Last year (2016) was a tough year for
our family. My husband was diagnosed with cancer and, although he is recovering
well and the prognosis is good, it's left our 12-year-old with significant
anxiety. This past weekend we lost a close family friend to cancer. It all
happened very quickly after she'd been told she was cancer-free, and my son has
been very emotionally affected by it. In the midst of all the emotions he was
experiencing though, his first response was to contact his youth leaders and
ask for their prayer support. Thank God for our kids program - these leaders
have journeyed with him through the rough times and the 'church is boring'
pre-teenage moments, and encouraged him to connect and serve. His situation
hasn't changed yet, he is still anxious and there will still be rough times
ahead. But I'm so grateful that his first response was to reach out for prayer,
and to reach out to his church family.