Choose Hope

Hi All,

Today Matt and I attended the funeral of a godly friend who in a moment of despair chose to take his own life. As I journey through this thing called cancer, I am struck by how many people share the journey with me through phone calls, this blog, prayers, and so many other ways. I've chosen to make my struggles very public overall. When I heard the news of this friend, I was overwhelmed by the fact that I am probably surrounded by people in their own struggles, and am not at all aware of them. I don't mean that I don't care, but that many people, in the midst of their struggles, keep it to themselves, perhaps put on a good face, or don't feel free to share. And in those moments of despair that inevitably come with struggles, the despair wins, instead of hope. I urge you, whatever you might be going through with health, work, money, children, marriage, or even simply how to make things work day to day...choose hope. It is a daily choice for some of us, and Satan would like nothing less than to wear us down and take our eyes off of Jesus just long enough for despair to win. Choose hope, reach out and share hope, hang on to the truth that is Jesus.

On a much lighter note, I started the next round of chemo last night. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers as I continue on my journey in the hope of being a 5% survivor.

Fondly, Danene
April 4, 2009