As I write this email, I once again want to share some of "what I know" and "what I don't know" with you concerning Laurie's health condition. After a biopsy on her lymph glands, x-rays, and other tests today, it is definitely cancer that is attacking her body. The doctors do not believe it started in the lymph system, but are not sure where it did start. The type that she has is extremely aggressive and is spreading throughout her body quickly. It is possible, although not definitive, that it may have started in the pancreas and spread from there to the lymph glands and liver. She also has some fluid on her lungs at this time, but this is not hindering her breathing. At any rate, this is obviously not the news the family would have desired to hear today, but is what several MD's expected based on her symptoms and previous testing in February. Thus, the decision to move Lauren and Adam Barnes' wedding from November to next Friday is certainly a very good decision since medically speaking Laurie may only have a few weeks to live.
Both Laurie & Greg understand what this means and that the end of her life may be nearer than desired or hoped. However, as strong believers in God's sovereign will and His power to heal, they are also still praying that God may glorified by performing a supernatural miracle in her life - "on this side of heaven". To that end, they are asking those who believe in such miracles to consider fasting and praying on Monday, April 30th. They shared both the facts of Laurie's situation and their spiritual position on this matter with me tonight which could be compared to a set of railroad tracks. On the one track is the possibility of a miracle and on the other is God calling her home. With this in mind, they are both ready to accept either one because God's will answer their prayers - they just don't know when or how.
So - with their encouragement I want to ask all of you to solicit your family, friends, colleagues, church members, and prayer warriors wherever they may be to lift up Laurie and her family in prayer on Monday. I also want to ask you to send cards to Laurie - because I know she would really enjoy receiving them. Recently many of you sent cards to my Mom, Ethel Farver for her 90th birthday on April 8th and I am thrilled to report that she received over 120 cards! These thoughtful written reminders from folks who cared about her seemed to energize her life immensely. I truly believe that sending cards (or notes) of encouragement would have a similar effect on Laurie. And, it would give the postman a good strength workout as well! The address is: Laurie McCauley, 221 Lansing Avenue , Lynchburg, VA 24503.
Just a little personal information about Laurie - she is 48 years old and a 1984 graduate of LU. Greg is 45 and he graduated from LU in 1985. Laurie was "Miss Liberty" back in the days when we still held that tradition and Greg was a standout basketball player during his time at Liberty. Laurie has been a "stay-at-home" mom and Greg owns Seniors Only Financial. They have five children: Lauren (21), Scott (19), Jordan (17), Francis (12), and Isabelle (10). The two youngest are home schooled, but that has been put on hold for the last several weeks.
I can tell you that life for Laurie, Greg, their family and close friends has been like a roller coaster ride this week with many steep ups & downs. One of the "ups" was a phone call Laurie received from Dodie Osteen, Joel Osteen's mother, who was miraculously healed of cancer in 1981. Laurie had read her book, "Healed of Cancer" in which she shares numerous scripture verses regarding healing. She sent Dodie an email weeks ago, but had not heard anything from her. She was quite surprised and blessed when Dodie's call came this evening. It was such an encouragement for Dodie to pray for complete healing just like hers with Laurie and Greg over the phone - it put big smiles on their faces. So, I want to encourage you to also pray for them - and allow God to put smiles on their hearts.
So, I close with this verse from Psalm 73:23-24: "Yet I am always with You; You hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel . . ."
In Christ's service,
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