Success in Hard Times

My family and I have been in crisis mode since April 28, 2006. I remember the date and exactly where I was when I learned that my mom had acute Leukemia. Mom had not been feeling well for about three months. She had a cold that just wouldn't go away. Dad kept going to the doctor and they kept saying that nothing was wrong. Finally, during a visit her general doctor noticed that there was something not right with the results of a blood test that he had ordered. He recommended that she see a specialists and she did. Our world has forever changed.

It is almost two years later and the cancer is gone, but mom has faced to many challenges and hardships, and my father, brother, and I have been with her every step of the way. Family members, friends and health care professionals, and people we may never know have all been very supportive throughout this very difficult process. I have wondered often why my mother has had to endure so much pain. It didn't seem fair to me at all. She has been such a good person and has helped so many people. I have often thought back about 10 years ago now when my father had is battle with cancer. It was hard then, but what my mom is going through is so much harder. At times it seems to much for her and us to bare. There is so much to do, and at times it becomes totally overwhelming. It is easy to become faint and want to give up or just walk away from the situation.

Jesus knew about living through difficult times and he told us that we don't have to succumb to the difficulties in our lives. In Matthew 11:29-30 Jesus states,"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." He knew that we would face hardships in our lives and He is prepared to help us through those times.

My family has had to take on the yoke of Jesus during this time of my mother's health crisis and recovery and it has been such a blessing to all of us. You can do the same, remember, you are not in it alone.