Joni Cancer Update

Friend, I may be dealing with cancer, but I'm still singing!

In fact, there's nothing like a little hymn-harmonizing with friends to make my spirits soar during this battle against breast cancer -- that's what happened when several friends came over last weekend to drop off a couple of meals (I'm pretty much healed up after surgery, but having friends make meals has been such a help). Well, during the visit we started singing – soon we were belting out "In Christ alone, my hope is found; he is my rock, my strength, my song!" During our impromptu hymn-sing, we started talking about the irony of such happy hymn-singing in the face of such an overwhelming threat as breast cancer. But you know, as I told my friends, the Bible underscores how important it is to sing during times of adversity.

I mean, look at Jesus. The one and only scriptural account of our Savior singing was on the night He was led away to His death – it was when He and His disciples were in the Upper Room. The Bible says after they sang a hymn, they went down to the Garden of Gethsemane. And then there’s that account of Paul and Silas singing hymns when they were in prison. So for me – well, for any Christian – harmonizing while facing hardship is the biblical thing to do. So, singing, for me, has become a prescription for healing.  And not just harmonizing with friends or singing 'in my head' in the middle of the night -- late in the day on Monday, Ken and I remarked that the backyard birds have never sounded sweeter. I wondered if they might be messengers of Zephaniah 3:17 for “[The Lord] will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Funny how a thing like cancer can make you treasure every snippet of God's smallest blessings.

Also, this past weekend, I enjoyed a visit from my quadriplegic friend, Vicky Olivas, who underwent surgery for cancer several years ago. Just seeing her sitting in her wheelchair with her bright smile and happy spirit was such an encouragement – my friend is a true example that although “outwardly we may be wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed day-by-day.” Hearing Vicky’s testimony of surviving surgery and a challenging recovery was, to me, a blessed assurance that God will help me ‘wheel’ through the same valley and come out all the better for it. 

One more thing.  It’s been so great having my sister Kathy stay with Ken and me. The last month has been such a blessing as she has helped with my medical needs, assisted with meals and house chores, and given Ken much-needed breaks (he says she's been a God-send). Every night Kathy and I have enjoyed reminiscing over childhood days. I know the fiercest, most difficult part of my battle against this cancer is looming on the horizon; but for now, God is replenishing our souls with plenty of rest and sweet, family refreshment. So thank you for your prayers – believe me, I’ve been feeling the impact of all the intercession. I’ve even been able to keep up a pretty regular schedule at the office of Joni and Friends. God is enabling me to go "from strength to strength," just as it says in Psalm 84. Although a lot lies ahead in my battle against this cancer, the Lord has promised to be with me every step of the way. And because I am not afraid, I know He is working through your prayers -- I'm so grateful for your help and encouragement on this journey! And don’t forget to visit Joni’s Corner for all the updates.

www.joniandfriends.org  © Joni and Friends