"Superman"

This entry isn't what I had in mind when I thought about my last blog post for the year. However, I'm dedicated to writing what is on my heart.

It is with sadness and a heavy heart that I sit here. I've mentioned before that I have been following the journey of a young father, my age, battling cancer while his beautiful wife stands by his side with their two young children. They call him "Superman." His wife updated their blog site this morning to report that David is "coming home." David is being released from Northside Hospital where he has been for several weeks undergoing strenuous treatment, away from his family who reside in Athens, GA. David is being sent home with hospice care.

I'm not really sure what to say. This I know; putting faith into practice is hard work sometimes, for me, anyway. Our human desire to understand the things that happen in our lives and those around us is even more puzzling when we can't make sense of certain circumstances. I sat down beside Hagie as I got out the laptop to blog and made the comment to him that I don't understand why bad things happen to good people. I think I've always struggled with this. I've heard sermon after sermon on this exact topic but it doesn't make it any easier to wrap my head around when I see tragedy in the life of good. Hagie looked at me and commented "God has a way of choosing." He's right. And I suppose no other explanation is needed. I just need to have faith that in all things, good and bad, God has a perfect plan and purpose.

As one of God's children, I am called to love with an open heart, show compassion and empathy and pray without ceasing. I have been reminded that I can do all of these things for people that I know and those who I've never met. I thank "Superman" for this lesson. I imagine David will never know the full extent to which he has touched and influenced so many people. I sit in tears for someone I do not know but this is what makes me real. This is what makes me human. My heart breaks because I know there is a family in Athens, GA that is about to face the most difficult part of their loved one's journey.

As the year 2011 comes to an end, I'll continue to pray for David Boyd A.K.A "Superman" and his family. I'll continue to believe that it's never to late for a miracle, that God is the ultimate comforter and HE is the master of all plans.
I'll toast to David's strength, courage and amazing faith.

David's journey: weloveteamboyd.blogspot.com