Vantage point
Making burdens lighter
Seven years ago, I wrote in this column of my unexpected bout
with cancer. God brought me through that with flying colors, and today I remain
cancer free.
Just before Christmas last year, my wife, Peggy, was
diagnosed with breast cancer. It was the fastest growing kind and uncontained,
and surgery was needed almost immediately. It took place shortly after the
holidays.
My own cancer was a walk in the park compared to the
helpless feeling of watching my wife battle this insidious foe. I have never
gone through anything more difficult. Many friends have told me it was the same
with them. There is nothing harder than watching your spouse suffer.
I must confess to a degree of selfishness in my concern. I
just couldn’t imagine life without Peggy. I once wrote Peggy a poem titled, “I
Wasn’t Me Before You.” Peggy completed me. As Jesus said, “They [husband and
wife] are no longer two, but one” (Matthew 19:6, NIV). I became a better person
because of Peggy.
Peggy will undergo both chemo and radiation. But I am
confident God will bring us through this trial, again cancer free.
Once again I have seen the body of Christ step up during a
crisis. We have had such incredible support and love. I have to echo the words
of a great song: “I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God.” I can’t imagine
going through something like this without that family.
For me this experience has told me that godly love is real
— the love of a husband and wife, the love of God, and the love of the
family of God.
While our victory is won, there are many in your
congregations and communities who are or will be going through dark trials.
They need you, the family of God. Give them every ounce of love and support you
can.
When the body of Christ loves people like it is meant to,
all burdens become lighter.
Ken Horn
E-mail your comments to tpe@ag.org.
