Testimonials

How are you welcoming Christmas this year? Some people would identify with the movie “The Grinch who Stole Christmas”, others perhaps with Ebenezer Scrooge of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”. Storekeepers anticipate the money Christmas generates. Party givers look forward to the merriment of the season. Many enjoy the music. Children revel in the sense of mystery and magic. Believers rejoice in the miracle and mercy of Christmas. Magnitudes of art, music, literature, movies, and kind, noble deeds have been inspired by Christmas. Yet, secular humanists and many others do not always welcome Christmas.

For Ron McMann (not his real name) this particular day would go down as a “Red Letter Day”. Sales and stock for his company had never been higher. His employees were productive and prospering. He had peace and hope for the first time in months – perhaps years.

But this red-letter day was not due to his business or financial success. But it was due to the fact that for the first time in months, or actually years, he looked forward to getting home to be with his wife. He didn’t know when the flame had begun to flicker or where his wife had lost her joy and hope. But today was a red-letter day. He actually anticipated this weekend together with his sweetheart.

This spring yellow daffodils pierce winters gloom and song birds arrive to sing their songs and build their nests. Relay for Life committees plan and execute their annual fundraising events to help those fighting cancer.

As one among eight million cancer survivors, I would like to share some lessons in conquering cancer.

First – LIFE IS SHORT – ETERNITY IS SURE. In Christ we can be more than a survivor. We can hang onto God’s promise, “Despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loved us” (Romans 8:37 NLT). The King James Version says, “We are more than conquerors.” Paul goes on to say, “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can’t and life can’t” (Romans 8:38 NLT).

Jeff was an unlikely candidate for God to ever use. Jeff’s mother was a prostitute. In many cultures, including America, he would in all probability have been aborted or euthanized. But Jeff mattered to God. Jeff’s father brought him into his home. As Jeff grew older, his half-brothers scorned and rejected him. They drove him away. Jeff found refuge in the rugged hill country. He loved the mountains.