Life Update: To God Be The Glory
Life Update: To God Be The Glory
To My Dearest Family and Friends - PRAISE THE LORD WITH ME!
I feel like should begin this blog how I typically end them – quoting Psalm 115:1…
“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name give glory,
for the sake of Your steadfast love and Your faithfulness!”
– Psalm 115:1
I quickly rediscovered that verse (passage of scripture, really) early on in my diagnosis with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and it has been a constant reminder over the last 3 years! YES… that’s right 3 YEARS!!! Can you believe it?!?! God has proved over and over His faithfulness and steadfast love (the NASB translation uses the word “mercy,” which works just as well)!
You may have me say time and again that I am thankful for the journey – and I am. I’ve gotten some different responses to from people after saying that and similar things. Usually, the response comes in the form of a “surprised looked” or “wow, that’s awesome.” Let me just say – really quick – that it is AWESOME, in the truest definition. I can honestly say that there have been countless times where I have “stepped back” and stood in AWE of the goodness and mercy of God. THIS IS NOT ON ME! The reason I know this is because there have also been several times that I have stood in fear and walked in darkness. To say that my flesh has gotten the best of me at times would be a huge understatement. YET, God’s goodness and mercy have followed me. His rod and staff have been a tremendous source of protection and correction and I’m thankful for that as well.
Paired with the “thankfulness,” I have also reiterated the fact that I really do not care to go through it again; nor would I wish it on my own worst enemies. It’s been a difficult journey; one that continues to this very minute. I still have issues that are being worked out – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, but God faithfulness continues to flow, and I am forever grateful.
WITH ALL THAT SAID, I am so thankful to announce that my 3 Year Post Transplant appointment went EXTREMELY WELL, and I am still cancer free and well on my way to that 5-Year marker! My appointment last week was huge! My passed my Pulmonary Function Test with flying colors and the results of the copious amounts of bloodwork all indicated that my body is returning to normal. In fact, I have been able to come off 5 different medications and will soon be off my 6th in a about another month. My immune system is getting stronger and continues to improve. The levels that were still too high or too low continue to trend in the right direction – meaning there are not as high or as low as they have been. My DNA is 100% Donor – meaning the Stem Cell Transplant I received from my brother has done its job. GOOD NEWS! (And – as a side note – I have lost 73lbs pounds since March 1st and still losing.) My oncologist and his team at Sarah Cannon are thrilled at the progress and do foresee any obstacles in reaching my 5-Year marker. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
I also want to state once again that I am so incredibly thankful for YOU! Your prayers and support (in various ways) have not and will not go unnoticed. God has given me a tremendous support team from literally around the world. You have seen many of my highs and lows and you have walked with me through it all. I CANNOT say THANK YOU enough. YOU ARE LOVED!
As you continue to pray, keep praying for physical strength. While much has come back to me, there are still few areas where I struggle. Pray for me mentally and emotionally. While this has taken a toll on me physically, the mental and emotion toll has been great as well. Also, continue to pray for my spiritually. I have found great comfort in the presence of the Lord, and I rejoice in His goodness. I don’t want to waste my cancer journey, but desire to use it for the Glory of God.
One more thing… it’s a prayer need that I hesitate to always throw out there, but please prayer about my employment situation. So many of you have been so gracious and kind to help over the last 3 years and I am thankful for the little bit of Disability I have been able to collect, but if I am just raw about it all… I really need to find employment. There are various factors involved with the kind of job that I need, but I know that I have sent over 50 resumes and cover letters out over the last year. I’ve interviewed with two companies that at the time I thought we very promising, only to learn that they decided to go with someone who has more experience. I don’t know if my work history is causing hiring managers to turn away. The only work I’ve known has been with the church or a parachurch ministry. While I do have great sales and customer service experience and excellent relational skills, it hasn’t been enough to land a job yet. The Lords has indeed provided for us in various ways and has used several of you to help us financially, but simply put, I need to find a job. Whether that’s back in ministry part-time or full-time or in the secular world, I would love to use the gifts God has given me to help and care for people. I think that now that the summer is over and the kids are back to school, it has caused things to be a bit tight right now. THANK YOU FOR PRAYING!
I will sign off tonight the same way I began this update,
“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name give glory,
for the sake of Your steadfast love and Your faithfulness!”
– Psalm 115:1
YOU ARE LOVED MY FRIENDS! If there is anyway I can serve or care for you – whether it be by prayer, Biblical counsel and encouragement, or just an ear to listen, I am here for you! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
Unedited,
Eric
