Second Corinthians chapter one, verse nine is the passage I've chosen for my journey through prostate cancer. Although Paul was speaking specifically about the persecution he and other Christians endured for the Gospel, the emphasis is on the purpose. Persecution or trials of any form solely exist to make us rely on GOD alone, and not ourselves. They happen in order for us to exhaust ourselves of any self effort in order to realize that our total dependence should be on the One Who created, sustains, and has sovereign authority over everything, including our individual lives. One of the Lord's greatest pleasures is when we surrender all to Him so that He receives all the glory He deserves from us, especially those of us who claim Him as Lord. We must avoid using religious cliches and "christianese" to flatter God and make us appear spiritual to man. Yes, it is true – God is good all the time... But, is He good only when things are going good for me??? God is good because it is Who He is, whether our world is good or not. One of the hardest truths to swallow is the fact that prosperity and adversity come from the same Source.

To be clearer, God will sometimes break us in order to use us. A vessel broken by the hands of the Potter will often provide better service to Him because of a clearer understanding and greater reverence for the Maker. Broken or not, we must fully confess and admit to ourselves the words of the Lord Jesus: "...apart from Me you can do nothing."

Visit the blog archive and read from earliest to latest to get the details in chronological order.


6.30.2007

Part One: The Screening

Back in October 2006, my church (Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, Dallas, TX) announced that in honor of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month that they will be having another free men's prostate screening. They have this every year, but this one was "timely." My sweet, darling wife encouraged me to go and get it done!!!

Now, I've had my prostate checked about 3 times before, but only the digital way (that dreaded index finger). I know every brother can feel me when I say that is not a pleasant experience at all!!! But it's worth it as far as our health goes, right??? I've heard a few guys who say things like, "I ain't gettin' that done to me! Uh uh, no way!" But, that's foolish, especially when more and more men are getting diagnosed with it and their ages are getting younger (more about "age" later).

I went to the first room to give a sample of blood. I've never had to do that before for prostate screening. That was new to me. Then is was on to one of the classrooms-turned-clinic to meet with one of the doctors. After I got "fingered" (ouch), the doctor told me according to his diagnosis that my prostate felt fine. He said he felt nothing odd and no type of growth. That was a bit comforting to me! I drove home, feeling good, and told my wife the good news.

BUT, it wasn't over. Remember, I gave a sample of blood for the PSA test. I wouldn't know about that until about a week later...
Posted by at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)