Emily and Trust

This past Thursday Emily had her 6 month derm checkup. I have to admit, I am always just a little on edge when she gets her check ups. I know she is ok, but something inside of me does not want to relive a season of her life as she was fighting a disease that was warring to take her life. Cancer.

As we were driving home from the hospital, the song by Matt Redman came on the radio, "Never let go." I told Emily this song gave me so much strength while she was going thru her cancer treatments. So then, the whole van erupted in.... "Oh no you'll never let go, thru the calm and thru the storm..." Emily had a smile on her face that was filled with so much peace... It was beautiful!!!

This morning during worship... I could not believe it!!! The worship team began to play that song.... I seem to always tear up when I hear that song.... I watched my 6 1/2 year old girl get up out of her seat and walk down to the altar. She laid her head on the platform step and just prayed. I am not sure what was going on in her little 6-year old mind, but I do know something touched her heart. It was precious.

I am the pastor... the spiritual leader..... I began to tear up and I was so moved by her obedience... For that moment... I was just daddy (my favorite title) I went down to the altar to be with my little princess... It was just me and Emily at the altar... I squatted next to her and she grabbed my finger and just squeezed... I saw a tear rolling down her face, but she looked up and smiled at me... I told her I loved her and I was proud of her.... I priceless moment.

You may be going thru a tough time, so I will leave you with the words from Matt Redman:

Even though I walk thru the valley of the shadow of death, your perfect love is casting out fear. And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life, I won't turn back I know you are near.

And I will fear no evil, for my God is with me. Whom then shall I fear?

Oh no, you'll never let go, thru the calm and thru the storm. Oh no you'll never let go with every high and every low, Oh no you'll never let go of me.

I can see a light that is coming, for the heart that holds on. A glorious light beyond all compare. And there will be an end to these troubles, But until that day comes, We'll live to know you are here on earth.

Hang on...

Not just any 6 year old

To see her, she looks like any normal 6 year old. She loves dresses, pink, ponies and Cinderella. She loves to sing, jump, climb and also she can be a little bit on the "direct" side as she shares her concerns with her 3 brothers. (BTW - one more on the way)

Emily is a miracle in the making. She is busy right now conquering skin cancer. This coming August she will have her first major check up since finishing her treatments last October. To look at her, she seems healthy and active - but since she was 4 she has endured 4 major surgeries, lots of needles, picc lines, pokes, prods, blood draws and a lot of unwanted exposure.

She is doing Great! We are believing this "cancer" will be a thing of the past! I believe God is going to use this for his glory! He created her with a purpose, and she has already proved to be an overcomer.

This blog entry is to encourage you to not give up. Let a 6 year girl's fight with cancer give you the hope you need today to accomplish all God has called you to do.