The Ministry of Brokenness

On man. It is not getting better. Can't sleep. The heartburn has evolved into a case of painfully deep hiccups that are trying to send what little dinner I had into orbit. Yuck! So I will contemplate some of the amazing people I have met so far on this journey. The staff at the hospitals and clinic have been incredible. They have been warm and comforting. Each have gone well out of their way to comfort me along each step. They surpassed even what would be considered optimum service. Each have reached out in a servant like heart. The list includes front desk receptionists, technicians, radiologists, CT/PET scan techs, nurses, doctors, and the list goes on. I have been truly blessed by the professional care I have received so far. Many times individuals have spent not just minutes but even hours with me discussing things in detail and ensuring that I have all of the resources I need medically, emotionally, and financially. But the real heroes have been the those that have surrounded me outside of the medical facilities. My family, our church friends, old friends, complete strangers I encounter at work, fellow employees, and the beautifully honest fellow travelers that I have met at the cancer center and the clinic. These wonderful souls posses the ability to reach out in their time of need to comfort the "new kid on the block" (me). I have met those suffering with significantly worse diagnosis than myself, cervical cancer, prostrate cancer, Brest cancer, rare incurable cancer, many of which is complicated by other health concerns, age and even developmental disabilities. None of these paths that these fellow travelers walk are easy, but I have seen such a lightness of being in them all. Each trying to see the hope in the midst of the raging storm, providing to others a glimpse of light that they themselves are searching for. There is this strange principle I am discovering not just in myself but in those countless others that are members of this difficult brotherhood and sisterhood of suffering. I am noticing that a significant part of the healing process is to reach out and give to others, both those that are sick and those that are well. It seems to some possibly a bit ludicrous, but to me it seems as if it gives this journey a complete purpose, a usefulness of sorts. I am coming to call it "A ministry of Brokenness" I am seeing it as a powerful balm to all in need. It is said in scripture that the prayer of a righteous man is powerful, just think of the power in the prayer of a righteous and broken man or woman. In our weakness we are made strong. There is a deep truth in all of this.