Several months, ago, I received news that hit like lightning out of a clear, blue sky. Only those who have received such news can understand the numb shock of being told that you – or someone you love – has cancer. My mother had gone for her annual check-up and mammogram. The X-rays revealed that in a short twelve month time-span, a cancerous tumor had developed. After several nerve-wracking days, we learned that her situation was the best one possible. She was diagnosed with the most common form of breast cancer for a woman her age (sixties) and could be treated. However, if my mother had not gone in for her annual check-up, this tumor would have gone undetected until it spread throughout the body and passed the point of healing. Because they were able to discover it early on, they were able to quickly schedule a lumpectomy, which removed the tumor.

This was followed by five weeks of radiation treatment. Though we were thankful that chemotherapy was not necessary, the radiation treatment was no walk in the park. We are thankful for the skilled doctors and nurses who ministered to my mother day after day as she underwent her treatments. The radiation center has a special bell that may only be rung on the final day of treatment. This last Tuesday, my mother got to “ring the bell.” Though she still has many tests to go through, she is a CANCER SURVIVOR. Because of the fact that the tumor was discovered early, combined with the great skill of her doctor, and, of course, the grace of God and the prayers of God’s people, she will enjoy many more years of life.

With Mom before her surgery.
Some will ask, “Where does disease come from? Why does God allow people to die from such terrible diseases as cancer?” The Bible’s answer is that disease came because of the sin of Adam:
- Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
God created a perfect world and perfect people – but Adam and Eve sinned against God and brought death into the world. Their human natures became “corruptible” and “mortal.” As their children, we are also “corruptible” and “mortal.” “Corruptible” means “subject to decay.” “Mortal” simply means “destined to die.” We are born into dying bodies. Death Continue reading →