Lee Waldron
“The opinions expressed by the Tabor College EML student bloggers and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Tabor College. Tabor College is also not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information in the post.”
On December 19th, 2015 I learned that my 58 year old father had stage 4 cancer in his upper sinus and lower brain area. A man who had great health, who lived an independent lifestyle and who was not a fan of medicine or doctors now depended on them for a plan to extend his life. My family was of course devastated.
A few weeks later I was flying out to CA to be with him for a 12 hour operation which was ultimately called off because his cancerous tumor had spread in an aggressive manner. Instead we started Chemotherapy and listened to the new game plan from his doctors.
I think when faced with adversity and pain in our lives we as Christians have a choice. And that is we can sit and become paralyzed by the sorrow of what hurts so badly. Or we can embrace our faith that believes God is in control and that He is going to work this out for His good.
Over the last several months I have channeled a little bit of both if I can speak honestly. There were moments when I just sat in the sadness of my father’s situation. But most days I have chosen to recognize and trust that God was working and that His outcome would bring glory to His name. This posture is infectious and can speak to others in mighty way.
Recently I was able to return to CA to take my father to chemotherapy and radiation treatments. His health is slowly improving and his re-ignited hope is contagious. He has surrendered his life to Christ and placed the future of his situation in his hands. As a son that gives me a lot of peace.
I selfishly have an ideal outcome for this journey with my father. But I also have surrendered to trusting that no matter what happens that it will produce a greater faith in me and those around me. Cancer has given me a chance to surrender often, love deeper, and trust more.