Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Two Years Post Diagnosis

On January 29th, 2010, I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. On January 29th, 2012, I stood before the congregation of my home church and testified to God's faithfulness in my life. What a privilege it was to share, from my heart, what the past two years have meant to me.


My brothers and sisters at Stony Hill Baptist Church faithfully prayed for me when I was hospitalized for a month, endured chemo and radiation treatments, had my stem cell transplant, and recovered from my hip pinning surgery. I have been blessed beyond measure by their compassion, kindness, sacrificial acts of service, and prayers. I love the people of this church and was humbled and honored to stand before them on that beautiful Sunday morning.

Two years ago my world was turned upside down in a matter of days, and I went from being an executive in a small company with a stable income and a "normal" life, to someone who was unemployed and in for the fight of my life with a blood cancer. However, with the love and support of my family, my friends, my doctors, and my church, I have gotten through some really rough times and been blessed in more ways than I can count. My prayer is that God would use me to glorify Him and encourage others who are in need. I cannot imagine cancer without Christ.

For me these verses summarize what I have learned on my journey thus far:

I'm not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives my strength.  Philippians 4:11-13

To be 'content' means to be satisfied. I am content that the Lord has supplied all that I need. I am content that whatever my circumstances, it is the Lord who gives me strength to carry on, walking the good walk and fighting the good fight. I am content...not with cancer, but with Christ.

8 comments:

  1. My family enjoyed hearing your powerful testimony! Your contentment in such a situation is inspiring and glorifying to God!

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  2. Big EZ... A wonderful testimony !!!

    Faith is the rock we can stand on when all else is being washed away. Life changes all the time and Christ will keep those changes in perspective. I'm not really sure what non-Christians hold onto during those hard times, something I'm glad I don't have to figure out. Be well my friend...

    Steven

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  3. I was blessed by your testimony, Ernie, and I was blessed when you became my son-in-law. I love you!
    Mom.

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  4. You are awesome Mr. E! End of story!

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  5. So excited to watch the video. Proud of you Dad!

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  6. You inspire me with your faith, courage, and willingness to share your story. I am grateful to you. This blog, written by you and Linda, continues to support me in my own journey with MM. Thank you!

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  7. You did a wonderful job, Dad. I am so proud of you and can testify of your contentedness in Christ no matter your circumstances. Love you.

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  8. Simply amazing to see God's hand work in such a mighty way. Praising Jesus for His love and supplication for us daily!

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