Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses† surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance† the race that lies before us, 2 keeping our eyes on Jesus,† the source and perfecter† of our faith. For the joy that lay before him,† he endured the cross, despising the shame,† and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Heb 12:1-2)
The race begins, but this time it’s not a race at a USA Cycling event. It’s not lining up with an official reprimanding me for having my number pinned on wrong, thanks Vickie, but it is the race before us on my husband’s health. Or at least the scare that has recently come up out of the blue with the first CT scan post total nephrectomy after discovering stage 1b clear cell renal cancer. We have heard countless stories of removing a kidney and never having trouble again. That’s where we naturally want to be and remain. However, scans come and go and we find that there are times when hope fades a bit and we have to readjust ourselves and our paths and see what is ahead.
We have our first appointment with a very highly recommended renal cell cancer oncologist at Vandy. It is telehealth due to COVID-19. I will compose a list of questions for him. Apparently the PET scan that lit up bilaterally in several places is of no use. Hey, I’ll take that. CT is the gold standard. One lymph node maybe that is growing or grew a little.
Our city also experienced a horrific tornado on Easter evening. We were about 5 miles away… roughly on the other side where the one that came through April 2011 which was 1 mile to the south. I can’t make this stuff up; we were spared again. For that, I am thankful. I am reminded of the tornado that came through Adamsville, TN in 1991 and destroyed our town and the high school where I attended. We went to school in churches for the remainder of the year. Due to COVID-19, most 2020 seniors are going to finish online. I know my two kids are a little sad that the school year is done where they attend. Their motto this year was “Make Us One.” I do believe that the virus, the tornado, and all that is going on personally makes us one. We are united and standing firm on what we believe.
This is the race that is put before us. Let us lay aside everything that can hinder this race and keep our eyes on Jesus.
My prayer has been for God to increase the measure of faith that He has given me. He is the source and perfecter of my faith. May it be so.
veritable faith 