Last Thursday I wrote about crushing and brokenness and how it’s the crushed who seep the sweetest fragrance and how the broken and the bent bend the brightest light. I wrote about hope in the face of disappointment and life-shattering circumstances.
The next day, I learned that David Landrith, pastor of Long Hollow Baptist Church out of Hendersonville, Tennessee, has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer–colorectal melanoma. (I traveled to Haiti in December with a team from this church.)
One minute he and his wife were gathering fresh feathers to fluff their soon-to-be-empty nest, and the next being told that their future would look far different from what they dreamed. The diagnosis carries a very grim prognosis.
A crushing blow.
But it’s in our why-me moments, he reminds us, that we need to remember that the right question is not “why” but “Who.”
Who loves us so much He gave up everything and was crushed as a fragrant offering for us?
Who is in control of everything in heaven and on earth?
Who promises to never, no not ever, leave us?
Who works good out of every circumstance for those who love Him?
Every. Circumstance.
Even though it may not be in our lifetime.
Sometimes it takes something like cancer to bring clarity to our priorities.
David reminds us to never, no not ever, take our time on this earth for granted.
To remember that this breath could be our last.
To never waste our cancers or our crushings.
And to cling to that red cord of hope.
A hope that’s not in the rescue but in the Rescuer.
He covets prayers for miraculous healing, of course, but also for peace and strength and faith and rest in God’s sovereignty–for himself and his whole family. For wisdom for the doctors because this type of cancer is so very rare.
But most of all, his heart’s longing is that others will see the difference that Jesus can make when our earthly life seems to spin out of our control.
Pray that he would dwell in the shelter of the Most High and rest in the shadow of the Almighty, that he would find refuge under His wings and remain enfolded in the cover of His feathers.
The church posted yesterday’s sermon. It’s powerful. You don’t want to miss it. Trust me on this.
Would you #PrayForDavid?
Special Message from David Landrith from Long Hollow Baptist Church on Vimeo.
“This is a special message from David Landrith, recorded live at our Hendersonville campus on March 10, 2013 (11:45am service). In this message, David explains how he has been recently diagnosed with cancer and how he intends to live his last days.”
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. ~Psalm 90:12
Stilled (again) by the brevity of time,
Sandy
Sandy–Thank you for sharing this tender, hard story, especially in that you just spent time with this church family only months ago. This makes no sense in the natural but so much sense in the supernatural…God will have his glory.
I look forward to watching the video sermon–thank you for including it.
Have tissues by your side, Jody. It’s heartbreaking, and yet so very inspiring.
Thank-you for sharing. I will pray.
Thank you, Janet. With so many storming the throne on his behalf… well, it will be something to see what God will do.
I’d be honored to keep you and yours in my prayers ~ All is well with your soul. Sincerely Deborah
I know David and his family are grateful for your prayers, Deborah. Thank you.
So humbling to hear this testimony of faith…thank you for the privilege of praying for David. Rev. 12:11
Such a good word, Dea. Others will triumph because of David’s testimony.
Oh Sandy. I will be praying.
Love you, Linda. xo
I will pray for him and his family, Sandy. What a terrible shock for them. It is only through God’s grace this can be overcome, if not physically, then emotionally and spiritually. My heart, as well as my prayers go out to him and his family.
Praying for a drenching of His grace. Love to you, friend.
Sandra, David and his family will be in my prayers. What beautiful words you share…to remember who He is. Prayers lifted for “peace and strength and faith and rest in God’s sovereignty.”
Thanks so very much, Beth.
I have a friend who lost her husband due to an aggressive cancer at exactly the same time of life (brand-new empty nest). I’ve watched God’s hand on her life since then–amazing.
If you watch the video, you’ll see that his family is one of his biggest concerns. And his church family. The assurance of their growth through this would be a great comfort to him, I’m sure. Thanks for this, Megan.
“To never waste our cancers”
This is it, exactly.
Cancer is one of those things the enemy does to cause harm, but God allows to do good. It brings blessings with the pain. It focuses us into a narrow point, a place where only God is visible. It came like a guest that seemed never to leave, but ended up being a gift that just came in rags. We are so grateful for the cancer that came to our house. No, never waste your cancers.
“A gift that just came in rags.” And a focus into a narrow place where only God is visible. I’m going to be thinking about that, JoAnne. I had a really hard time seeing my mom’s brain cancer as a gift, but the gift of His presence through those days–that was wrapped in a big bow.
I’d be honored to share in this prayer with others. Thanks for including us.
Thanks so much, Tammy. 🙂
Cancer was God’s siren call to surrender for me. Surrender my plans for life, surrender the care of my husband and children should I die, surrender my hair, surrender my very life. And as He walked me through the journey – and walks me still, as cancer still lives in me after these 5 years – it was the Refiner’s fire, yes, but oh so many times He gathered me into His arms. Opened my eyes to the beauty and joy of life through the potential fleetingness of every season with my family. Yes, cancer brought me clarity. At 28, it felt like a death knell as I held my 6 week old son in my arms. At 34, I look back and realize how rich His blessings, how infinitely more He had to give me, through what seems like a tragedy. This IS our moment to shine as Christians, when suffering hits, and plans scatter to the four winds, and we take joy and find peace and are beautiful through the covering of Christ’s blood. These my prayers for your friend!
“Cancer was God’s siren call to surrender.” Oh, Genevieve! This is a powerful testimony. And you are so very young. I am praying for you, my friend, as you continue to walk through these flames. Much love to you.
Praying.
And praying some more. Love you, dear one.
David has posted that he will see a specialist at Vanderbilt on Tuesday and have surgery Thursday–a week from today. He also plans to preach Sunday.
Love standing in the gap with you. xoxo
What a powerful message! Challenged me to make that dash matter! Thank you!
It will be an honour and a privelege to pray for this Gentleman.
Nice Blog about cancer.