I want to first apologized for not having posted anything such a long time. The past few months have been incredibly busy. Summer vacations. Spending time with my wife and kids. Moving two college kids. Celebrating my eldest's graduation, receiving her Master's in Education, and landing her first teaching job. Spending time with my mom and dad. Trips to visits friends All the busyness of life. Plus a new poodle puppy, Dotty.
In June, Amy and I vacationed in Hawaii to celebrate our 25th anniversary. The beautiful blue ocean, white soft sand, green lush mountains. All around, breathtaking beauty. A Luau celebration. Sailing and snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, paddle boarding on the North Shore, touring the beautiful islands, including a helicopter tour over Kawaii. All our dreams came true!
I have been writing for Cancer Companion's soon-to-be-released, “Embracing Hope with Certainty: Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey.” All 365 reflections include an encouraging Bible verse, Christ-centered message, and a prayer.
Participating in this cancer ministry has been a blessing. If you would like to be part of our reader team and give feedback to help make the book the best it can be, click on this link. https://www.cancercompanion.org/blog/join-our-reader-team
As for my own cancer journey, I am grateful to say there is “no evidence of disease”. That means there is no sign of active cancer. I continue with regular keep-cancer-away treatments. I have some “survivorship issues,” battle scars you could say. Next month (September 2022) I will celebrate my 5 year “cancerversary.”. As the song goes, I’m “staying alive!”
At times, cancer can feel like a death sentence. But, by the grace of God, cancer can also be a license to live. It gives you permission to slow down and smell the roses, You can put family and friends first, work second, and say "yes." I have experienced many wonderful things in the past five years that I may have missed out on and failed to fully appreciate and experience before cancer.
The old me felt obligated to stay and focus on my job or my own projects. I felt trapped and tethered. Since cancer, more than once, the Holy Spirit has reminded me to say "yes" and that I am free to do so. Nothing is holding me back. "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36). I have a license to live!
Thank you for your love and friendship. God bless you. May you experience always God's constant love and presence. “I pray that everything good from God will be yours” (1 Peter 1:2).
Yours in Christ,
David
P.S. You can learn more about me and my cancer journey in my book, "How Cancer Cured Me." To learn more visit my website, www.davidgira.com.
