Liz Pemberton January 24th 2016

This has been a big couple of weeks for celebrity deaths.   Among others, we have noted and mourned the passing of David Bowie, Alan Rickman and Ken Judge.   All these three men, remarkable in their fields, battled and then ultimately died of cancer.    Had they not been sick, they all could have expected to live considerably longer and had more time with their loved ones.     Many of us have felt loss as we have remembered these three men and what they have contributed to music, acting and sport.A great many of us also have been deeply saddened by the death of little Matilda Proudlove last weekend at only 2 ½ years old, also from cancer.  Some of us may have been on our knees over this and been deeply affected by the whole experience.In the western world recent advances in cancer treatment have meant for so many that cancer is no longer a death sentence.  Although the treatment itself can be extremely grueling, many people make it through and enter remission.   Just recently a friend a couple of years younger than me was diagnosed with breast cancer but her doctors have told her they expect the treatment to be successful and for her to make a full recovery.   This is such good news for her and her loved ones.However, as we have been so recently reminded, others do not have such good news.  We know that people die every day but with the recent media coverage of these celebrity deaths and in thinking about Matilda, some of us may now feel a little anxious about our own mortality and potential health issues.    So we ask, Where is the good news in all of this messy medical business, in our and others ongoing health issues, both physical and mental, both big and small?Although we may not always feel it, one of the biggest bits of good news is that God is always with us, no matter what we are going through.  In His word He reminds us that He has chosen us and has promised to never leave us.Once she entered the last stages of her illness, Matilda’s Mum literally held her day and night until she died.  She wasn’t going to leave her alone, she wanted her to feel safe, secure and loved as long as she had breath.  Whether she was sitting on a chair or lying on the bed, Millie held her little girl.God holds us too.  He really does.Let us also hold each other in the times when we face scary medical issues and other things that threaten our health and wellbeing.  Let’s offer whatever form of companionship or physical reassurance may give support and let’s be God’s arms for each other.Presence is truly an extraordinary gift.Love and blessings,  Liz ISAIAH 41: 13I am the Lord your God.I am holding your hand, so don’t be afraid.