I am generally a person who gives to give.  I don’t expect repayment…I genuinely love to give.  When people are down and out, I try to give them comfort, laughter, a shoulder on which to cry.  When people are in need, and I have, I give.  I would give just about anyone the shirt off of my back.

My parents modeled this to me my whole life.  When my father got laid off after 21 years, about 10 years ago, my mom was involved in a homeless ministry.  I remember it was a really cold day, and my parents, despite having their income cut deeply, made chili for the ministry.  This chili was hearty…chock full of meat, beans and flavor.  We’ve always taken in stray people–for weeks at a time, for holidays, for random nights just to eat dinner.

I’ve helped people move into new homes; I’ve helped to build churches; I’ve helped to build businesses.  I honestly never expected anything in return.  It’s not that I don’t think that God is God, and that His word is true.  I just never thought that anyone would remember what I’ve done.

In the past two weeks, God has shown me the principles of sowing and reaping.  People I never would have expected are rallying around me and my family, loving us, holding our arms up when we’re too weak.  I’m learning FAITH in a way that you cannot learn when the waters are still and you have no tribulation.  I’ve not known tribulation like I have in the past few weeks.  Health concerns for my mom.  Financial concerns.  Relational concerns.  The waves are beating against the stern of the ship that I call my life…hard.  Yet, in the midst of the storm, I find myself…at peace.  Shalom.

I’d not wish cancer on my worst enemy.  But, I thank God for cancer tonight.  During the midst of the storm, God is proving Himself to be God.  Not the god that I’ve created, but the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Lord, You know what You’ve done.  Thank you.