Those of you who know Tara, know how sweet she is. There could not be anyone nicer. She is a woman of faith who loves God and serves people. She is a great mother; a loving and supportive wife; a friend who gives of herself. Her yes is yes and her no is no. She thinks the best of others. She works hard; man does she work hard, keeping the business of our home and teaching our children.
You might be tempted to ask why. Why Tara? Why cancer? For some reason we haven’t felt like asking those questions; until last night. In the discomfort of the night, the questions of doubt came to her for a brief time. Its not like it was the worst pain she has felt; nor the most hopeless news; nor was she just tapped with bad chemo drugs. The feelings just came. It was brief. It was foreign. But it was real. The weariness from nearly 2 months of discomfort accumulated at that point in time. Seeing her body broken and in a weak condition, riddled with blisters from shingles. Its only natural to feel that way, right?
I remembered back to the first few weeks of this journey where our emotions were high and we were newly broken. We knew only one place to turn; Scripture; The Psalms, Romans 8 and more. So I opened the sacred book and I read out loud, like summoning a spirit, but finding it already surrounding us, holding us up and interceding for us. It was like the writer was identifying with our suffering. Words perfectly in synch with our feelings. Peace poured over us. Sleep overtook Tara.
And joy came in the morning. That feeling of relief and freshness. The entire day turned out to be encouraging to Tara. Chemotherapy went great. We shared an early lunch together. And now she is feeling like she wants to get up and do something. Thanks God for refreshment.
When the morning comes on the farthest hill
I will sing His name, I will praise Him still.
When dark trials come and my heart is filled
With the weight of doubt, I will praise Him still.
For the Lord, our God, He is strong to save
From the arms of death, from the deepest grave,
And He gave us life in His perfect will,
And by His good grace, I will praise Him still. – Fernando Ortega
Perspectives From The Tree Tops 
Weeping may endure for the night but joy comes in the morning….praying for you!
Jay, when I read your update tonight I was nearly jumping out of my seat! Your journey today took me back 35 years. At the time I decided that those depressing thoughts were coming from Satan, trying to bring me down. Sometimes those thoughts occurred in places where I could not read my Bible (such an awesome idea of yours), so I got into the habit of repeating the mantra, “In your name, Lord Jesus Christ, Satan be gone!” I am not kidding you when I say it worked EVERY time. EVERY time….
I never ceased to be amazed…..of me of little faith! You guys totally rock!
Hey Tiger Lilly..hold the cross and remember when you are too distraught to even think, God will do it for you and so will all the earth angels who lift you up in prayer! I am so sorry you are feeling so much discomfort, but with every storm comes a beautiful rainbow with a pot of gold. Keep counting those rainbows!
Healing hugs, Jane
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights! Praise Him, all his angels; praise him all his hosts! Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining starts! Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens!…Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his majesty is above earth and heaven…Praise the Lord! from Psalm 148
Rejoicing with you in renewed strength! Praise Him still!
Amen!
We enjoy reading your updates and appreciate your honesty. We love you and pray you will have another relaxing weekend with your family. Perhaps even another SNOW day on Monday?
Piper & family