His older brothers were off to war. He was stuck behind tending the sheep. And the women-folk. And his aging father. He tried to see the importance in his job, but longed for nothing more than to join his soldier brothers, to feel the heat of battle, to fight for his beliefs.
As the conflict raged on a distant battlefield, those at home began to hear the disheartening reports of trouble on the front lines, whispers of dismaying defeats, and even rumors of retreat.
The father could stand it no longer and sent his young son to carry supplies to his older brothers and bring back word from the front.
With eagerness the lad agreed and flew across the fields arriving only to find the rumors were all true. The enemy army had his countrymen cowering in fear.
The leader of this enemy band taunted them cruel... shredding their beliefs for all to hear, sparring jagged words of insult and abuse until their confidence and faith was shattered.
As this evil giant of a man grew brave with bullying power, he issued a challenge to all in the land.
“Why bother using your whole army?
Pick your best fighter and pit him against me.
If he gets the upper hand and kills me, we will all become your slaves.
But if I get the upper hand and kill him,
you’ll all become our slaves and serve us.
you’ll all become our slaves and serve us.
I challenge you this day.
Give me a man. Let us fight it out together!”
The young boy watched with distress as the mighty army of his ancestors began to back down in defeat. Not even one man stood up...
With a righteous indignation he rose to the challenge and offered himself.
His brothers pulled him back in angry frustration, "What do you think you're doing?" they hissed.
While other soldiers leaned in and dangled sweet promises of riches and bounty should he dare beat the monster in this life-or-death duel.
The boy shrugged off the besetting hands and stood only taller, "Let no man's heart fall because of this giant," his voice compelled the crowd, "Let me go out and fight for our cause."
When the King heard, he had the young lad brought before him. Seeing his youth and inexperience, the King tried to discourage him from such sure folly, but the lad was insistent and with a heavy heart the King had his armor brought to the boy to wear for what little protection it might offer.
The armor was bronzed metal, helmet and shield with belted sword...a soldier's heavy load, awkward and weighty for this tender shepherd boy. He was not used to the encumbrance and quickly set it aside, choosing instead his trusty sling and 5 smooth stones...
With the arm of conviction, and a passionate faith in Jehovah God, he lands the stone in the middle of Goliath's forehead.
In that moment, our young herder of sheep became the Slayer of Giants.
* * * * *
Stepping into the pancreatic cancer treatment arena can feel much like confronting our very own Goliath. A monster. A bully. A cruel giant who dares "Pick your best fighter and pit him against me."
Do we listen to the "brothers" hiss...What are you doing?
Or to the "soldiers" promise... a rich, healthy bounty, dare to dream?...
Perhaps it will be the advice of the "King"... heavy armor to shield you, will the weight hinder or help?
In the arena of Pancreatic Cancer treatments there is a dizzying array of choices:
Traditional * Holistic * Chemotherapy * Alternative
Radiation * Immunotherapy * Clinical Trials * Surgery
There is a right choice (or two) for you. And learning as much as you can about your options will give you the power and assurance to make your choice with confidence. Having a medical oncology team that guides you through these options is so vitally important. Please know that nothing on this blog replaces the advice of your healthcare team...nothing! We are sharing the things we have learned along the way on our journey...your journey is unique to you and the tests, treatments and advice should be tailored for your case alone.
In the coming weeks, please join me as we explore the pancreatic cancer treatment options that are currently available, even some that are just now in clinical trials (but oh, so promising!). We'll talk about what they are, their pros and cons and whenever possible hear from pancreatic cancer patients who have tried them.
Together we can learn to navigate this pancreatic cancer journey and face our very own Goliaths, with Grace, with Hope, with Confidence. For as David sang out to his Goliath so long ago...
You are challenging me with sword and spear,
But I come to you in the name of ADONAI-Tzva'ot,
the God of the armies of Isra'el.
Today ADONAI will hand you over to me,
For the Battle is the Lord's!
~I Samuel 17:45-47
It only takes one stone, thrown with conviction, to slay the Giant...
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