One of the lessons God has taught me already is the lesson of EMPATHY.  Several weeks ago one of the faithful members of our church, Paul Brewer, announced that he had prostate cancer and was going to have his prostate removed.  My response was merely, “Oh, we’ll be praying for you.”

When, about a month later, I first learned I also had prostate cancer, my emotions were deeply shaken.  This isn’t supposed to happen to a faithful minister of the gospel.  I thought I was immune to such health problems.  I’m too young!  My Urologist informed me of this over the telephone just before I went into a pre-marital counseling appointment.  Needless to say, it was difficult to concentrate, but I had to go on with my day, keeping this to myself until I could share it with my wife later.

Then I began researching and found out all the possible side affects of this surgery that might subdue my lifestyle from here on out.  God had to bring confidence to my soul, but I learned a valuable lesson about what Paul Brewer must have gone through.  And I promised God that I would have more empathy for men in the future when we get that news.  I could only have learned that by walking through the mess.  What are you learning by walking through a mess?

Tags: empathy, learning