What Matters Most

 Good morning!

I know many of you have been waiting on an update after Louie's appointment with the Tumor Board on Thursday, thank you for being so kind and patient. After talking with Marianne for a couple of hours yesterday, I have been processing the information, praying, and seeking wisdom before sharing with you all. 

The appointment was hard. Louie and Marianne didn't receive the results they were hoping and praying for. They were sad and overwhelmed and it was a long and difficult day. 

The doctor let them know that the best option is for Louie to undergo surgery and that the results of the surgery don't come with any guarantees. There is a possibility that Louie will need to have his entire tongue removed, but a chance that they can salvage a portion, they won't know until they are in surgery. They will also need to perform a bilateral neck dissection to remove the cancer in the nodes. Louie will need to have extensive speech and swallowing therapy post surgery, along with possible radiation. He will also be required to have a trach as well as a feeding tube, which prayerfully will only be temporary. 

I can't even begin to imagine being in Louie's position, having to make this kind of decision in such a short amount of time. I spent yesterday praying that God would give Louie wisdom and an incredible peace as he worked through all of the information and sought the Lord. This shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone that knows Louie, he has decided to step out in complete blind faith and trust that God is absolutely in control. He has decided to trust the doctor (who is a Christ follower that prays for his patients, thank you Jesus for this glimpse of your love) and have the surgery. 

The surgery is scheduled for November 18th, so there isn't a lot of time to truly process all of this.  By going through with the surgery, Louie and Marianne are believing that God is going to use the medical team and the surgery to bring about His perfect plan. They are choosing not to lean on their own understanding. Not to be overwhelmed by their emotions. They are choosing to trust in their Jesus, the one who never changes and never fails. God has already shown up and blessed Louie and Marianne in a huge way, they receieved news that the actual cost of the surgery will be 100 percent covered! Believing this is the first of many miracles we will see!

Louie and Marianne have a faith that is special and deep. They are not just Christians, they are disciples of Jesus Christ. Their hearts overflow with love and care for others, it is so easy to see by the way they live each and every day. As I have talked with them and they have shared, one thing is so obvious. Above all else, they desire for their friends and family to know Christ they way they do. To have the kind of beautiful and intimate relationship they have experienced in the blessings and battles that they have faced in life. That their loved ones would not be swayed or changed by the things of this world, but seek God and His will above all else. That they would set aside the hurt or disappointment they have experienced and choose to forgive. That they would ask Jesus to lift the weight they have been carrying for far too long. To truly live in the freedom and JOY that a life lived with Christ offers. 

This doesn't guarantee an easy life. There will still be both blessings and battles. Anyone can enjoy the blessings, that is an easy thing to do. The hard part is enduring the battles! In order to do this we have to go to the Father with open hearts and hands. The Holy Spirit will give us the power we need to keep on going even when we are tired and overwhelmed. We have to walk in our anointing. God has called each of us to make an impact for His glory and we have to keep walking it out, even when it is hard. Keep raising your family with love and grace. Keep showing up to work and shining the light of Christ into a dark and lost world. Keep doing what God has called you to do! Don't allow your heart to be hardened, but be moved with compassion. Sometimes it is hard to set aside our own struggles, our pride, and our self focus to see those around us. 

It is incredible to me that Louie is facing one of the most difficult battles he will ever face, and his focus is on what matters most, other people. On ensuring that every person he loves finds Jesus so that they can live in eternity. On sharing the power of prayer and forgiveness and the beautiful and peace-filled life that can be yours when you walk with Jesus.

Can you take a moment and really let that sink in? 

We would ask that you join us in praying for very specific things over the next couple of weeks:

-Pray that God would bring healing to Louie's tongue! That the cancer would not spread, that it would decrease and die in the name of Jesus! Pray that God would allow the surgeon to salvage as much as possible, allowing Louie the ability to speak and eat!

-Pray for favor and good news at the baseline swallow test, pre-surgical procedures and appointments, and dental exam.

-Pray that the outcome of the surgery would be the absolute best case scenario. That God would perform miracles and healing that would be so impossible, people would know God intervened!

-Pray and ask God if there is anything in your life and heart that He is asking you to release. Ask Him to bring restoration to any broken or hurting relationships. Ask Him to reveal His perfect love and plan to you and that He would help you to trust Him! Ask Him to bring joy and peace into your home and your heart. Ask Him to put people in your life that would encourage you in your faith walk. He is faithful and hears your prayers! 

If you would like to help ease the financial burden, please donate here: https://gofund.me/9ac6edbb

If you would prefer to send a check, please email me at saranoel88@gmail.com and I will get you Louie and Marianne's address. 

Love you all,

Sara