A Not-So-Chance Encounter

I have much to say this sunny Tuesday afternoon, but wanted to boil this post down to a single anecdote to make it as salient as possible. As I've said before, I don't believe in coincidence. I believe instead that God puts people in our paths when we need to meet them. And that's precisely what happened for me last night.

As the afternoon wore on, my throat and neck felt increasingly swollen and sore. Unable to take the discomfort anymore and concerned about the potential roots of the pain, I headed for the local ER at 6 PM. A victim of a mild version of asthma, I've always been squeamish about breathing issues. A woman named Karen handled my paperwork, and during some casual chit-chat, I mentioned that one of my babies was dealing with cancer. She said that someone would call me back soon, and that was that. But not 'it'.

Later, Karen came by my room with some paperwork. As I John Hancocked the documents, she asked about Logan and his cancer journey. I always approach such discussion with caution, not wanting to scare anyone off by immediately drawing attention to my blog and blue wristband, but I sensed rather quickly that she would respond well and parlayed the information. I felt good knowing that someone else would be praying for my sunshine.

Then she shared that her sister's dear husband had been recently diagnosed with throat cancer. I expressed my sympathies and hopes that he would improve, and she again returned to her post. I immediately sensed that God wanted me to ask you all to pray for him, and chided myself for not asking his name. I uttered a quick prayer asking for an opportunity to ask, and the request was granted when, after discharge, the nurse directed me back to the check-in area to sign some papers I supposedly hadn't signed. I approached Karen, who told me that no, I'd already taken care of my paperwork. Recognizing the opportunity presented to me, I asked her brother-in-law's name.

So please, if you will, in addition to praying for my sweet Logan's healing, pray for Ken in Florida, who is suffering from throat cancer. I believe that God has led me to make this request, and hope that you will join in and offer up some healing prayers for this man I don't know who is clearly a beloved member of his family.

Thank you, and have a lovely afternoon.