In July of 2008, Doreen—my friend, life partner and wife of 31 years—was diagnosed with stage-four lung canser (the misspelling is intentional; she believes the disease doesn’t deserve to be spelled correctly). The oncologist told her to get her affairs in order and not to count on being able to sing the following December. For the last two years (nearly), our family, including the extended family we have at First Lutheran and all over the world, has been praying for healing. It takes faith that God is in charge, and through his only begotten Son, our brother, Jesus the Christ, we are saved and healed. All of us, saved and healed.

The faith we have that a researcher, scientist, doctor or lay person will find the cure for this malady is worldly faith. Strong and founded as it is in statistical proof, it is faith that Jesus heals, faith that Jesus guides, faith that Jesus is by our side every minute of every day that helps strengthen the hesitant heart, makes strong the legs that run from fear and adversity and refreshes the mind broken from worry of death. He is there beside me, beside you, beside us. He is standing for us sinners because we can’t stand alone.

Here is a prayer offering that will become a song.
Peace be with you—Peace be with you, He says.
Peace be with you—Peace be with you, He says.
When troubles fill my life,
He is there, He is there.
When all is good and everything is right,
He is there, He is there.
In the chaos of war and noises in the night,
He is there, He is there.
In a baby’s cry and joyful pain of birthing life,
He is there, He is there.
In the dark, when the day has gotten long,
He is there, He is there.
When I’m lost and not feeling oh so strong,
He is there, He is there.
When memories recalled are what I have done wrong,
He is there, He is there.
When absolution comes and in repentance I find my song.
He is there, He is there.
Peace be with you—Peace be with you, He says.
Peace be with you—Peace be with you, He says.
Terry Pospisil