‘Speak Up, While You Can!’

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.”    Proverbs 31:8

Today I’m back into my chemo treatment. As I sat in the waiting room, I was moved by the general feeling of those waiting for their treatments.  Most had a look of despair and loss. A few were still confident that they were on the right path.

When they called my name, to come through, I picked up my laptop and walked with Patty back to room #1.  I had never been in room number 1 for treatment; then again this was the beginning  of a new round of treatment for me so I am trying to look at this as a new beginning .  This is round number 5 with 3 to go. whoopee!   These remaining rounds are going to be done differently. Instead of taking 8 pills a day, I now have a small “port” where they are able to plug in a liquid mixture of the pills that are time released over two days.   The good is that I don’t have to take any more pills.  I do have to come in every two weeks now instead of once a month.  Patty and I are praying that this will work better.

Anyhow, here I am, sitting, waiting while the treatment is performed which takes a couple of hours.  While here, I meet a man named Tony who was also here for his treatment.  I find out talking with him, that he is having treatment for pancreas cancer.  He has already 9 treatments of chemo and is on his last one for now, before he begins a month of radiation treatment. He shares with me how blessed he is that he is still alive.  He goes on to share about his surgery how they had to remove half of his pancreas, and a portion of his stomach.  But he is in good spirits. He tells me that while he was in the hospital that he had a seizure.  A quiet of a man, 6 feet tall and weighing in at 127 lbs. speaks softly about his 25 years in business with a partner owning a automotive repair shop, before retiring. He speaks about his many 16 day fishing trips with friends and how he had to miss this years because of cancer.  He was touched by one of those friends who flew out from Connecticut to visit him while he was in the hospital.

Why do you say that I am sharing this with you today?  Well, today’s Scripture has something to do with it…..

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.”    Proverbs 31:8

An important call to all of us as Christian’s that the blessings, rights, wealth, and power we have is not ours alone…….these are gifts from God to be used to bless those who have  no power to speak, or to defend or to protect themselves.   As Christian’s we are being called to defend the rights of the weak, speak up for those who are destitute, and protect the lives of those who are vulnerable.

And so I am speaking out about all these here and throughout the country who have some form of cancer, and are receiving treatment for it.  All of these symptoms can be found in one who is treating this disease.  Being one myself, I can tell you how great it is when someone is encouraging me in this season of trial.  I thank God for Patty, and all her love and support towards me.  I am so thankful of the reports of all of you who are praying for me.  I am a blessed man.

Today, I not only met Tony, but  a doctor who sitting across from me who was also in for treatment.  These are just a few people who are bearing the weight of this disease.  My prayer is that when you read this, it will lead you to take stock of people you meet, maybe while having lunch, maybe at the movie, there are many who are struggling with their burdens, and take consideration for them. Stop what or where you are doing and ask them, how they’re feeling.  A whole new world will open for you,  and the Lord will employ you immediately, because He desires to reveal Himself through you, through  your sacrifice of your time.

Today’s Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkYzzekAqsU