Focusing on the Passion of the Lord on Palm Sunday and Good Friday serves as a poignant reminder to pray for those who are suffering in our world today. There is much anguish across the globe due to illness, famine, war, persecution, human trafficking, and a multitude of other issues as well. It is easy to lose sight of those who are hurting if we are not directly, or even indirectly, impacted by the circumstances. Thus, let this Holy Week be a catalyst to raise awareness.
Today, I want to offer a word of encouragement to Eli. (I hope someone in the Council Bluffs area will pass this blog post on to Eli.) I don't know Eli. I don't know his story. I don't know his age. I have not yet met Eli, but I intend to do so in the very near future. All I know is what I saw on social media yesterday. It said, "Today he received two chemo meds, but will have his next follow up CT scan on May 1st."
That information tells me Eli is in a battle. I have been in a similar battle and know the challenges. Subsequently, I am asking all of my readers to pray today for Eli and his family.
Personal message to Eli--
I was 25 years old when I was diagnosed with cancer. I went through surgery and months of chemotherapy. I know it is not an easy journey. However, I am approaching my 33rd anniversary as a survivor. Life has not always been easy for me, but it has been blessed. The blessings continue as I prepare to come to St. Albert Catholic Schools now. I want to encourage you to hang in there. Keep fighting. I know you have a lot of people pulling for you, and now you have the readers of my blog praying for you and your whole family as well. I look forward to meeting you when I arrive in Council Bluffs. May this Holy Week bring you strength, courage, and perseverance!