Two Sisters

Our family, on both sides, is wrestling with the ugly enemy called cancer this Christmas.  Both families are trying to make sense of the pain and suffering cancer brings.
My Dad’s sister has been struggling with colon cancer.  This has been especially difficult, because just a few years ago, her daughter, my cousin Beckie, passed away from cancer at only 26 years of age.  We are all left wondering why cancer strikes again in the same family. Thankfully, the chemo and a surgery this week have given this sister a wonderful outcome. It appears that with a few more chemo treatments, she will be cancer free.
Nathan’s Dad’s sister is close to the end of her struggle with cancer.  In fact, she will be in heaven most likely before the New Year.  Her family waits by her bedside, making the most of her last, precious moments on earth.
Two women: sisters, mothers, daughters, wives.  Both fighting a common enemy.  Both going home.  Both facing healing.  One sister going to her earthly home, one to her heavenly home.  One benefitting from the healing that modern science and medicine brings, another receiving the ultimate healing that our bodies receive when we, as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, enter heaven.
When faced with any kind of tragedy or sickness like this, I have to admit, it’s hard to understand.  Why does my Dad get to continue his relationship with his sister, while Nathan’s Dad has to say good-bye for now?  Why is one person cured from cancer and another dies?  All persons involved love God, all the families are praying desperately for a miracle.  All have children and grandchildren and husbands that need their loved one to stay here with them just a little bit longer.  Why?
There are a lot of questions I can’t answer. But, there are a few things I know for sure.
“One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving.” Psalm 62:11
“This I recall to mind, Therefore I have hope.  The Lord’s lovingkindnesses never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Thy faithfulness. The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him.” Lamentations 3:21-23,25
“’For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Neither are your ways My ways’ declares the Lord.  ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.’” Isaiah 55:8
“and He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4
“Home free, eventually, at the ultimate healing, we will be home free,
Home free, oh it’s more than a feeling, at the ultimate healing, we will be home free.”
-Wayne Watson, “Home Free”