Ten years ago in April I began my journey "through the valley of the
shadow of death" not knowing what the future would bring. Death was one
possibility on the table for my future. At the time they projected a 2-5
year survival rate for Mantle Cell Lymphoma patients. The "shadow" in the valley was
very dark.
Many have committed Psalm 23 to heart and it brings home the truth of "this season" of some of the lives of our family and friends…
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want;
2 he makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters;
3 he restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil;
for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff,
they comfort me."
I trust others have prayed the Serenity Prayer as I did during a season of darkness. I found that it led me, comforted me and restored my trust in Jesus’ leading me through the valley of the shadow.
If you are in this journey today and I were able to be sitting next to you right now I would take your hand and pray the entire prayer with you. If it is possible pray this prayer as you and others gather around . It helped me navigate the valley with confidence and hope, no matter what the future held for us. Know that Jesus is truly present in the darkest times as you journey toward healing.
Pastor Tedd