An Annonymous Comment:
February 23, 2008
First, let me start with this: My God is not a cosmic killjoy waiting for me to screw up so that he can sit on his throne and smite me, refuse to bless me, love me, or forgive me. It is actually the opposite. Because He loves me so much, He has saved me from the shame and torment of hell, whether it be hell on earth or an eternal hell. Therefore, the way I live my life is not a choice. It is the amazing power of God, His grace love and mercy that lives in me and daily directs my steps.
Before Christ, there was no guarantee on my future. With Christ I have the guarantee that either way, this ends well for me.
Following is the email I recieved (bolded portions are the email):
I cannot grasp this line of thinking, Heather. I would much rather not believe in anything than to believe god would have the power to heal my daughter but “choose” not to, or the power to heal me. Or that he is so all-knowing that he knows your struggles and piles more and more on top of you just to try to teach you something. That is sick.
The answer to the question is that Adam and Eve sinned. Simple as that. I don’t feel this is God “knowing my struggles and piling more and more on top of me just to try to teach me something.†But I have a personal relationship with my God, just like I have a personal relationship with my husband and children. You said “I would much rather not believe in anything than to believe that God would have the power to heal my daughter but ‘choose’ not to or the power to heal me†Do you know any one this earth that doesn’t have an illness, either emotional or physical? Do you know anyone on this earth who has lived forever? We all must face disease and heartbreak, and again, it is because of the Garden of Eden. I can understand how if you don’t believe anything in the bible, that would be something difficult for you to grasp, I really do. But you asked a question and I am answering it as directly and graciously as I can.
Do you walk around piling more pain on your children so they know the value of your love? No. Use common sense.
Well, you and I see “piling more pain” in a totally different light. If you mean do I love them enough to direct them and discipline them for things they do wrong.. I absolutely do. In the quest for them to understand how deep my love is for them, I absolutely do. But then again, I dont look at my cancer or my daughters disablilities as a “Punishment”. And I dont view Christ in the light that you view him in.
Have you read the book of Job? So many horrible things happen to Job. The one thing that Job said that sticks out in my heart and mind is the following:
“Though he (satan) slay me, yet will I hope in Him (Christ)â€
I can understand how that would be hard to believe for a non believer. I understand how you would question how a gracious and loving God could allow bad things to happen to people. But they happen to believers and non believers alike. It doesn’t matter if you do or don’t believe in my God. The world is a sick and evil place. We have turned what could have been a wonderful and glorious place into what it has become today, through our selfish desires, wants and needs. How can God sit back and watch all of this happening, He hasn’t. I believe in heaven, I believe that no matter what, this ends well for me. I believe that he has given people to who choose to believe in Him and his mercy a way out.
What do you believe in?
Do you know the most frustrating thing for people like me?
Here is what I see in your posts:
- god allowed you to have cancer.
- he allowed your daughter to have a fatal illness.
- he allowed your other children to suffer along with you and your family and those who care about you.
We have to admit that there is something called “cause and effectâ€. That the actions of ourselves and others directly impact the world around us. Pollution, Greed, disease, etc. Do I believe that God desired for me to have cancer. Absolutely not. That wasn’t His perfect will for my life. His perfect will was changed in the Garden of Eden. Man sinned. End of story, end of perfection.
But he gives us a thing called “Freewillâ€
He does intervene in our lives. He has shown His power at many times through out past history. But there is a limit to this intervention: He has allowed man freewill, and He allows man to use that freewill — for good or evil
And I do believe that He gives me the grace and the strength to face this. I do believe that he gives my daughter, even though she is young and mentally disabled the ability to affect others around her in a deep and personal way. I do believe that we all have stories to tell, and it is up to us to choose how we tell those stories. I choose hope. I choose grace. I choose God.
Then he requires you to thank him for all the horrible things you’re going through and apologize to him for being a normal human being and being upset by it.
I disagree, and I will tell you why. Christ didn’t cause this. Mans sin did. He doesn’t want me to apologize for being upset about it, it simply is what it is. It sucks, I know that and He knows that. He gives me the tools to cope with it, whether you believe in them or not, I believe in them. Every person has the ability to choose who they will serve, man or God. You know who I choose.
Then you spend your time begging and pleading with him to do something about all this pain only to come to your realization that he wants you to go through it so you can supposedly “grow” spiritually.
I disagree, and I will tell you why again. I do not spend all of my time begging and pleading with him “to do something about all this painâ€. I face cancer and my daughter’s illness daily, just like many other people face their trials daily. I don’t claim to know all the answers, but I do know one thing, I could NOT face this with out Christ. I don’t get up in the morning and start my day with “begging God†to do what I want him to do. I live my life the best I know how and am extremely thankful for every minute of every day that I have left on this earth. I don’t look at my daughter and think of her as a mistake, or a source of pain in my life. I don’t think she looks at her life as “painful†either. I look at her and see a wonderful, beautiful, amazing child who happens to have some disabilities, but don’t we all? Every single one of us is not void of emotional or physical disabilities.
It is how we choose to face those “disabilities†that makes or breaks us.
Because you’re right, he’s never going to heal your daughter and you know that. Maybe man-made medicine will one day heal her and I hope it does. She deserves to live
And that is where you are wrong :) I know that she will be healed, along with myself, my husband my other children… every single person that chooses Christ will be healed one day. We all have afflictions, remember?
God has not healed your cancer. Without chemo and radiation you’d be dead (or close to it) by now.
That is not god. That is men who studied science. And I’ve heard the argument that god gave these doctors the wisdom. Whatever. Most doctors are atheists to begin with.
How do you know? How do you know that my cancer has not been healed? How do you know that God didn’t give these doctors wisdom?
How do you know that “Most doctors are atheists to begin with� I can tell you EVERY. SINGLE. DOCTOR. I have come into contact with, starting with my daughter’s doctors and ending with my cancer doctors believe wholeheartedly in Christ.
Then you must recognize that you don’t deserve his supposed grace that you can never quite pinpoint what it is to begin with. You must feel guilty about absolutely everything you’ve ever done wrong.
That is the difference between a non believer and a believer. Our wrong doings are tossed as far as the east is from the west. We don’t feel guilty about past sins, at least we shouldn’t feel guilty over them. It is by our own choosing that we feel guilty, not by Gods choosing. He desires us to live a life free of guilt and shame.
And I can pinpoint his grace daily in my life. ;)
And then when something good happens you attribute it to god and claim you didn’t deserve such goodness. And it’s very important to say you don’t deserve it otherwise god will either never bless you again or possibly in some way smite you for being prideful.
I don’t know what god you are talking about, but that sounds nothing like my God. He isn’t sitting up on his throne, ready to “smite†anyone. Where do you get that? Through out my blog I have talked about Gods goodness, His faithfulness, never once have I mentioned his “smite-fullness†Never once have I mentioned having a fear that he will never bless me again if I am not thankful for my blessings.
In the end you must thank him for it all and if you don’t jump through all of these hoops then you just might end up with god writing you off forever and you’ll end up with Satan torturing you in hell for all eternity anyway.
We have a different perspective on this reality, and that is okay. I am not going to argue with you about this because in the end we both agree on the outcome, we just don’t agree on the process.
I would think this life journey you’re on would be much easier without all of this drama.
I heard a voice thunder from the Throne: “Look! Look! God has moved into the neighborhood, making his home with men and women! They’re his people, he’s their God. He’ll wipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for good—tears gone, crying gone, pain gone—all the first order of things gone.” The Enthroned continued, “Look! I’m making everything new. Write it all down—each word dependable and accurate.” - Revelation 21:3-5 (The Message)
That doesn’t sound like “Drama†to me…
Let me ask you this question:
What if your wrong?
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Comments
Note From Heather: All comments are welcome, but I reserve the right to delete at any time. All comments are solely the opinions of the individuals submitting them and the publication of them on this blog does not imply my endorsement or agreement. By posting your comments to the blog you are granting me the right to use them. Your submission of a comment constitutes your acceptance of this comment policy.
In other words: Play Nice
100 Responses to “An Annonymous Comment:”
I would love to hear from you!
As in classy Heather fashion, you have been much more gracious than most. I have seen over and over in yur blog, the shingin examples of God’s goodness. I think one of the things that the world doesn’t get, is that is really isn’t all about us! We have it reinforced over & over, ad ,that we have to put ourselves first. There is such a finite, mortal perspective on these *80 years we’ve been given on this earth. It isn’t until we leave the confines of what we know, what we are safe in, that we truly live! I’m not saying that dealing with trials, pain and heartaches is supposed to be a cakewalk and that we are fake if we act like it’s no big deal. Eternal perspective changes everything! I have no desire to die just yet but I know that should that happen, I have NO fear of what awaits me. Our Pastor said a long time ago,
“There IS a God and you ain’t Him!”
Whether we choose to accept the gift of salvation through Christ, using our free will is entirely up to us. Too many people want God to be the magic genie in the lamp who will wipe away all of our sorrows. I have never grown so much nor felt as contented and loved as wehn I have been enduring those hardships.
I give thanks for you heather and the way that YOU have chosen to let God shine through you!
Connie
I kinda think that God is smiling about now saying “That’s My Girl!”
Love you much
Dad
I find it interesting that someone would use this site as a forum for theological debate.
She has cancer. It’s her blog. It’s not about you.
I read this site because my sister-n-law has a brain tumor. Heather’s writing and perspective helps.
Heather,
You are quite the apologist. It is always encouraging to see a Christian articulate the tenets of faith clearly. Well done!
Anonymous,
While I certainly wouldn’t presume to add to what Heather has so eloquently said, I would like to say that, according to Scripture, Christ Himself learned obedience from what He suffered (Hebrews 5:8), just as I do.
I’d like to thank you for taking the time to outline your thoughts and pose your questions. I hope you’ll listen with your heart to Heather’s answers.
I read your blog daily but have never commented. I cannot believe the audacity of some people. You and your family have been through hell and back but yet you are still the most positive and uplifting person I have ever come across. As Kathy said, this is your blog and if the reader doesn’t like what you have to say, quit reading it! Maybe they can publish their own blog and attract other atheists. Keep the faith rockin’!
Heather, I read your responses, but my opinion is no different. You’re jumping through all kinds of hoops to please and try to get peace from a god that you can’t seem to get what you want from. You are trying to be good enough, smart enough, have enough faith that he’ll somehow magically go, “Okay, Heather, you’ve suffered enough, NOW let me just heal you and your daughter.” You know, I wish you were right. I used to be a Christian and I used to believe the same way you do but it wasn’t until I studied the scriptures and saw the inconsistencies, the discrepencies, the contradictions and that the god of the old testament is not the god written about in the new testament at all, that I decided to think for myself and realize that you know what? All of these people jumping through hoops and trying to do things to please their god is downright sadistic. You say you discipline your children and compare that to god allowing you to have cancer? Oh my. I don’t know what kind of discipline you use but I can tell you that positive reinforcement and parenting goes a lot further. Nor would I cause my children to suffer repeatedly at my own hand. That’s not love, that’s sadism.
I don’t know why I’m telling you this. Someone already told me “it’s her blog.” Yes, it is. It’s also public and not everyone agrees with you. I think you are a genuine and very nice person (from what I can read). I think you probably are a great mother, friend, daughter and all the things you talk about. I feel sorry for you, though. You’re spending all your time praying for this miracle that will never happen without medical intervention. It sounds like you’ll beat your cancer hands down. Is that god? No. It’s medicine. I know plenty of muslims, atheists and even a pedophile that survived cancer. And I know several people who loved god and prayed and pleaded for them to be healed who died. Your daughter may get a new heart and live a perfectly happy and long life. You’ll attribute it to god. Put the 2 of you on an island alone and you’d die left at the hands of your god. But then they’ll be people sitting back saying “well, she was healed by being taken to heaven.”
Just so you know, I have a terminal illness myself (not cancer) and if I am wrong and your god is who you claim, then hopefully he is not a self-absorbed sadist and will forgive me for being wrong.
How sad that someone feels the need to attack you when all you are trying to do is help others. People are entitled to their opinions, but this is your blog.
You’ve got a lot of guts. Most people would have just deleted the message.
You have helped me in numerous ways with my own spiritual struggle. Thank you for that! xoxo
I don’t comment often, but I read (and pray) regularly. Very well said, Heather. Thank you for being willing to share your faith and your thoughts.
Great job Heather! You said the truth and that is what the lost ened to hear. We will jsut pray now that God will open the eyes of this person to His goodness.
Still praying for you!
~Gina
I am sorry for this man or woman who wrote those things to you. They do not know the joy of our Lord. They are the losers and the sad part is, they don’t need to be if they only knew His Love as we do.
Susan
Well said my sister. If people realized how holy God was, and how unholy we are…they would have a completely different perspective on life. It’s going to be sweet to meet the Lord in the air isn’t it!
Maybe today will be the day :grin:
elly
I don’t often comment, but I read every new post you put up, and my friend, this one was just so sad to read. Those are some hateful, hate-filled things to say to someone who has suffered and gone through all that you’ve gone through. Yet, there always must be the “doubting Thomas”, correct? That person is always the one wanting to put their fingers in the holes of Jesus’ hands…to PROVE it’s all real.
I found the comment about God not healing you particularly offensive. The person claims that it’s the chemo and radiation. But who created it? yeah…some person did, but who gave that person the knowledge? God did…there’s NOTHING on this earth that is not here without God.
Heather, you were so amazingly gracious. I’d have just ignored her, or ranted and raved. But you took the high road, the road to righteousness…and that can only be God in your life.
Dear Heather,
I praise God for your gracious and brave responses. Our vision tends to be so narrow in this life, focusing only on the mere +/- 70 years we have here on this earth. You clearly have your eyes fixed on eternity as you “press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Our citizenship is heaven. Amen! The Lord is using you mightily, Heather. May He richly bless you and your family.
I read but don’t comment that much and again you’ve been very gracious to this person and in your words.
I can’t fathom why anonymous even feels the need to comment especially if they are so secure in their beliefs. They need to rest in their security and let you rest in yours. You aren’t hurting them and they certainly aren’t hurting you. It’s really sad that anonymous can’t use their time for something better.
I also found it very interesting that they would not capitalize God but did capitalize Satan. How do you believe in one without the other? I would think they would both be fictitious based on their thinking. Just my two cents.
Heather, thank you again for showing us the true love of Christ as you have again and again!
That gave me goosebumps!!!
God is so good!!!
I’m so proud of you, my Sister in Christ.
I could say a thousand other things, but I’ll leave it at that.
You said the rest so well.
~Leah in Alaska~
Dear Heather,
I would just have to ignore such attacks by an anonymous person, who has no hope. God is our hope, the Word of God says. And it also says “Nothing is impossible with God.” You don’t need this type of harassment to add to your stress. God bless you and yours.
Love,
Cathy
your response to the email that was sent to you is filled with Godly knowlegde and was answered in a way that leaves the person who God loves with questions to ask himself and perhaps see that the God we serve is a loving God,but until we take a step into Gods direction we will not know Him the way believers do. and it is because Gods spirit lives in us otherwise I would not have had the determination to seek God and I needed HIM esperately in my life as no one else on earth could have helped me in my painful walk in life an I knew that. My “thorn” brought me into the kingdom and many times I think would I have searched for God had I not been afflicted with this illness, I don’t think so. I am now seeking God to show me what I must do so others through me can be saved.
Praying for you every day Heather.
God Bless You and Your Family Heather!!!
Praying for Annonymous!!!
God is good. He’s in my life, your life and anon’s life, whether they choose to embrace it or not. I understand what they are saying and I still think that God will be good to this person in the end. That’s the power of our lord… the one you and I both trust and love.
I pray for you often but it will be my prayer tonight that anon see’s how great God truthfully is and can be. I lost my Grandfather to cancer and I believe he is healed… in heaven because that was the best cure for him. Not because of a lack of medical knowledge and intervention. But, it was God’s will that he return home.
Just as I will return to my maker one day, so will you and everyone here on this earth. I pray that I live eternity in heaven and anon be judged fairly by Christ and be ok with the decision that is made for “his” eternal being.
Bless you Heather. You have dealt with this situation so righteously. I just pray that anon can see it your way… which is the way of the Lord.
Wow! I just stumbled upon your blog and was blown away by your amazing spirit! You are a wonderful woman of God and he has blessed you in so many ways. You are reaching out to people when so many of us would be in a fetal position rocking back and forth in a corner! I have been blessed by reading your blog as I know so many others have. How I wish you lived close so we could talk over coffee! I only pray that someday I can be as strong as you..you are a true inspiration to Believers and non Believers!
Blessings to you Heather and your family!
Andrea Fuchs, Farmersville, IL
Heather, you are: Beautiful, blessed, graceful, amazing, compassionate, tolerant, loving, caring, a minster of God’s word, forgiving, awesome, and, as I have said before, AMAZING.
You handled the anonymous email with such wonderful compassion and grace.
And I agree with you whole heartedly. Thank you for lighting your candle. And for illustrating so beautifully how I might light mine.
Father forgive them for they know not what they do….. is the thought that comes to mind, and while this was Jesus speaking to His father while on the cross… I think it applies here as well.
Heather- follow Jesus, never waver, you are right. I figure …well …if I am wrong, I would rather follow Jesus HIS way then carve my own path and not believe, I have nothing to lose but being a sold out on fire born again believer… but if I turn from Him and my day comes, which it will, (as you are aware none of us get out of this alive;o) then when I get to the judgement seat of Christ, I dont want Him to say its as if I never knew you.
Anonymous, I will be praying for you. to come here and attack (no you dont have to agree with her) outwardly here is undeserving and selfish of you. God will forgive you, but FIRST you must trust Him as your Saviour for Him to do that. You must believe like a little child, humble yourself, ask Jesus to come into your heart and life and repent.
What Heather has done here for so many of us has become a ministry. My trials are nothing like hers, and yet through her faith, and her love for Jesus Christ, I can see how God is using here at this time, yes even through her illness to draw others close to Jesus.
There is a story(true or not worth telling), about a man who was a fisherman. He took his only son out with a friend on the boat during the summer. A great storm came upon them, and the son and his friend both went overboard. Having only one life preserver he had to make a choice. he threw it out to the friend first. Do you know why?
The friend had never trusted Christ as his savior.
His son knew the SON, the saviour of the world, and the dad knew that the next time his son opened His eyes it would be because he was standing face to face with Jesus.
The friend of the boy trusted Christ right there on the boat with the father, even seeing his loss and grief. He asked him but why did you save me?
The father told him that God had sacrificed his only son for all of the world, and he knew his son would be in heaven, but he would have spent eternity in hell….
this blog, let it be for the one who might be on the edge of trusting Christ, and pray for those that come here that do not believe!
Lord I ask you to protect and encourage Heather. I thank you for her willingness to share and to rise above the attacks of the unbelievers. Let her light so shine before me so that she will reflect her Father in Heaven. Thank you for those that are praying for her. Thank you for her children, that she and her husband are raising them to be young men and women of God. For all that you do, in her, through her and with her, thank you. in Jesus’name
Amen
LOVE YA GIRL!!!!!!
Heather,
I just love you ~ I want you to know that. I appreciate that you took the time to respond to that letter with care and compassion. You could have just as easily responded in anger at the writers attack of your beliefs. Maybe in some small way, you have shown her the love of Christ and He will use that to open her heart’s door to Him.
What scared me is that I see myself in some of her cynicism. “Life” hasn’t been kind as of late and I have allowed it to harden me and to become bitter. I *see* it but I feel helpless to fix it. Would you please pray for me? Me..needing your prayer when you should be asking for mine. How selfish of me but I truly need it right now. I am useless to anyone as I am right now.
You are a beautiful woman, both inside and out but the beauty of your heart shines through in every post. Have a blessed day!
Love your heart….
Wow, what a great response. Thank you so much for sharing it. :)
JoAnn
Praying for “anonymous”. Clearly this person is hurting and in need our savior. How scary it would be to be “terminal” as they put it and not know the Lord. I sincerely pray that God would wrap his arms around you and you would feel his love and security the way we do. Heather - thank you for always being willing to put yourself out.
Blessings
Michelle in Arkansas
Look at the way He is using you right now. To witness to His goodness and His everlasting love. It’s a perfect example of all things working together for good.
When my mom was ill my faith wavered plenty of times, but hers never did. She used to say “Look at all of the people I’ve been able to witness to! Doctors, nurses, physical therapists. This happened for a reason and He is using it for His good!” I hope someday to have a faith as strong and unshakable as hers. And yours.
Sending prayers up for “anonymous,” too. Rather than being a brutal attack against Heather, their comments may be a cry for help…I can’t imagine being terminally ill AND a non-believer. Please pray for this person, because it is clear that he/she needs our prayers.
Sincere blessings,
Stacy
What a beautiful response to that disillusioned and hurting person. How lonely and frightening it would be to have some terminal illness and no faith or hope in the Lord. I kept wondering why anyone would write such a letter–but then, there was the answer–a terminal illness and no faith or hope. But that is the wonder of you, you responded with strength, compassion, and in the light of your strong faith in a loving God, you shared it in a really beautiful way.
There are so many people who need faith and we never know the ways in which we can touch people.
God bless you and keep you. May God reach down and touch this seeker in a way which leaves no doubt.
Kay
Wow! Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
If “jumping through all kinds of hoops” includes having faith, hope and the knowledge that we will win (because we already know the end of the story), then count me in!
I praise God for you, Heather. It’s awesome that your testimony is reaching so many people who need to hear it. Thank you for your transparency and your solid knowledge and application of the Gospel in your life.
All praise be to the God and Father of our LORD, Jesus Christ!
In Him,
Sharon
a wonderful read for those of us who believe and just need a refresher.
great post Heather.
Preach it sister!
Again you have proven yourself a faithful follower of Christ! And you have testified to His love and His name without abandon. Bravo!
I pray for this person who has written you. But I believe they would not have written unless they desired their own doubt be challenged. And I believe that the second response is fear of your good answer.
Because really the truth hurts somehow. We must all suffer and die to rise and live.
That is a counter-cultural message. It is so challenging. There is no escape.
There is NO escape from the love of God!
And thank Jesus, thank Jesus for all of it!
Be at peace Heather!
The thing is, I am not hopeless and hurting. I am content. I am at peace. And I did not attack Heather. I voiced my opinion. And a lot of the responses proved even further my belief because of the nasty replies. That I am selfish and bound for hell. Ridiculous. I am none of these things and I feel sorry for people that need to live so fearful of this god who is going to cast you into an eternity of fire if you don’t jum through his hoops. I wont come back, but the replies didn’t change my mind. IN fact, it reinforced my belief that christian are mean spirited people.
Wow. I’m stunned that you receive this type of email or commenting in response to your blog. You are such an encouragement to me and I found your response post to be loving, gracious, and thought provoking. Keep up the great attitude! You are an incredible witness for God.
i found your blog several weeks ago (i love it)and you know…i believe “annonymous” found it too and neither are by accident!
as i read your posts and the scriptures you share i just want to shout “amen sister” and this post was definitely that! i believe you could not have answered it any wiser…it was to a “t”!
God is good…i wish everyone could know that!
Praying for Anonymous.
As always, praying for you too. Your words continue to make a difference in so many lives. Your outlook continues to be a beacon to those who seek Him.
Bless you.
Heather - Thanks for puttin’ it out there! You are right where God wants you to be; revealing His Glory. AND - You will be healed Heather - God has assured this - there is NO DOUBT!!! You, your family, and even anonymous are in my prayers! Tracy
1 Corinthians 1:18-25
There is no way to reason with someone who doesn’t have faith in Jesus Christ. It is foolishness to them. But I really applaud you for trying.
Praying for you and for anonymous. Suffering is hard to wrap one’s mind around, particularly without the One True Source of Hope.
Heather, you are such a gracious host of your blog. I can ‘hear/see’ God is working in your life through the answers you have given anonymous. Once a Christian, but this person discovered God isn’t the same in the NT as He is in the OT? Apparently, he/she never came to know Christ as you or I have. When you fully give yourself over to God as your personal Saviour, there is no want to try and figure out if HE is real or not. You know and all you want to do is do everything in your power to bring him glory!
Anonymous said: “I feel sorry for you, though. You’re spending all your time praying for this miracle that will never happen without medical intervention.”
Anonymous needs our prayers if he/she feels sorry for you! Miracles do happen, and we should be expecting them all the time. IT is just a miracle that GOD lets us breathe our next breath! And, you could be healed in an instant. But, as someone said, God gave the Drs the ability to learn and to find ways of treating cancer to bring you into remission. Scripture says HE is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He never changes!
Heather, be encouraged by this email from anonymous. You have an open book of your dealing with your cancer and your daughter’s illness. And, this person has felt the need to unload on you about your belief in God - someone he/she ‘used to know’, but no longer believes in. My thoughts are this: God sent that person your way to be ministered to by you. Doesn’t matter that they are unloading on you at the moment. But you have been so gracious in your answers that they will have food for thought for a long time. You have be the instrument by which they find their way back to GOD!
Praying of you! May blessings come your way.
What I love is that “Anonymous” is clearly too ashamed to even use their name. They have a lot to say, but no guts to back it up. How sad. :???:
Jen
Heather–
As always, your post was gracious and full of truth. God bless.
I have a friend, a 34 year old girl from AU, with CF. She and I have had the same conversation, but she is much more angry, because she has suffered so much, I suppose. Not only has she struggled her entire life with her illness, but her own family has really let her down also.
If you think about it, pray for her- Tracy is her name. She has already had a double lung transplant six years ago. She isn’t doing well, and desperately needs Jesus. How awful to suffer with no hope, can you imagine?
Heather, your comments were good.
: )
Funny, I always thought the he in “though he slay me” was God, not satan.
Faith in the Bible is faith in God against
everything that contradicts Him - I will
remain true to God’s character whatever
He may do. “Though He slay me, yet will I
trust Him” - this is the most sublime utterance
of faith in the whole of the Bible.
–Oswald Chambers
What do you think? Does he have it wrong?
Heather. I gotta tell you your awesome and God is working through you here.
This blog is though provoking and if anything will encourage some to change their thinking.
I am a firm believer that that God provides good doctors with knowledge beyond what we can ever imagine. Or why would I be here almost eleven years later, three times with cancer and stage four. Thats God hands at work.
As always Heather your post is gracious, well thought out and full of truth. Because of my Faith in God. I have much Hope, Heather for both you, Emma and your whole family.
Continuing to Lift all of You in Prayer.
Kerry
Heather - I often check in on you and all I can say - as I was reading this - is this person truly needs prayer. I agree with you - not sure if anyone has been able to see the play “In the Beginning” Lancaster Pa. - Sight and Sound theatre. I sums up just what you said - Adam & Eve sinned - nuff said…
You are in my prayers daily (and your daughter) M.
Heather,
Prayers here for you and anon. He is blessing you daily and you are sharing His light.
Thank you.
Patty
Oh Heather, How my heart breaks for one to be so hurtful and lost and condemning. May the Lord Jesus have mercy on their souls for God does not take kindly to those that attack His kids. You are so gracious and your answers are so filled with God’s heart. May they penetrate the hardness of a heart set on hopelessness. Their loss must have been great to make them so bitter.
You honor Your heavenly Father and your earthly father as well with each word you write.
You are an excellent example of what it means to lean not on your own understanding.
because of Jesus, Bobbie
ya know sometimes God will allow us to encounter “heavenly sandpaper.” These are people who “rub” us the wrong way. I have had my share of these people in my life. One thing I have learned is to maintain my witness. The other is that I don’t have to defend myself. Jesus never once spoke during the hours leading to his crucifixion…well he spoke but not in defense of himself.Whomever this person is…obviously they are convicted or they would not have taken the time to refute each point you made. If nothing else look at the process as God showing you his dedication to ALL of us. Whether we call out HIS name or not, he is still there. Keep on Heather. God is awesome and he will prevail. He is on his THRONE.
Dear Heather,
I have been reading your blog for a few months now and I have been blessed over and over by your frank words and positive attitude.
I’m especially concerned about the reader who commented that they “used to be a Christian” and that God was causing all our suffering. What happened to that person to cause such anger and misplaced blame? They claimed inconsistencies but my bible studies over the last year have shown me how connected the Old and New Testaments are. Of course our relationship with God changed once Jesus came and paid the ultimate price. Thank God HE did!
I hope these comments don’t get you down. You are a blessing and I am learning from you.. Thank you for sharing your life with us and risking being open to critique.
With love to a sister in Christ,
Mindy
Heather: Very well said and very good answers! I have been reading, but haven’t commented for a while. I did notice one thing. Most of the people who disagree with you and attack you hide behind anonymous. I, too, was dx with cancer shortly after you were and you have helped me tremendously on this journey. And it is truly a journey. It changes you forever. And, to be honest, only one of my doctors is a non-believer. When I talk about God he just listens, but doesn’t comment. I know that God can and has used this blog to encourage and help others grow. Me being one of them. I, too, am praying for a miracle in my life that I will be healed here on earth. But, I know, ultimately, my “true” healing will be the day I meet Jesus at the pearly gates. Every born again believers healing truly is in Heaven and no place else. Know I am supporting you all the way and I Do pray for you daily even if you don’t hear from me.
Blessings,
Shari
and all God’s children said Amen.
You are amazing Heather! A phrase from Third Day’s song, Cry Out to Jesus kept coming to my mind while I was reading this post and the responses:
“There is hope for the helpless
Rest for the weary
Love for the broken heart
There is grace and forgiveness
Mercy and healing
He’ll meet you wherever you are
Cry out to Jesus, Cry out to Jesus”
Hi Heather, I don’t think I’ve posted here, but not sure. I read your blog all the time and have followed your story since you found out you had cancer. I gotta admit, sometimes I get angry at you for having so much faith and I don’t! :razz: But in the end you always give me some kind of inspiration to take with me. I pray for you. That may sound funny coming from me because I don’t even feel like I have authority to pray for someone else, but my life is finally getting on track again after 2 suicide attempts and a really bad 2007. (this makes me think I have posted here because some of your friends have made comments on my old blog before) But you know, you always stay strong and I admire you a lot.
Katie
I’ve read through a lot of the responses to anonymous’ comment. I have bit of a different perspective here. Don’t you all think that maybe God directed her/him to you to try to help discern God to that person. Whether it worked or not? Obviously, it didn’t since they posted another comment stating that fact. But, I believe God tries His best to get His message and He guides them to those who best serve His message.
Heather, you are a wonderful instrument of the Lord. Please know that God isn’t trying to “hurt” you with this email, but strengthen you with the knowledge that you could help lead a lost lamb to Him.
God Bless you!
I love your dads comment. He is right, all for the Glory of God. God bless you Heather on this Lords day. I hope it is a great one!!!
Heather–
All I can say is, “You go, girl!” What a perfect answer. It is so, so sad to imagine life without our awesome and holy God.
Wow Heather,
I take one day off from the computer and come back to find a whole lot going on. I loved your gracious response to the email, as always, by anonymous people. If what they say is true, and they “used” to be a christian, but have gone their own way in belief, I can totally understand their anger and frustration with a terminal illness, and turning their back on the only One who can help. Your answers are a blessing in turning that person around, but it is a choice isn’t it? I agree with your dad, that God is saying “That’s my girl”. I would rather have trials with Jesus, than no trials and being without Him. I love you girl, and thank you for sharing your heart with us. I love Emma too and know God is using her in my life.!
Love, Laurie in Ca.
You rock gracious Heather!
God Bless you for your sweet and tactful reply. May your reply be a seed planted.
Heather,
You handled that with a lot of grace. I’m awfully proud of you. I think I might have owed the cuss jar a few thousand dollars. :)
I don’t know a lot, you can ask most people who know me and they will agree. But, a couple of things I have come to accept are that usually people who try to stay anonn. are hiding out of embarrassment due to the results of their own choices. Secondly, jealously often breeds contempt. My daughter have placed herself in a position to be seen by all, so that Jesus can be known by more, period. She has never claimed to be anything other then weak, flawed, broken, and loved. I only ask that those who are attracted to this situation, weigh the words being expressed, and see the hearts they reveal, nothing more, nothing less. Pray as you are lead.
I am Heathers Dad, and I am amazed at how the Lord shines here!
Because of Grace
Greg
Dearest sister,
Thank you for sharing this post with us…
I just have 2 thoughts ~
First,
I Peter 3:15-16
“…you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But you must do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak evil against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.” NLT
Heather…you HAVE done this!!
Second,
Matthew 11:15
“He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
~Dear Anonymous,
May I encourage you to hear what Heather has shared with you and with us all…it was truly out of a heart of love. It’s your choice, up to you. That is the great thing about God…He gives us the choice to come to Him! I am sorry you feel that there are mean-spirited comments here. I am sure that was not anyone’s intent to be so. It is so hard to express emotion in the written word.
I do pray that you may you know the Truth and be set free!~
Heather, love you dear sister…keep on pressing you one moment at a time! I am AMENING with you all the ways!! :)
Love and hugs!
xoxox
~sorry, it was to “keep pressing on one moment at a time”!~
Bless you Heather….that you continue to share, encourage and show others the Truth with a gentle spirit.
donna
praise God for the conviction of the people who leave these comments. it’s unfortunate, though, that they wouldn’t understand your faith because they are non-believers. only believers can know and understand God. for the comment-ers, i only pray they continue to have convictions that would draw them to their knees and acknowledge the Most High God as sovereign over every and anything.
Heather , You did an excellent job defending your fait, stating the truth, being tender hearted and respectful. I’m sure you make God smile.
What if you’re wrong? What if there’s more? What if there’s hope you never dreamed of hoping for? What if you jump? Just close your eyes. What if the arms that catch you, catch you by surprise? What if he’s more than enough? What if it’s love?
-Nichole Nordeman
Beautiful post. I loved each and every one of your answers and I agree with them wholeheartedly.
You are an amazing and strong woman and I applaud your strength.
Well Said My dear sweet sister!!!! you know Heather I have mentioned that I have a life threatening illness chronic illness, and like you I know without the Lord in my life It would be so easy to give up and not have hope. Somethings in life will never been known to us, or even answers to the question why… until we get to heaven. Like Job said to his wife when she wanted him to curse God..he said.. “should we only praise him only through the good and not the bad??? The person who responded I see always suffers from a terminal illness, I know the Lord has put it on my heart to pray for him or her and why should responses like this even surprise you and I.. we don’t need to justify our faith and trust in the Lord.. I pray this person will make things right with the Lord before his or her life on earth ends.. Lord have mercy on their soul…. Joyful
Anon…
You said,
“Just so you know, I have a terminal illness myself (not cancer) and if I am wrong and your god is who you claim, then hopefully he is not a self-absorbed sadist and will forgive me for being wrong.”
He will. Just ask Him. He loves you very much and always has. We all sin and Christians are far from perfect. That is why we need Him so much. You are never asked to jump through hoops for Him. He simply asks that you love Him above everything else.
He sees your needs. Let Him help. Ask Him.
May God reveal Himself to this person. May they see Him in all His glory, for once we’ve done that, our questions and doubts seem of little importance.
I don’t think we live in any more fear of our heavenly father then we did of our earthly father when we were children. God has given us a choice as to whether we follow him or follow satin. We need to show a little more compassion to those who do not believe as we do in our Father. When others are hurting, disappointed, unhappy, or struggling, they strike out at those who (to them) seem to have it all. Now believe me, having cancer is not exactly what you plan for your life(at least I didn’t) and I’m sure that Heather didn’t either, however, it happened and we learned to deal with it. We could sit and feel sorry for ourselves, cry “why me Lord” what did I do to deserve this? But that isn’t the way we deal with it. I for one felt that rather then punishing me, there was something God wanted from me that kept me here on this earth. I don’t always understand why he spared me, but I am grateful and thank him daily for my continued life here on this earth. I still struggle with my faith, that is only human, but I know that he is there with me every step of the way.
We need to be thankful that there are those who are questioning our faith in God, it helps keep us on our toes and aware that there are others stuggling and need our daily prayers that they to find the contentment, faith and love that we have in our heavenly father.
And remember, God doesn’t give us anymore the we can deal with.
Thank you Heather for putting your faith in to words that anyone could understand, whether they want to or not. And yes, without our doctors and modern medicine, we probably wouldn’t be here today, however, God provides all that we need in our treatments and that is all we need.
May you all have a blessed week.
Hugs N Prayers,
Norma
Gracious and articulate, sister! Laurie
Appreciate your thoughts Heather. God’s Word will not return void.
Praying for you annonymous.
I have been a christian for over thirty years and came from a family of non believers. I was in torment concerning my mom and dad and prayed for them daily pleading with God to save them.
My mom is now in heaven she passed away 6 months ago. It was love that showed her the way. My mom did not love me in a way that showed me anything in life but God told me one day when I was going to the island to see her, “Marie, you are going to see your mom and dad to give love not to receive it” and that is what I did, I gave and forgave.
It is only when we show the love of Christ that we are affective.
I can understand in a way the comments, questions that this person is leaving, he is not saved and does not know the love of God,I pray he will see it on this website.
Again Heather you answered in a way that left this person open to come back and see what God can do in lives of people who love God even when walking in a path where we ask “why”?
We can show him that we are concerned about him as well. We most love them into the kingdom.
Praying for you Heather.
Praying for you and for annon. Fight the good fight and keep the faith.
Hey Heather,
I am about to go to bed so I can’t read all these comments tonight. Just wanted to thank you for taking the time to answer that persons comment. He/she is hurting for the truth or he/she would not have posted to your blog in the first place. And even though he/she won’t admit to understanding anything you said, you planted a seed. and that is all God wants us to do. He will do the conviction.
I love your post it is so inspirational to me. Thank you again and God bless you and yours.
AMEN!!!
What gracious answers you have given Heather, what gracious spirit you have shown. God bless you.
Liza
Heather, This post is PROOF that God is working in you to make you more like Christ. You go, girl!
God bless you, Heather. God bless you.
Okay, I would have had to stand back and take a very deep breath and still don’t know if I would have handled commentary on the e-mail as well as you had. However, I appreciate someone e-mailing to ask such questions. Why? Because you are able to clarify points about your faith and through that, perhaps more further demonstrate God’s love for you. My husband and I are of the camp that as Christians, our walk isn’t meant to be an easy one. We have several different reasons for thinking this, which I’ll skip right now (gotta go to work), but if life is a breezy walk in the park, what do you learn? We never wish for the bad stuff to happen, but with God’s grace, love and mercy, we work through it.
Thanks for posting this for all of us to read.
Probably the biggest disconnect that atheists and believers have is that atheists always start with the assumption that it’s all about *this* life. It’s sad, and I think it’s one of the reasons that you see so much cynicism, bitterness and restlessness in the atheist community — since they think that the meaning of life is to make everything happy and comfortable here on earth, they pursue that to the exclusion of everything else…and find that it never works.
Anyway, God bless you Heather, and keep up the good work.
Heather, I really don’t understand why people feel they need to write such unkind letters to you. however I can sense that they are hurting and I feel you did a wonderful job representing our Saviour in this matter. ((Hugs)) I pray they will see that God loves them too.
Heather, I have been reading your blog for over a year now, and like the 85 people before me, I feel compelled to post a coment which I hope you will read. The day after Christmas my 36 year old husband was diagnosed with cancer. The day after New Years, my dad who is not a smoker was diagnosed with lung cancer and is right now in the hospital fighting for his life as I write. My husband and I are believers, but the rest of my family aren’t. We find ourselves answering the same questions and giving an account for the hope that is in us just like you even though we live on the other side of the country. My answer has been similiar to yours, and I want to encourage you. By faith we know that this world is not our home! By faith we know that our God is good and He only does good! His good is that we would be holy like Christ, not that we would always be happy and free from any suffering. This world suffers because of sin and we also suffer along with it sometimes, but Jesus came into the world to show that He has power over sickness and suffering, and one day in heaven there won’t be anymore of it. We have this to hope for and look forward to, and by faith we believe. The sad part is that if God has not opened a non believers eyes, than this world is as good as it gets, and thats what can be so depressing for them. So I will continue to pray for you and the people in your life that ask questions, as well as the people in mine. There is hope, and faith comes by hearing, so continue to give your answers with love. Looking forward to meeting you one day(If not here, than in heaven) Lauren:)
I feel very sad for the person who can’t “get it”. Not angry, just sad.
Lovely post, as most of your’s are.
Well, well, well little Miss Heather, I’d say you’ve generated a lot of deep thoughts with your post. I haven’t read everyone’s comments. I did however, read all of Anonymous’. This included the final comment stating that they wouldn’t be back and that they were confirmed in their beliefs about a “self-serving god” and how mean we as Christians are.
Whether they would appreciate it or not, I found myself praying for them while I was in church yesterday. Although they would certainly not agree, satan has them blinded to the truth. It’s not a conscious decision on Anonymous’ part,it just is what it is, because of the fallen world we live in.
I don’t personally know you Heather but I hope you wouldn’t take Anonymous’ decision to not return or their beliefs and opinions of Christians, to heart. You have done what God has called us to do. Spread the Gospel Message of Christ and his sarificial love and the goodness and mercy of God. As our Pastor says,
“Since we don’t get to take the credit when someone comes to Christ we don’t have to take the blame when they don’t!”
My heart truly aches for Anonymous and the way that they have been deceived by the prince of this world. (Those in bondage seldom see it the way those of us who have been liberated from the same bondage, do!)
Like I said before, Thank you for being a vessal that God can use and shine through!
Connie
Heather,
I read your blog and pray for you and your family, friends and all loved ones everyday. I have probably commented once (when some time had elapsed without hearing from you) but I must comment today…After reading this yesterday (Sunday) it has been bugging me that someone would take the time to ‘attack’ you…but after reading your response over and over, a peace that surpasses all understanding is with me and I just prayer that someday soon, your Anonymous commentator will too experience this peace which surpasses all (his/her) understanding. I will add him/her and all others who battle with the feelings expressed to my prayers. I am not sure how hard or easy it was for you to (1) read that comment and (2) respond so graciously bu I want to personally thank you for demonstrating such a gracious and ‘Christ-like’ response…Stay strong….God will continue to bless you.
Have a blessed day! Thank you again!
WOW!! that was well said!! and just what i needed right now when i was questioning God and prayer!! thank you. I am amazed at how strong your love and faith is in God!
if you don’t mind, i am going to link this post on my blog if that is ok?
God Bless!!
Annonymous,
You boldly speak out against a “god” who is hurtful and unmerciful, one who is smiteful. I am thrilled that such a “god” is not the God that we serve. The Alpha and Omega. The merciful and loving God who is not a dictator or puppet master, but One who is compassionate, patient, and sufficient. You also speak of Heather as if she is a pathetic, wimpering, begging woman who is clawing after an entity who eludes her. I am here to attest that she is far from any of those things.
Years ago, our Savior died on a tree for our salvation. Not for our healing, our new car, new job, better husband, nicer in-laws…whatever it is we pray for. He died on a tree for our salvation. The covering for our sins. He was not “rescued” from the tree. His death there had a purpose. I thank God for that purpose every day.
I disagree with you entirely, on every point that you raise about both our God, and Heather.
But I have to ask you this: What kind of person would say the things you have said and actively maneuver to attempt to destroy any faith that is good and harmless to everyone. Why would you so blatantly make an effort to shoot down the faith of someone that has done nothing to you?
I feel sad for you. I really, truly, honestly do. But I would never come to your home and trash your beliefs, faith, hope, dreams, or strength. Not even if you left your door wide open with a flashing invitation to do so.
The awesome thing about this type of argument, which is age old and will continue for generations to come, is that God does not have to prove Himself to me. He already has. On that tree. He does not have to give me gifts of healing or fortune or anything on demand to prove His love, His existence, His faithfulness. He did that already. On that tree.
And even for those who are mocking, casting stones, or trying to whittle away at that mustard seed, He did all that was necessary. On that tree.
When I get frustrated by atheism, I just remember that someday every knee will bow, every tongue will confess…
Great job, Heather. May God richly bless you.
Heather, your heart is so beautiful. It is quite evident that you understand what was meant by “have a ready answer when asked.”
Anon: You said in your last comment, “And a lot of the responses proved even further my belief because of the nasty replies.” I’ve read them all and I see no mean-spirited replies. I see prayers, petitions, and yes, some amazements over your attacking Heather. (I know you said it was your opinion, but it was still an attack on her belief, her God and her family.)
In all seriousness and not meaning this question sarcastically, why is it that if you disagree with Heather it’s an opinion, but if others disagree with you, it’s now an attack on you? No one has condemned you to hell. No one has called you dumb or selfish. They are just voicing their opinions as well. I’m just slightly confused at that thinking.
Heather, I am amazed at the wonderful way you answered that email. I know it must have been the Lord speaking through you. That was just awesome…so well thought-out and lovingly stated. I love your conviction.
And…as the wife of a Christian doctor, let me just tell your friend that they could not be more wrong. Many, many doctors are christians. My husband has often said that it is beyond him how anyone could see the intricacies of the human body and not believe in God.
I didn’t read all of the 90+ comments, but I wanted to say something about the “this is Heather’s blog” thing.
This IS Heather’s blog. And, unless I’ve missed something MAJOR along the way, Heather’s life is about serving God and sharing His love for her with others.
I don’t understand how anyone would think someone asking genuine questions that give Heather (or any believer) an opportunity to share their faith is something to “just delete” or “ignore”.
Just because Heather has cancer doesn’t and shouldn’t make her any less a child of God, willing and able to share His love with others. I’m absolutely grieved that anyone could possibly see anonomous’ questions on “heathers blog” as out of place at all…
TO ANNON:
I don’t know if you’re still reading comments, but I wanted to say this:
If God was real, He would be big enough for your questions. Asking these things, although some who claim Christ may disagree, isn’t wrong. Did you read Heather’s other post (the one about Becki?)
I’m so sorry for the reaction you received here. It struck me as harsh. Please know that not everyone who calls themselves Christian condemn those who earnestly seek answers. Keep seeking. Keep asking questions.
If God really is real, He won’t keep Himself hidden from you.
Heather -
the bold print shows what life is like without our Jesus - angry and empty….
your words are so calm and so sweet and so loving even though you were basically being attacked.
YOU have show Christ’s love by your reaction. BLessings to you!
I have been slowly working my way thru your archives from the past to the present, but for some reason I was moved to read this recent blog and I can’t tell you what it has meant to me! About a month or two ago it could have been ME who was writing exactly what Anonymous had written. Those were the questions I was asking myself and beating myself up over! But slowly and surely I have been absorbing what you write and trying to come to terms with a God I thought had abandoned me, when, in fact, it was ME that had abandoned HIM! I know it will be a slow road back to understanding, but I am trying and hope that He will be patient with me and my struggles. I was brought to your blog for a reason and, after reading what you wrote back in September of 2007, where you question whether anyone is getting anything out of what you write, I can attest that I HAVE gotten so much from you and your words. Thank you! You have enabled me to take my first few, tentative steps, back into a church. A place I never thought I would be seen again! Please keep inspiring us!
Wow, I can’t believe that someone would send you an email like that. Although I’ve never been through the battle that you’re fighting, i’ve been through challenges of my own in life. And my faith in God has gotten me through. I read this email that you received and the one thing that struck me is that it must be hopeless to not believe in God… to not believe that there is something better after this life ends. I’m glad that you know the TRUTH.
I’m praying for your family.
Well worded!
kate