Good Morning,

Soon after I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Mike Stewart took me to lunch. Mike is a cancer survivor who has battled cancer many times.

At that moment my emotions were like a hurricane inside me. Mike listened patiently as I shared some very intimate concerns. Then he shared his experience with me.

Afterwards, he reached across the table and put his hand on my wrist. He told me how much God loved me, and that God would help me get through it. No matter the outcome, I would be okay.

I can’t adequately describe how much his words comforted me. Mike eased my fears and stilled the hurricane force feelings rocking me. It was a turning point for me with my cancer, and a truth was imprinted on me. 

The most comfort in a time of distress comes from those who have walked the path we are on. 

That’s really the heart of the Gospel isn’t it? Jesus was himself touched and scarred by suffering. He was not distant from human experience. He hurt, wept, grieved, and suffered. He has been on our road. He is our wounded healer.

The message this week is “Blessed are Those Who Mourn" from Matthew 5:4. It's the second sermon in our series on the Beatitudes this fall.

See you Sunday, 

David

P.S.- Mike and his wife Barbara were committed elders at Middletown Christian Church. They now live in Nashville and attend Woodmont Christian Church. We are grateful whenever they return to Louisville to visit with us.