I want you to meet my friend, Roosevelt. Roosevelt was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1999. Through a series of miracles, he and his wife, Mary, ended up in Houston in 2004 and quickly became members of Community of Faith. Roosevelt has been living with cancer for ten years. The years have been difficult, the battle has been fierce. The doctors, medicine, and science have done all they can do for Roosevelt. He spends his days at home now, resting, praying, trusting, and loving his family.
I saw Roosevelt at COF one weekend not long after my own cancer diagnosis. I gave him a big hug and we sat down to talk for a few minutes. I told him that he was one of my heroes in the faith, and definitely my example of how to deal with cancer. For as long as I've known Roosevelt I have never once heard him complain. I have seen him on days when he was feeling good, and on days when I knew he was in pain and it was a struggle for him just to be at church. In spite of all that he has endured, I have only ever seen a smile on his face, a light in his eyes, and praise on his lips. I told him that day that I would be following in his footsteps and he said to me, "Just don't follow me out the door, little sister!"
Today I went to visit with Roosevelt and Mary, to let them know that we love them and we are praying for them, and to remind them that God is going to carry them all the way. Roosevelt was his same self: smiling, encouraging, and praising the Lord. He told me that God has been "more than good" to him. He said that he "can't shout it loud enough or say it long enough!" Roosevelt told me that he has things in order and he's ready for God to call him home; but in the meantime he will continue to sing God's praises to everyone who will listen.
What a beautiful picture of what it means to walk in faith!
As you pray for me, please also pray for Roosevelt and Mary. Pray for God's strength and perseverance for each new day, pray for supernatural peace for this family, pray for relief from pain, and for Roosevelt's appetite to increase. Pray that these days together for Roosevelt and Mary will be sweet.
Thank you, Roosevelt, for living your life in such a way that I can learn from you and follow in your footsteps. God remains faithful, He will carry you all the way. We love you!
Laura, since you let us know about your first steps into cancer, I have rejoiced in the privilege of praying over you daily as you join God in His work. Thank you for the opportunity to pray over others like Stacey, Bruce, and now Roosevelt also. God is good.
ReplyDeleteAwwww...what an awesome picture of faith. I pray that he and Mary are able to spend whatever time God allows them filled with love, laughter and unmoveable faith. Will be praying for him too!! Love you sweet friend!
ReplyDeletePraying for you today! Your words yesterday bathed our souls as we checked into MD Anderson...again. Phil. 4:8 continues to be my plumb-line for all my thoughts. If cannot "Phil. 4:8" it then I must take those thoughts, fears, etc. captive to Him. As you and Jim both begin treatments-again-this week, for every prayer for him, know there is one for you and yours as well. Keep sharing the Truth, keep being real, keep on!
ReplyDeleteTo God be the glory,
Rebecca
Thanks Laura, I will pray for Roosevelt. I love his name! And he has such a gentle light in his eyes. Such beautiful faith. Thank you for sharing him. It put a smile on my face.
ReplyDeleteYou are precious!
Laura, Roosevelt is also one of my heros (as are you). He is one of the gentlest people I have ever met, who is able to see God at work in every circumstance. I feel so blessed that God has placed you both in my life, that I can be inspired and encouraged by the way you both live your lives full out for HIM. I will continue to keep you both in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteRoosevelt is one of the nicest people I've ever met. He and Mary always took time to chat when I was a greeter back at Goodson. I haven't seen them in a very long time and appreciate this update. I am keeping them in my prayers. Heaven will certainly rejoice when he comes home - a true champion for Christ.
ReplyDeleteLaura
ReplyDeleteI am glad all is going well we continue to keep you guys in our prayers. I have a book I think might help you guys make it through these tough times. I ordered it online and will give it to Mark as soon as it arrives. We will see you back soon.
Jr. and family