Win the Fight

As recently told my Facebook friends and Twitter followers, my dad is stepping back into the octagon (for you UFC fans) against cancer. At first I was a little shocked when I got the phone call. Even though I always knew it was a possibility, there was always the thought of "no way will this happen to us." But it did. So how do we handle it?

First, we rejoice that through a great trial, we find a greater measure of grace. We do not find any problem to go through that we cannot handle through our Spirit-enabled ability. It's almost like a compliment from God saying "You know, I'm allowing this tough trial, because I know you can be even tougher." Second, (and semi-related) I rejoice for the chance to grow through a new experience. Having our faith tested builds patience, and I know my faith will be tested. In the end however, I know that the result will be to make me a better person. Third, I am thankful for the opportunity to grow closer as a family. To be completely honest, I don't have the best relationships with my siblings. I pray that this experience will be an agent of change for that. Last, I pray for the opportunity to show the world why I can still be happy. As I get to know people, I'm sure it will come up eventually that my dad has a life-threatening disease. But I don't want that reality to define me. What should define me (and I pray him as well) is the continuing joy in Christ regardless of circumstances. We can rejoice because this "light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison."

Already I have been humbled and moved in the last day by friends who say they are praying for my family. From the bottom of my heart (which may not be very deep, but hey, it's what I have), thank you. Those words are really insufficient, but all that the English language allows.

I've been told (and read) that metastatic melanoma has a low survivability rate. To be honest, that somewhat scares me, but thankful that "as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too." People have asked me how I'm handling it. Right now I'm just focused on finishing up school, but I sure am glad that didn't happen earlier in the semester. I'm sure I'll struggle through this, that I'll hit my low points. But I know God will be there to push me back up, and my world-class friends will help do the same.

It sounds like dad's handling it like a champ. Talking to him, I would never guess he had a life-threatening disease. He was only concerned that his family be provided for, not worried about himself at all. I know he appreciates every prayer he gets, though. Please pray if you think about it. From our perspective, it looks like bad news, but here I would like to give you one of my favorite quotes (from me, actually. I like my quote): "Let God be God. He does a good job." There's really not much we can do aside from prayer, so I just do what I can do and let God take care of the rest. And in the end, as that one song says, may we "come forth as gold." (actually, isn't platinum more valuable? I forget. whatever.)

One way you CAN help (not just my dad, but lots of people) is through the Winship Win the Fight 5k in Atlanta this October benefiting patients and cancer research at Emory University, one of the best cancer centers in the nation. Check it out here: http://winship5k.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1056462

So am I concerned about my dad's situation? Yes. Worried? No. Cancer is a big challenge, but I know my dad is up to it. Now step up in the octagon, pops, and roundhouse cancer in the face.

-RST