Just over a week after his first birthday (May 10), we found out that our second son Vincent has a cancerous tumor in his liver. While there's more than enough bad news to call this a full blown family crisis, there's not quite enough to rule out the possibility of a full recovery. The scenarios are seemingly infinite at this point, not unlike the range of emotions that accompany this sort of thing. If fear and anxiety are like mosquitoes, we're navigating a swamp full of standing water.
And yet, there is light flickering in the darkness. I had no idea it was possible to feel so shocked, devastated, afraid, thankful, hopeful and at peace- all in the same moment. I'm certain it has something to do with the multitude of friends and loved ones praying for us around the globe. I suspect it also has something to do with my soul being anchored in the resurrection power of a Messiah familiar with suffering, a risen King who is before all things and in Whom all things hold together (Col 1:17).
In the midst of preparing for the worst, hoping for the best and praying for a miracle, I've found comfort from an unlikely source: theology. Yup, it turns out that theology, that supposedly dry and dusty set of doctrinal propositions, makes all the difference in the world when a crisis hits. Whether you're aware of it or not, your concept of God will affect how you pray in the midst of chaos and suffering. What kind of triune Being is He? Is the Father ultimately near or detached from those in pain? Can the Holy Spirit be called upon to work miraculous healings in the 21st century or not? Will Jesus really come back someday to vanquish all injustice and disease? Do we live with the recognition that His blood on the cross has inaugurated a reign of peace in which He is reconciling all things to Himself- including things like liver cancer?
John Stott put it this way: "I could never myself believe in God, if it were not for the cross... In the real world of pain, how could one worship a God who was immune to it?"
May the supernatural, unfailing, parental love of God for Vincent be sufficient for all of us who long to see him healed.
NOTE: Please visit Vincent's CaringBrige website for the most recent updates on how his treatment is going as well as prayer requests, photos and much much more!
May 31, 2010
Our Son, God's Child
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9 comments:
My prayers are with you guys as you navigate this new challenge that you are facing. May our wild God show Himself to you in new ways.
Strange as it may seem, I have often found Aquinas' Summa Theologica stimulating for my personal devotional life — whether I agree or disagree.
Sending prayers your way.
Echoing your prayer for sweet Vincent..
I know first hand about those range of emotions, anxieties, hopes, and dreams. Theology is what keeps my faith from blowing away like an old rag. I'm glad its anchored in something solid- the fact that God is good even in the worst of times. My prayers are with baby Vincent and your family as you pass through these deep waters.
we are praying for you lil' vince-
Thank you Dan for your faithful words and helping us too during this time. We love you all!
Thank you for sharing your pain and your hope with us. May God bring healing to your son and comfort to his parents.
in my recollection, in all my years in medicine, you rebecca and dan are the strongest, most well prepared, and most well adjusted to handle an earthquake such as this. your faith and your roots in God are an inspiration to us all! God bless you with supernatural peace and little vinnie with a healthy belly!! love, sonia
really sorry you are having to go through this right now.
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