I read the anguished cry of a man whose entire world had crumbled with a dismal diagnosis. I sent a message of support and encouragement and also posted it on Facebook. As a fellow cancer patient, I know the hopelessness and fear of a life unfulfilled.

 

I wanted to help him find his reason to live, as I hoped to find my own. But it was hard to tell if it had helped him. Yet, quite unexpectedly, a little holiday miracle began to happen for me.

a dear friend committing suicide...grief giving way to despair...my seriously ill daughter aging out of my insurance...bankruptcy...my marriage falling apart...my diagnosis of cancer...eight major surgeries, countless minor ones, and their myriad complications...radiation damage and chemo side-effects...a doctor promising to extend my life from six months to at least twenty-four.

 

My friend, Chuck...whose Notes and Facebook comments and friendship encouraged me through all of that...wrote, "Sue, I think this might make a good and much needed Note..."

 

Chuck had no idea how much his invitation to encourage others would, in turn, encourage me. I have suffered so many failures and struggles that left me feeling I have nothing worthwhile to say. Maybe I haven't become useless to God and his Kingdom, after all.

 

And so, for your encouragement, here is the piece Chuck prompted me to share. Everyone has struggles but holidays are especially tough for many people. A fellow cancer patient, particularly despondent, asked, "Why me?" I wrote him this response:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33, NKJV