One year ago an article entitled ‘The “C” Word’ appeared in The Gospel Message. It was written by my late beloved wife Kay in the midst of a life changing event which involved the “c” word: cancer. Eighteen months prior, Kay had been diagnosed with gastric cancer—stage four. Medically, cancer is defined in four stages that describe the cancer’s spread and the patient’s prognosis. Stage four indicates the most extensive spread, meaning the disease has spread or metastasized to one or more organs. Kay’s cancer was incurable. Chemotherapy was the only conventional medical treatment that could possibly destroy the abnormal cells and slow down their spread to other areas.

At this point it was obvious that if Kay was going to reach the allotted age of 70 years it would only be by the will and power of God. With a strong belief that God can and will heal if we ask in faith according to His will, we and many others prayed for Kay’s healing. During the next nine months 135 hours of chemo treatments destroyed all the visible cancer cells and, in the doctor’s own words, “Gastric cancer has gone into complete remission on ELF chemotherapy. Doing well.”

It was during this period of remission Kay wrote her article. She described the high and low points of her journey and how her initial depressed attitude was changed by listening to Bible tapes and experiencing something wonderful occurring in her life, i.e., the “c” word being replaced by another “C” word—Christ. Her attitude changed dramatically—joy filled her heart and she was happy, even though she had cancer. Her positive spiritual attitude and faithful prayers resulted in her excellent response to chemotherapy with minimal side effects. This allowed a generally normal quality of life during 1998 which included enjoying the grandkids at the Eminence campout. In retrospect, I realize that the quality of our lives actually improved after the discovery of her cancer. E.g., we constantly prayed together, studied the scriptures together and communed in our inner beings with God first, then with each other. A special “spiritual intimacy” developed that I wish all marriages, young and old, could experience. It is difficult to describe the joy and peace in a spiritually intimate relationship. It lifted us to new heights and inspired us to share our life-changing event with others.

Kay’s message in ‘The “C” Word’ encouraged people of all ages to check out and realign their priorities in accordance with God’s will and to realize that daily strength comes from abiding in God’s word, being constant in prayer and acknowledging the abundant mercy of God. Her plea was prepare to meet your God because life is short and uncertain. She concluded that 1998 was the richest year of her life because of the “C” words, i.e., cancer replaced by submission to Christ.

A Christian life is often referred to as the “straight and narrow” way giving the impression that there are no curves or bends in the road—nothing obstructing your view to the end. But the scripture doesn’t teach that —it is the gate that is said to be straight, which actually means obscured by obstacles. The pathway of a Christian is said to be narrow, meaning difficult—so the Christian walk does have many crooks and turns obstructing our view of future events. We don’t know what’s lies ahead in our earthly journey nor what is best for us in the future. God’s children must walk by faith not by sight, i.e., faith like Abraham’s that will empower us to go places we know not (Heb. 11: 13). We must place our trust in God and be willing to except His will or purpose for us, regardless, realizing it is the best way. This attitude and approach to life is the only way we can handle issues of life and death in a positive and obedient manner. There will be no question about who is in control or who is fighting the battles. We must serve Him as valiantly as we can and leave the outcome of winning or losing to Him. He is our sovereign ruler and His will is the last word.

In March 1999, new test revealed Kay’s cancer was returning. After having high hopes of complete healing the news was a shock but not like the initial diagnosis. The lessons learned in 1998 served her well. She now knew where her strength came from and accepted the fact that the Lord had more tests for her refinement. Now she was ready for them. Two of her favorite scriptures are from Job; “But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.” (23: 10) and “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” (13: 15).

Immediately Kay began planning to write a follow-up article to tell the rest of the story. Her first article left the impression that she had fought and won her battle with cancer. But the Lord said no that’s not the way it works—let Me show you what My will is in this matter. She was waiting to get the whole story to tell others—but by the time she got it her flesh was to weak to write it down.

In next month’s issue, I will attempt to convey Kay’s message in “The Rest of the Story,” based on our conversations and Bible studies during 1999 and my observation of the conduct of her life in death. By faith she still speaks, even though she is dead.