Courage and Love
On December 21, 2008 I found a blog post with the heading, “I Have Cancer.” It was a stark statement and yet the author, David Wayne, “The Jolly Blogger”, wrote with hope and courage. David is the pastor of Grace Point Presbyterian Church in Severn, Maryland, and seems to be a deeply spiritual and intellectual man. He’s also a loving parent and husband, as his posts over his last year have shown.
I recommend his most recent post, My Wife. I read it with misty eyes and a wish that somehow, some way, things will get better for Pastor Wayne. However, it isn’t a sad post. In fact, David (as I think of him, even though I don’t know him) has never written anything purposely sad, even though he has chronicled his medical issues. He has also continued to write about other topics and I have found all of his thoughts interesting.
Take the time to read the most recent post of The Jolly Blogger–you’ll see that term explained on his site. Use his thoughts to inspire you to show love more, every chance you get!
Here is the link to the post. Let me know what you think of it.
Thank you for sharing this link. It is one I will share with many as well. A powerful message, indeed. Don
Comment by Don R. | March 4, 2010
This surely puts the gripes of work in perspective, doesn’t it? They both sound like wonderful people. Thank you for this reality check! P.
Comment by P.A.H. | March 4, 2010
Illness or disease forever changes a family, especially a husband and wife. I wish Reverend Wayne and his family the best.
Comment by Bill L. | March 5, 2010
Thank you for this link, Tina. I’m an old cop who doesn’t tell my wife how much I love her and appreciate her, often enough. I’ve been supported by Sharon Selander for years and I know it. My best to the Wayne family. Tom S.
Comment by Lucky Man | March 6, 2010
The post you linked to made me cry, but in a good way. They sure sound like a great family and really in love. I agree with you about the last sentence. That just about did me in! I’ve sent the link to a relative of mine who is in the same situation and I think it will really help him to look at some of the other posts on cancer.
I wish you would put your website posts on your FB page more often. It helps me to remember to read them and I always get something out of them. Thanks!
Comment by P. M. | March 6, 2010
I’m glad I was led to look at your website today. I found the church security information and the link in this post. I don’t think things happen by accident, but something like this proves it to me. Gratefully, William N.
Comment by W.B.N. | March 7, 2010
Thank you for sharing this. I am struggling with some things in my marriage and this is very helpful and eye-opening.
Comment by Jennifer | March 8, 2010
Reverend Wayne’s other posts about his cancer battle are well written too. This kind of sharing is the best use of the Internet I think. You always have a good mix of posts and I appreciate that. Thanks for your good work. O.
Comment by Orley | March 8, 2010
The first part of the post was about someone whose wife left him when they found out he had cancer. My SIL left my brother right after they found out about his cancer diagnosis and eveyone in the family was angry about it, but I could understand it. They were having problems already and my brother was already acting angry and being a difficult patient. (Eating things he knew would make him sick,etc.)
My SIL just couldn’t face dealing with that, in spite of “for better or for worse.” So, she got a divorce. The problem is that she didn’t want to face everyone condemning her so she left town and cut herself off from everyone she knew. So, after my brother died, she didn’t have a life to come back to here.
This made me think I want to get in touch with her and tell her I would like to be her friend again. Also, it makes me think about how important it is to take care of my marriage if I really want to have a long lasting love like this one. I was divorced when I was young and I often have thought about the fact that if we had stayed together we would have our 30th anniversary before long. Nothing we got a divorce for is an issue now, so I wish we would have held on! I’m happy in this marriage and my husband is a wonderful man and was a great step-father, but I would have liked my children to have known a stable, traditional home life when they were young.
Tina, I also wanted you to know that you inspire me in a lot of ways and I appreciate your support and help.
Comment by Been There | March 8, 2010
The cancer story is reversed in my marriage and your post and Pastor Wayne’s has renewed my desire to be a husband who shows my wife what love can be, even in dark times. God is love. I want my wife to see that love in me every day. Thank you.
Comment by Walter L. | March 8, 2010
What a wonderful post. I would never have read it without this link. Thanks.
Comment by Stacey | April 17, 2010