So Many Hurting Hearts

I should be doing so many other things right now, but my heart is full for friends who are suffering. My friend Annette's 18-month-old grandson has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive and very deadly form of cancer. Another friend's parents were just called to serve in Europe directing one of the youth centers--a perfect mission for them--and her mom was diagnosed a few days later with aggressive lymphoma. My sister-in-law Pam is having surgery soon to remove a cancerous lump from her breast. We don't yet know the course of treatment after that. President Montross' daughter gave birth many weeks early to a 3.6 lb son. And on Facebook this morning, my friend Becky said that she went to the doctor yesterday for abdominal pain and is now scheduled for a full hysterectomy to remove two grapefruit-size growths on her ovaries.

These are hard, hard things to deal with, and there is even more pain that is invisible and without a doctor's diagnosis. I am grateful that the Lord can heal our unseen wounds, as well, if we will turn to Him with all our hearts. And I am grateful that He can give us peace and comfort even in times of unbearable anguish. And I am so very grateful that while the pains and agonies of this world last for a time, in the end He will dry all our tears and give us beauty for ashes.