Little Worship Boy! … transforming lives through the work of the Spirit into fully developing followers of Christ

Breathing Life

I'm in Colorado this week, here to see one of my most treasured friends in the whole wide world—Kevin Walker.  More than a friend, he is a spiritual father. A mentor. A source of truth and life to me and my family for more than a decade.

Kevin has burkitt's-like lymphoma. The recent reports on Kevin’s fight against cancer had not been very encouraging. Last week in a phone conversation I had told Kevin that I was planning on bringing the family to see him some time over the holidays. He responded, explaining if I wanted to see him, I should probably come now.

Kevin is sick.

Greatly concerned, I scheduled a flight for the earliest possible date I could—made all the arrangements—and began getting excited about seeing my friend. It's been more than two years since we last saw each other. I've been in Florida; he's been here in Colorado. Our travel schedules just never lining up allowing us to bump in to one another. I've really missed him.

Prior to this long term absence, we spent considerable amounts of time with one another. We worked together, met frequently over lunch, did double dates with our spouses together. We were practically joined at the hip.

But, I found myself wondering what Kevin would be like now more than two years later—and fighting cancer.  I just wasn't sure what to expect.

The ride from Denver went fast.  I soon found myself sitting in the driveway, my friend waiting inside the house.  I fumbled with the seatbelt, nervous—anxious to see my friend—scared to see my friend.  The front door opened and I entered the house.  Kevin called down from the upstairs. I thought to myself, "His voice sounds the same!"

As he slowly made his way down the steps I could see immediately that the chemotherapy treatments and other meds he is now on has had a dramatic effect on his balance and endurance. I met him at the bottom of the stairs and caught him in my arms, giving him a big bear hug! It was a long Kevin Walkerish-type hug.  If you've ever really hugged Kevin, you know what I'm talking about.

My heart was happy to be with my friend, in the embrace of a spiritual daddy! It was sweet. I didn't want to let go! But, I finally did, allowing him to find his seat. I was finally able to see his face fully.

His hair has completely gone now—nothing on his face or head. He doesn’t look quite right without his Bozo-the-clown-like hairdo crowning the sides and back of his head.  There is a knot on his head where a port is inset for draining spinal fluid and injecting chemo into his spinal column.  He’s lost weight.

Kevin is sick.

He explains that the antibiotic is tearing up his stomach.  The regimen of chemotherapy has resulted in his feeling weak and tired more frequently.  But, the last treatment has had a positive impact on stopping the growth of the tumor.  They caution, “We’re still in a holding pattern for another week or so…”—at which point the oncologist will be able to determine whether the treatment was a success or not.

BUT, as I set and talk with Kevin and Julie—I can see it in their faces—hear it in their voices.  They are full of hope and expectancy.  They are optimistic.  There is no giving up in either of them.  I am encouraged at their spirit!

Kevin might be sick—but, he’s still the same Kevin I’ve always known.  I see JESUS in him.  I hear JESUS words coming from Kevin’s mouth.  Julie too.  They are both breathing life.  They are the same.  Nothing has changed.  Kevin is sick—but, it’s JESUS I see looking back at me through Kevin’s eyes.

We visit more.  We laugh a whole lot.  We remember good times we’ve shared together.  We enthusiastically agree that our GOD is good.

My heart is less troubled and more at ease now.  I sense GOD in this place.  No matter what the outcome, the FATHER is in the midst of these matters.  HE intends good for my friend.  HE intends good for HIS servant.  I know HE will use this situation for good.

Job 36:15 (TEV) says, “…but GOD teaches people through suffering and uses distress to open their eyes.”

LORD, open eyes.  Use YOUR servant Kevin in his time of sickness to teach us more of YOUR goodness.  Bless my friend and his family LORD.  I’m asking YOU for a touch of YOUR healing hand.  Heal my friend, YOUR servant.  Work a miracle.  And, Thank YOU, FATHER, for this time with my dear friend Kevin Walker.

I’m asking the FATHER to heal my friend.  Would you join me in that prayer?

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