What do you do when you receive "bad news"? What do each of us do with a heavy burden? I think back to many individuals in my family who have made that call to inform us. Sometimes there were warnings up to that point, waiting on tests, so when the final verdict came it wasn't exactly a huge shock. However, when the definitive news comes there are future "what ifs" that go through our mind.
What is the prognosis? How much time is left, what must be done before incapacitation sets in? Who and how will care be given? Even, how will I die? My stomach churns thinking about all these scenarios.
There is the flip side of the coin that offers hope especially in "progress" that has been made in certain areas and specialties. Also, knowing individuals who have lived years and actually improved gives one some hope, even in diagnoses that have no cure.
One of my best friends readily says she should have been dead thirty years ago and thinks her survival is directly related to prayer. I agree. Personally, knowing others will and are praying for us often lifts one up; often our spirit becomes weary that we ourselves just cannot pray. Thank God for those faithful friends who say, "I will pray for you!"
Yes, there are times we all have received bad news and some days the news doesn't stop. Maybe our challenge is to let the cat out of the bag, let the whole world know so they can pray for our cause. Who knows, that awful news may just respond to a new treatment and prayers of others. I continue praying for those in need.
