When Daniel gave the look – and trust me, I got it often – I knew I needed to stop. Just stop. My need to explain didn’t matter. When he thought it was time for my rant to end, he expected me to comply! Sometimes words aren’t needed . . .
Cancer has a way of taking life from everyone in its path. It is persistent in its quest to mock, discourage, and oppress. It scorns, wearies, and grieves, but there ARE things cancer can’t do! On the Monday before Daniel died, I was witness to one of those things. As if they had been planning it for days, a group of nurses gathered outside Daniel’s room to pray. Soon family and friends joined the circle. A sweet prayer time was followed by some of the most beautiful singing I’ve ever heard. God’s presence filled that hallway, the entire hospital it seemed to me. Voices were in harmony that day, and hearts were in unison. As the Spirit began to move and Dad, Mom, and our dear friend Marla watched Daniel rest, his eyes opened wide, he raised his hands toward heaven, and said with a smile, “Better hands!” Cancer doesn’t own a Christian. The God of heaven and earth does! And cancer can never prevent the Spirit from doing His work!
Dad realized something special was happening, so he opened the door and invited all of us into the room. It was a sweet time indeed! Gathered around Daniel’s bed, we began to sing – “I Love You, Lord,” “It is Well with My Soul,” and other songs of praise. As always, Daniel took in every word. If you could’ve seen the look on his face! There was joy and adoration for his Savior. Sweet, sweet peace.
As I knelt beside his bed, I fought the tears, and when they overtook me anyway, Daniel reached over and wiped a big tear from my face. He didn’t say anything to me; he didn’t need to. His smile, his look said plenty.
My family and I can hardly believe Daniel has been gone two years. We still miss him just as much as ever, but we believe just as Daniel did that “God has good plans.” We don’t understand, our hearts are broken, and we grieve. Yet we all agree on one thing – God is good! We will love and serve Him no matter what. It is what we all must do. Daniel’s life and death have affected so many people, and all of us who were blessed to know him understand his impact. But he would not be pleased with me if I put too much focus on him. Instead, he’d insist the emphasis be placed on Jesus. He’d tell you to put your trust in Him, accept Him, live for Him! He’d say, “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”
As you read this entry, look into your own heart. Be still. Listen to God. No need for words. Just listen. What is He saying? Do you know Him? He wants to know you. He wants to know you fully!
God’s best to you all,
Doug
“Be still and know that I am God.” -Psalm 46:10
About Me
- Daniel
- Nashville, TN, United States
- I am 34 years old and was recently diagnosed with squamous cell oral cancer (no Doc, I'm not a smoker, and I don't dip). This blog is designed to help me relieve some stress and keep family and friends updated on my treatment progress.
9 comments:
Thank you for posting. I just re-read all of Daniel's precious words. He is still deeply missed. And always will be.
Beautiful...
I am so glad to have known Daniel and to have been able to bowl with him. Everyone should have the faith that Daniel did...and yes, we do need to just be still and listen. Thanks Doug.
Doug,
I don't know what drew me here today but was thankful to hear from you...to hear about our Daniel. I pray for you and your family. One day God will make it better for us all and for now we must take comfort to know that the ones we love are feeling no more pain, no more suffering. Thank you for the sharing. Psalms 46:10 yes! Love to you and your family.
"Churl"
I was just remembering Daniel's blog the other day and his life and testimony and decided to come back by for a visit. What a faithful servant he was during his life here and what an inspiration he still is to me. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for sharing, Doug. Words we continually need to hear. To be still and hear God! I just saw a picture of Daniel in an old college picture on facebook and was remembering him. What a privilege to have been able to know him and witness his faithfulness to God!
Beth
Another friend of mine is currently going through some of the same things that Daniel did, and I remembered his amazing heart and passion for Christ even during the roughest of times, so I checked back today and am once again encouraged by his life.
I was going through my high school annuals yesterday, and I found what Daniel had written to me in his senior year. He was such an inspiration, and he alsways made me laugh. He was ready to start a new adventure, and he was ready to conquer the world. I think he did just that.
I still miss one of my best friends. I was just listening to his CD and rereading this blog. Daniel is one of those people you never forget if you were lucky enough to know him.
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