don’t know which is which. If my faith is based on my own thoughts and conclusions, my changing feelings will keep me on an unending roller coaster ride. My faith is in an “Indestructible Life”, but it is not my own. As the writer of Hebrews was explaining the unique priesthood of Jesus, he called him “One who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life.” (Hebrews 7:16) This One’s body was destroyed on a cruel cross, but God proved his life indestructible as He raised him on the third day.

Too many variables hit my feelings these days, but the One who is faithful and true has all power to give me what I need. Monday, our oldest daughter Kinsey wrote me a note that is helping me through the week: “Well Dad, I know you are not looking forward to this day too much. Last week we sang a song and I thought the lyrics would be encouraging during this week of chemo:
‘You are the Everlasting God, the Everlasting God.
You do not faint; You won’t grow weary
You’re the defender of the weak; You comfort those in need.
You lift us up on wings like eagles.’
Just remember God gives strength to the weary and increases your power. You’ll soar on wings like eagles! I know you probably don’t feel that way, but God will give you strength!”

The One who is indestructible is with us…

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired and weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:28-31

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Hero

Posted on November 8, 2006 by Dana

A recent issue of Time Magazine contains an interview with Clint Eastwood discussing WWII heroes in his latest movie, “Flags of Our Fathers.” In the interview, Eastwood admitted most of the characters he played in older movies were flawed individuals who seized the opportunity to be a hero. He gave an interesting answer to the last question of the article. “Interviewer: ‘Is there hunger among Americans for heroic behavior?’ Eastwood: ‘I think there is a hunger. I think that most people would love to see a heroic figure step forward. I can almost sound like one of those Christian-right guys: Where is the Messiah?’”

Most followers of Jesus probably don’t want to be called “Christian-right guys”, but believers know the Messiah has come. For generations Jews sang, “My Deliverer is coming…”, but only a few recognized him when he came. Bono still sings, “I still haven’t found what I’m looking for…”, but Jesus says, “Come to me; find out who I am.” Those who know Him have found what they are looking for.

Perhaps it is the “giving up of self” that makes a hero. When you examine the life of Jesus you see power and strength, but you also see meekness and humility. Some might even call Jesus “weak”, but the Son of God knew his Father’s power is made perfect in weakness. Without his willingness to give up self, Jesus could not have been our Hero. Of course we see ultimate selflessness at Calvary, but before this final sacrifice, Jesus lived a surrendered life. Don’t miss the heroism of the journey.

He lived a simple life in the home of a carpenter. He obeyed his parents. He grew in wisdom and stature. He grew in favor with God and man. Few recognized a Hero was being formed. Jesus seemed content to live in obscurity. When John called him the “Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world,” some noticed, but most probably scoffed. To have people not believe who you really are is troubling, but Jesus was not after personal glory. Some wanted to make him king after his miracles, but Jesus rejected the world, gave up self, and kept his eyes on his Father. God chose unlikely men to be his disciples, but Jesus trusted his Father completely. He patiently taught the twelve and loved them despite their ignorance and faithlessness. All the trials Jesus endured were part of the plan of the One who knows what makes a hero. Jesus ran the race set before him with patient endurance then fulfilled His purpose for coming. He was despised and rejected by men. He was mocked and spit upon. He was beaten and cursed. He carried the Cross, took the sins of the world on Himself and died. I wish I could fully grasp this description of the Messiah’s life: “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him…” (Hebrews 5:7-9)

What would we do without this unflawed Hero who invites us to walk in his steps and who is not ashamed to call us brothers?

“In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.” Hebrews 2:10-11

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softball

Posted on November 1, 2006 by Dana

Our oldest daughter, Kinsey, has just completed her senior softball season. Their goal was to win the state championship and last night they just fell short. A car ride home after a loss seems much longer than the ride after a victory, but if we live on this earth we’re going to experience both highs and lows. At the beginning of the season, our coach asked Susan and me to share periodic prayer requests to help parents, coaches, and players pray for one another and keep focus on our Creator. After quite an emotional weekend in Columbus that put us in the finals of the state tournament, I wrote the following note and prayer. Last night we won the first game by one run then lost the championship game by one run. “Lord, help us keep in mind what is most important.” Have a great week,
Dana

I woke up early this morning with a thankful heart for our softball coaches. I’ve been on the tough end of losses many times as a coach, and trying to find the right words and right ways to encourage can be so difficult. Our coaches lifted spirits, brought perspective, and shared hope. We are all so thankful for a happy ride home Saturday night. One of our coaches made an unusual comment as everyone was preparing to leave the park: “As much as I like beating Buford, I hate eliminating them from the tournament.” Coaches with hearts that reach beyond the game are rare indeed. It may be easy to pray with an opposing team after winning a game, but it is not too easy after a heart-breaking loss. But as our coaches walk out with chin up, our girls also wipe away tears and hold the hand of an opponent and humbly pray to a Father in Heaven who loves everyone on the field. Such sights bring tears to us fathers on earth.

Our daughter has prayed a lot lately about winning games, but she’s also prayed for a Buford player who has lost her family. She wrote her a note saying that she’s never lost a parent, but when her dad was diagnosed with cancer she was forced to deal with things tougher than losing a softball game. As our seventeen-year-old prays that her team achieves its high goals, I want her to remember there are seventeen-year-olds on the other team praying similar prayers. As a forty-seven-year-old, while I may also catch myself praying for victories, I hope I can pray for even greater things.

“Lord, if my daughter makes an error, help her get through it. May her self-worth not be wrapped up in her performance. Lord, if another player makes a mistake, may I have the same empathy as if it were my own daughter. Lord, even in the agony of defeat, we know you can still bring good. May we all trust you in the good times and the bad. Please grant imperfect coaches and imperfect parents your wisdom. Most of all, Lord, may we possess a great measure of your incredible love that looks far beyond exterior happenings to the very center of all that really matters. Bring maturity in all of us. Let us be full of mercy and grace as you are. Mold us into the image of Your Son and let us trust you know best how to bring about such a miracle. We do pray our girls play their best and enjoy a special opportunity this week. We continue to pray for safety in travels and in play. We also pray for all the other girls still playing and all who are dealing with the emotions that surround the end of the season. We give thanks for our children, for our coaches, and for one another. We thank you for sacrifices so many have made this season. We thank you for planting a desire within our team to please you above all. With this desire, we pray as your Son did in the Garden… may your will be done in our lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen”

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:9-10

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Helper

Posted on October 25, 2006 by Dana

French filmmaker Pierre Rehov, while working on a documentary about Palestinian suicide killers, was intrigued by a common description surviving victims gave of their attackers: “Suicide bombers are all smiling one second before they blow themselves up.” If you’ve seen recent interviews with Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the president of Iran, you might have noticed his frequent smile.

We were with my parents at my old church in Chattanooga this past weekend. I love going back home. Older people, who were probably the same age I am now when I was growing up, rush to me and share how much they’ve been praying for my health. They pat me on the back, squeeze my cheeks, and hug me. One precious lady in her eighties complimented me as being “unbelievable.” She then looked at my wife, Susan, and said, “And you’re undependable too!” She caught her mistake and apologized profusely.

I’ve always smiled a lot. Some think that a person who can smile while going through a trial is worthy of praise, but I’m not too unbelievable. I have peace, but the French filmmaker discovered that many religious martyrs have peace before they take their own life and the lives of others. They believe they are about to receive a great eternal reward. Some describe the expression on the face of Osama Bin Laden as peaceful. A person’s strong belief can bring a type of peace, but that does not mean he is right in what he believes.

Jesus says to look far beyond the exterior. He warns of false prophets dressed up as peaceful sheep. So how do you tell? Can someone who often talks about God really be a wolf? “By their fruit you will recognize them,” Jesus said. Can you tell good fruit from bad? Can you get beyond the words and discern whether something is true or false? The apostles spent much time warning of false teaching in the last days. Now, as when Jesus walked the earth, people must be able to determine what is from God and what is not. Jesus was constantly asking, “Do you recognize the Father? Forget what my accusers are saying about Me, do you hear God’s message in my teaching? Some say I am from the devil, but do you see the good fruit of my life? A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.”

If you’re like me, you might be thinking, “Man, I’m not too smart sometimes. What if I mistake a thief for a genius… or worse?” Jesus knew His followers would need help after He ascended to the right hand of God. “If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever – the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” (John 14:15-17) The great blessing for the believer from Pentecost until the Second Coming is the Holy Spirit. We cannot make it without Him.

“The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (I Corinthians 2:10-14)

“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.” (John 16:12-15)

“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:11-13)

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