Cancer Update: Clear and Strong

Today marks my 12th radiation session with 23 more to go — and so far, my lungs still feel clear and strong. It’s what I’ve been praying and hoping for all along: minimal scarring to my fragile lungs (because I so love to sing, speak, and record the daily “Joni and Friends” radio programs). Every day when Ken takes me to the radiologist, we look for new faces in the waiting room — we love making connections and assuring these people that we’re praying for them through their radiation sessions, too. We even keep a hidden stash of Joni books on hand to give folks who seem interested.  

Earlier in the week, I got permission to set out a bowl of “Hope” rocks on the waiting room table. Some of the rocks also say “Breathe,” and others include scriptures; the little sign invites people to take a rock…and be blessed (they’ll be blessed because we’re praying for each individual)! These rocks are a creative, fun way to encourage others to consider Romans 5:3-5 which says, “When we run into problems and trials, we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us.”  

We want everyone in that radiologist’s office to know that God dearly loves them. So please keep praying along with Ken and me that my lungs remain clear, and that the people we meet during this battle against cancer will be drawn to Jesus! And tomorrow, it’ll be 13 down and 22 more to go!

–Joni Eareckson Tada