He gets it

Mothers day, like Fathers Day and other commercially marked days, can be incredibly hard for so many people - whether they have become estranged, have struggles, are grieving the loss of their mum or child, or have an unfulfilled longing for motherhood.

The pain that person is feeling is unique to them and made up of many factors that others will not always appreciate. Plus we are all complex characters. The frustration that no one else can fully understand their depth of pain is fair, in a way, because it's true - at least humanly - especially if our family situation is different. I guess this is why so many struggle about what to say to someone in difficult circumstances - whether they are going through redundancy, a break up or bereaved.

This morning at church we sang an oldie which my Dad would have championed in his day.  Crown him with many Crowns.  As I sang through the motions of the familiar tune, I wondered whether many would know what those old fashioned words mean in our modern context. Then these words jumped out of me:

"The Son of Man...Who every grief hath known that wrings the human breast,
And takes and bears them for His own, that all in Him may rest."

Well what does that mean? Jesus, as a man, experienced every suffering that humans can experience and understands grief, pain, anger and the sadness that we may struggle with.  On the cross He beared them and took them onto himself. Jesus offers rest, peace and comfort.

Jesus understands. He gets it when no one else does! He has been there done that and bought the T shirt. He will carry you.

Consultant Day - Living on a prayer

Oncology Consultations have become a part of life but no matter how many times we sit in a waiting room to be called up - always asking more questions than they can answer - you have to fight a bit of fear. I know the words can't be worse but you wonder whether this is finally the moment when the stability ends.

This time mum started up a conversation with a lady - sharing cancer/chemo journeys. It was slightly awkward when the lady, after mentioning her brain tumour and mum about Dad's, said: "don't tell me, he's no longer here?" ...hmm awkward expression.

This week I have been challenged to trust Jesus with the future and surrender my hopes and fears afresh. Standing on the top of a mountain, away from the busyness, is an awesome way to get things back into perspective. I received a fresh dose of confidence that anything that comes against us will not be more than we can handle with His presence and help.

Anyway, we had pretty positive results. Dr was suprised she was walking so well without sticks because the scan showed a curved spine.  The infected bone cells have not reduced but equally it has not spread further which is so amazing considering the original prognosis and how far she has come beyond it - yay. The picture is stable and they are impressed there has been no dramatic expected increased uptake. As always we have to be aware that things could change dramatically anyday but we are really thankful to God to receive such news.

This continued stability really is testimony to a huge amount of prayer. When she went up to Ffald y Brenin she felt that God was continuing to work despite not seeing a huge physical breakthrough.  The side effects, tiredness and pain continue to be very difficult for her to bare so we continue to live on prayer. We are still holding out for full healing but are so grateful to a God who is always faithful regardless of whether we understand what He is up to or not and no matter what happens.

I pray that, whatever you are facing, you will be able to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. Eph 3:18.