Peace in the midst of anguish

I don't usually go into much personal stuff on this blog, but today I can't refuse. Yesterday I learned that my friend's husband left this earth for heaven. Long story short, he had side effects from cancer treatment that he couldn't survive. He beat the cancer, but not the side effects of treatment. Go google "bleomycin side effects" and you'll see "lung toxicity" show up again and again. The severity of this side effect is wide ranging and sadly, Tom had the extreme bad end of it.

His wife was faced with an agonizing decision each day for these past 3 weeks: continue the life support or... not. My prayer was that this decision be made abundantly clear to her. God is good how he pulled the details and events together. After 3 weeks of ups and downs, of hope vs reality, the decision was clear and life support was removed.

Through the process, it was amazing to see the Body of Christ in action. Praying. Ministering. Loving on each other. It was God at work, to be sure, at a time when we really needed to see and feel His presence. To know that the promise is true that He will never leave us.

I've had the Chris Tomlin song "I Will Rise" running through my mind as I think about how it is to leave this life for an eternal one in heaven. Specifically, I think of how this must have been for Tom. These are the words that have been stuck in my mind and heart:

There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say "It is well"

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead


There's a day that's drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise


And I hear the voice of many angels sing,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the cry of every longing heart,
"Worthy is the Lamb"


And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

Yes, I think of Tom, rising as his name was called. Feeling no more sorry, no more pain. Worshipping God in a way so pure we can't imagine it on this side of heaven. Angels rejoiced as they saw that the price Jesus paid long ago, bought Tom's entrance into heaven.

I know Tom is now with Jesus, breathing EASY!  I know Tom was received into the arms of Jesus. That said, I also know that cancer really sucks. And this whole thing sucks. My heart is sad and I ache for his family and those who will miss him deeply. But on we go, moving forward. God will provide grace and mercy and blessings as needed, because he is faithful.