(Title by Dusty)
Mark Linsley:
1.10.2022
“How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him, ” and my foes will rejoice when I fall. But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.”
Psalm 13:1-6
I’m tired of the pain. Today it’s excruciating and I‘m going to to head to Ann Arbor ER tomorrow morning. The cancer, my enemy, is taking over my lower back and besides the pain I’m losing muscle control.
Do you ever wonder how long? I do.. daily. I’ve become the little kid in the back seat. Is there no relief this side of the grave? Maybe I should stop asking “how much longer Lord?”
My Uncle Dale sent me a short book on the modern Christian and how we have watered down the gospel making it into a path to better life.
Rarely do I discuss Christianity as a path to trials, suffering or persecution. Yet the more I read the Bible the more I see that is how it is described and demonstrated.
Who invents a religion like that? Definitely not a man.
I could abandon this philosophy but then I remember that Jesus offered that up too, and many people took him up on it.
John 6:67 “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.
John 6:67-68
Where else would I go?
“But… I trust”
“My heart rejoices in salvation”
“For He has been good to me”
45 years or 90 are both a flash in the pan compared to eternity.
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We will be leaving for Ann Arbor in the morning. We had a virtual visit with a “spine” doctor from UofM today. When Mark explained how he was feeling…he suggested that perhaps he show up at the ER in Ann Arbor to ensure that he is seen, he gets images specifically of the spine and that he (the doctor) can follow him and seek treatment for him. We weren’t sure at first but our Chiro thought it was a good idea and the orginal neurosurgeons office also thought it was a good plan. (In fact, they are on the same “team”. At the end of treatment today he was very uncomfortable and the Davita nurses could see that. They also think its a good idea.
When Mark got home and got into a spot, he was okay for a bit but then when I watched my 2 youngest suedo carry Mark to the chair under his arms I knew we had to go. I’m not sure how easy it will be to get there but that is the ER that we need to get into. Please pray that not too much damage has been done and that we will be able to walk without pain again.
I’ll give more details later throughout the week. I have lots to say but unsure how to say it all. I just think about it alot. Perhaps one day I’ll just burst and it will all come out.
Comments 7
Praying so hard and often. Praying for relief from the pain. Oh God, help. Help the getting there be workable. Help Mark get the right doctor and nurses. Give the doctor or NP eyes to see what is needed. Oh Lord, we call for Your help. Amen.
But I will be praying in the night too.
We pray for healing and pain relief for Mark every day.
Praying
Pray(ing) without ceasing for all of you.
I’m so so sorry for all of your pain. I know a lot of people are praying for you and your family. You guys and your love for christ, have touched so many lives. You have been such a testimony to many. We all love you guys so very much. 🥰🤗🤗🙏🏻🙏🏻
Thinking of you frequently, Mark, and thanking God for your powerful leadership in integrity and courage and witness and even suffering. Whatever comes, you have been faithful on the long road that led here and our Father must be very proud of you. It’s an honor to be your friend.
Praying often for you guys at times lost for words but Jesus knows! Lord Jesus bring answers , wisdom , and the right treatment to relieve the pain!