He Stayed

By the time the host cut to a commercial, I was spent. These people gave me a lot to think about, namely the choice of a mate. It seemed like the dumbest thing to focus on at the time; self-examinations and mammograms should have been the priority, but they weren’t—that would come later.

The entire scope of my prayers for a mate shifted that day. If for some reason, I had to have a breast or toe or whatever removed, then I needed to know he’d stick around. It would be lovely if he fed me or shaved his head, but I just needed to know he’ll be there to hold my hand, pray even. God knows I wanted someone who would stay, too.

Couples stand at the altar and vow to remain faithful “in sickness and in health.” Bliss precludes them from thinking about the “in sickness” part. Bliss prevents them from thinking about illness as a challenge to the health of a marriage.

God bless women who fight breast cancer with the support of a godly, loving husband. And God bless women who fight without that support.

And by His stripes we are healed (Isaiah 53: 5)