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It wasn’t the first time we dealt with cancer.  It had made its initial appearance when they did the pathological study of the lump that was removed.  The resulting treatments were judged to be so successful that a recurrence seemed to be slowly fading into the past.  Some years later when it was discovered that the remission had run its course, and the cancer had metastasized to the bone, the emotions we thought were buried and almost forgotten roared back with a vengeance.  Even though we still had some more years before her final call Home, our lives had forever changed.  Not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually we would never be the same.

Our first night after getting the news that cancer was again active was the worse night of our life, at least up until then.  How much longer would we have?  Perhaps we slept some that night, but if so it was only in brief moments.  At the same time, it was a night when “Lover, hold me tighter” was dominating our souls.  If only I could transfuse some of my health into her.  But, of course, it doesn’t happen that way.

Many years before, during our life in Argentina, we both had become fans of the musical group The 2nd Chapter of Acts.  Their musical style, as well as their very expressive lyrics, captured our imagination as to what music about our faith in Jesus could include.  By now, I have a recording of virtually all they released to the public.  Among the collection is “Night Light”.

As I was listening to it again today, my mind went back to that night of our weeping as Joyce and I were emotionally roiling with the news that the cancer again was active.  My mind also went back to the next morning, when on the deck of our home in Waconia, MN, I looked at Joyce as she sat down by my side.  Of course we were exhausted.  But, as I looked at her, I said, “You are not what you were last night.”  Her response captured the sentiment of the lyrics of “Night Light” as she said, “I may die of cancer, but cancer will not kill me.”  As tightly as we were holding each other during the night, she was being held even more tightly by Another.   The cold might get colder, the dark might get darker, and the night might get longer, but in Joyce’s soul, the night light was on!

Unabashedly, I admit that the lyrics and the music strike me deeply.  But it may be that someone is reading this, will listen to the music, and sense the presence of the One who does not forsake His own.  I hope all of us will be responsive to the presence of the light that the darkness cannot extinguish.  To listen to a good audio only version, click http://grooveshark.com/s/Night+Light/4E0BUd?src=5 [or to watch the 2nd Chapter of Acts present Night Light in an open air concert, go to youtube.com/watch?v=2XgcO_WoExc&list=PLD455DE75DF12217E ]

All along in my life
You’ve been there
Ever presently watching
Always in your care
And I just want to thank you for loving me so
And I just want to thank  you for never, never letting go
Through the storms at night you would shine your light until the break of day
Through the storms at night you would hold me tight, and
Never, never, never leave my side
You’re my night light
And never, never, never leave my side
You’re my night light

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