Serving Pediatric Cancer Moms with the Hope of the Gospel

When I came to the end of my sabbatical, I had to make some difficult decisions. Of all the things I had laid down, what was I going to pick up again?

It was a process. It took prayer, seeking the wisdom of others, and waiting patiently while I saw doors open and close before me. It also meant getting comfortable telling people “no”.

During my sabbatical conversations with my mentor I had shared many ideas with her. Ideas of things I’d love to do, and people I’d love to serve – namely other pediatric cancer moms.

The more I talked and shared the more I longed to have a group of other pediatric cancer moms who shared a similar vision and passion. Other moms who would bring a variety of gifts to the table.

In fact the vision I had was based off of Ephesians 2:6-10. It was of a group of moms sitting at a table in a cafeteria (think back to your high school days). Moms who had been assigned this table, not chosen it.

The table was labeled “pediatric cancer”.

When these moms had first sat down the chairs were hard, rusty, and wobbly. But then they realized that Jesus was at their table. The longer they sat there, the more they rested in the promises of Jesus. The more they rested in his promises, the more sturdy, shiny and comfortable the chairs became.

Over time, as the women’s children finished treatment, or passed away, many women stood up and left. They were free to do that.

But there was a small group of women who remained seated. They chose to stay because Jesus invited them to sit with him and welcome the next pediatric cancer mom who would walk through the door.

Those moms remember how painful the chairs were when they first arrived, and they didn’t want the next mom to have that same experience. Rather, they want a new mom to enter the room, and immediately see a group of smiling, tear-stained faces waving them over – calling out “we’ve saved you a seat! Come sit with us! Come sit with Jesus!”

That was the vision I had for a ministry for pediatric cancer moms.

It turns out that group of women I had envisioned – already existed. And Jesus led me to them at the end of my sabbatical.

It also turns out that the group of women is full of different gifts and passions and dreams and ideas for how to serve this population with the hope of the gospel.

And it turns out that they had been praying for a writer. Someone who would help them launch a devotional ministry. Gospel centered devotions written by pediatric cancer moms, for pediatric cancer moms.

Devotions written by scarred hands, and through tear filled eyes. Devotions from the hearts of moms who have met Jesus face to face in hospital rooms, and post-op bedsides. Moms who have nervously measured out medicine, and frantically taken temperatures. Moms who know what a port is. Moms who know how to catch vomit. Moms who know how to pretend they aren’t terrified while they lay their anesthetized child in the arms of a nurse.

Devotions written by moms who understand all the horrors of pediatric cancer… and who still proclaim the goodness of God. Who still hold fast to the wonder of God’s love. Who still believe with their whole hearts that God hears their prayers.

I am so honored to join this team of women. To write alongside them. To cheer them on in their ministry visions. To pray with them. And to collectively make room at the table. The table where Jesus is the host, and his grace is more than enough.

My role is Devotional Ministry Coordinator. I will be writing some, but more than that I’m excited to encourage other moms as they write devotions that point women to Jesus. So much healing happens as we write out our stories of God’s grace. And to be able to shepherd other women as they process and reflect and share is an honor and a privilege.

Your pediatric cancer parent friends can find us at “Christian Parents of Kids with Cancer” Facebook group. It is a private group that requires a short application for the protection of our members.

As the group develops, I will update you with where our resources can be found.

And I will still be in this space, serving you, and thankful for you. It’s because of you – my friends and family who read my words and encourage me to write, that I had the confidence to say “yes” to this new ministry. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

If you would like to pray for me and for this team – we would so appreciate your prayers. This is a holy work of extending the gospel to a very vulnerable and broken population. We will need prayers for our own stamina, strength, and courage. And prayers for the hearts of these moms to be overwhelmed by God’s love for them.

Thank you for reading, for sharing your hearts, and for encouraging me. May God always get the glory.