Reformation Lutheran Church A Congregation of the ELCA

Tuesday, March 3
Read Psalm 31

In you, O Lord, I seek refuge; do not let me ever be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me. Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily. Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me. (vv 1-2)

ROCK AND REFUGE

The most difficult crisis in my life was my husband's battle with lung cancer. A chest X-ray had shown a spot on his lung.

At first, we felt optimistic and were determined to have a positive attitude. After a series of tests, we finally met with an oncologist who told us that the cancer had spread and could not be cured. He would try to "buy us some time" with a round of strong chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

Keeping our positive attitude would be a challenge, but we were praying.

And so it began, five days a week at the Cancer Center. The wonderful nurses made the long treatments as pleasant as possible. Our family and friends supported us with visits, food and prayers. Our pastors came to see us and pray with us. I began to wonder why I wasn’t falling apart. It was the prayers! We could actually feel the prayers surrounding us and God’s love giving us strength. He was our rock.

The cumulative effect of treatment eventually caused extreme fatigue and weakness for my husband, and he was hospitalized with pneumonia. Three weeks later, the pneumonia had cleared up, but the cancer had taken over. Further treatment wasn’t an option. We chose to go home with hospice care, thinking that we might not have much time. It was a great comfort to have our family with us 24/7. Our dear friends continued to visit, bring food and pray. Our pastors were also very supportive.

On the sixth day at home, my husband was not doing well. I called our church and asked one of the pastors to come and bring Communion. Our family gathered around his bed as the pastor gave Communion to my husband and then to each of us. After she prayed, he passed away peacefully. My husband’s middle name was Emmanuel – “God is with us.” God’s love surrounded us, then and now. He is our rock.

Dear God, we thank you for your love and support, knowing that you are always with us. We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen

Barbara Lee


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