Great messages throughout history

By Brenda Cannon Henley
Spending much of my last five weeks in the cancer treatment centers of UTMB in Galveston while Ted is going through chemotherapy and radiation, I have heard many messages given to various people. Some have not been very happy news. Others have offered some hope. I’ve witnessed marital mates, good friends, children, nieces and nephews, and close friends beam in deep-hearted smiles and on other occasions watch as tears coursed down tired faces when the news was not so positive. Everyone is longing for a good report from the medical team.

Cancer is a terrible business and changes so many lives. We do not seem to know that when our days are sunny and whole. I can tell you now from personal experience, the disease exacts a hard price, not only from the patient undergoing the care, but also from the entire family and loved ones. This journey has been a tiring, emotional roller coaster of a ride. There have been days when I just wanted to get away from medicine, doctors, appointments, tests, treatments, and travel back and forth to the hospital.

BCH_0422Every word from a member of the medical team is listened to carefully, filed away for reference, compared with the last message, questioned, and prayed over for hours upon hours. We always hope for the best and are trusting God the best way we know how, but to be honest, some days are more difficult than others. And, then, comes the night, when thinkers think — sometimes all night.

My son who is a pastor of a large church in Florida called the other afternoon as we were leaving the hospital. After we had talked for a while and I had shared Ted’s newest diagnosis, I said, “Brent, do you know if a pastor really wanted his church to have an immediate impact in home missions, I know a way.” He listened attentively and said, “What is that, Mom?” I suggested that he arm a team of his best visitation folks, give them the Word of God, some pretty tracts or short readings, a roll of quarters, and a few dollar bills. They might pick up some brightly colored flowers along the way. They should be sent to the waiting rooms of all of the hospitals in the city and simply offer to help folks.

Some may only need to listen to a story from a hurting heart. Others may need to pray with the person who is waiting for good news. Some may need a meal or a snack and a cold soft drink, juice, or water is always good. Many patients have only one family member or friend that can sit for hours waiting for surgery or a treatment to be completed, or provide transportation to and from, and they could use a friendly face with no strings attached. A list of helpful referrals should be provided and the best ammunition is a smile on the visitor’s face. He said he would think about this ministry for his church.

While waiting in one of the treatment rooms the other afternoon, a young doctor that I particularly have grown fond of burst through the door looking for a relative. I watched in unabashed joy as he singled out the woman that I had seen there in the past few weeks. He clasped her shoulder and delivered what had to be grand news to her ears, “I believe your husband’s cancer is now in remission. He can go home with you this afternoon.” What a message. What wonderful news. What a blessing for that entire family and those that love this man. Oh, that we all would get this report.

With Easter having just passed, I thought of another great and wonderful message. It, too, was given to a woman, Mary Magdalene, who was first at the empty tomb where Jesus’ body had been lain. Jesus said, “Go and tell my disciples I am alive.” That, my friend, is the greatest message ever sent out to mankind. Jesus rose from the dead and because of that, we can have hope eternal springing in our hearts and souls.

Brenda Cannon Henley can be reached at (409) 781-8788 or at [email protected].

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