The Fear Factor

There once was a TV show on called the "The Fear Factor".  Competitors would face their fears with stunts, creepy crawling bugs, and ate the most disgusting things.  I used to watch the show, sometimes with my eyes closed, not wanting to see what they had to accomplish.  What it showed you is that we all have fears of different things, but we all fear something. 

Webster's Dictionary has the meaning of fear as:  1. Alarm and agitation caused by the expectation or realization of danger; 2. To be frightened; 3. A ground for apprehensive or dread.  In other words a very human emotion that everyone has and can experience periodically.  People with cancer or any other fatal disease feel this more than usual.  It can be triggered easily and always pondered in your mind. 

When the news reports on a star or famous person dying of cancer, you relate immediately and wonder when that will happen to you.  Listening to the story and death of Steve Jobs, founder of Apple, allowed fear to creep in me.  You see, Steve Jobs had the same cancer I do.  You start calculating how long he lasted from the time we was first diagnosed and you begin to calculate how much time you may have.  Then you realize what you are doing and you stop!  NO, I will not dwell on the "what ifs" but dwell on the life I have right before me.  I read an article on Roger Ebert, the film critic.  He has thyroid cancer has gone through surgery after surgery, can not eat or drink or talk without a device.  He made a remark that really struck me.  "I know that my time will come, but right now I live with hope and happiness."  I need to focus on the same.

I know without a shadow of doubt that God is with me.  My recent fear turned into joy when the doctor called and said, "Mrs. Rendulic your CT scan came back with no signs of cancer at this time."  This is the first good news I have had in 8 long months.  I had my eye doctor appointment the other day and hearing that my eyes were healthy and what I was experiencing was cataracts that are not yet ready for surgery.  Just a normal sign of aging not disease.  Two good reports!!  My "rainbow of promise" was manifesting hope and happiness.  I also had an unexpected conversation with the business administrator of the eye center.  When I talked with the doctor, she told me that there was someone who works there with the same cancer and her father has the same rare form of cancer also.  She left the room and said, "I will be right back."  She came back in and said that the business administrator would like to meet you and talk with you.  I had a good conversation.  He shared with me his story and told me about this Medical Center in Louisiana that specializes in our rare form of cancer and his experience there.  I found it ironic that I believe this is where my oncologist just came back from hearing a seminar on the founder and research doctor.  I shared with him and gave him my blog web address.  God has a way of putting people in your path.

The other day my devotional talked about forgetting about ourselves and do everything we can to help people, and doing the work of the Lord that God has called you to.  When you do that, God takes care of you.  And that is why I write to help others who face the fears of illness with honesty and openness. 

Psalm 34:4 "I sought the Lord, and He answered me; he delivered me from all my fears."  When fear strikes, stop, turn your eyes toward the Lord.  He will take the fear and give you peace.  That my friend is truth.  Do not allow yourself to dwell on the things that make you fearful.  Instead stop and allow God to bring the thoughts of comfort and hope. 

I leave you with a scripture that has helped many times during my life.  Let it speak to you.  Psalm 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."  13: For I am the Lord, your God, who take hold of your right hand and says to you.  Do not fear; I will help you."