Prom Queen & Graduate
Jenna’s high school went above and beyond on her behalf. They presented an honorary diploma, class ring, cap, and gown. After getting home Jenna was so appreciative and excited. Every person that visited got to see Jenna because she wanted to show them her new ring. Then Jenna received honorary prom queen from her high school and her classmates. Amazing how God is working through people in this town.
Jenna has never felt like people should care so much for her and she has continued let this shine through. As we leaned down to give her a kiss we could see the tears welling up in her eyes. The love she was shown is so humbling. Saturday Fox News in New York contacted us about an interview to feature Jenna and her high school. http://www.foxnews.com/health/2018/03/31/teen-battling-cancer-crowned-honorary-prom-queen-by-south-carolina-high-school.html
as well as Radio.com https://www.radio.com/search/node/jenna%20Bodiford
Jenna Bodiford-What Is God Doing?
Jenna doesn’t talk about anything as if she deserves something it’s just the opposite she says ” why do people care” not understanding how God is using this situation. Failing to see what God is doing through her and that is for the best. Knowing what God is doing would make us try to take credit for things we didn’t have anything to do with. Living this journey is always surprising when you live minute by minute trusting Christ.
Jenna’s body and soul seem to have never been fettered with worldly chains as ours were years earlier. Jenna never dug in and desired that which was of the world even though she was born a sinner as everyone else. She somehow has been protected from falling deeper.
But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to [fulfil] the lusts [thereof]. Romans 13:14
Saved at 9 years old she desired the better things in life. Family, serving quietly in the background (like her mother), singing for the Lord, loving others and avoiding drama. It comforts us that she has been set aside for a moment like this and in obedience is touching lives. In our discussion the other day she made known her desire to have an altar call at her funeral. It amazes me a 14 year old understands the gravity of eternity and the importance of making Christ center stage at her funeral. She somehow knows it is about Him and not her although we am not sure how this works.
Jenna brought up the idea of God healing her and what that would mean. I said you will have the largest platform ever to spread the gospel her reply was “if not you have the largest platform”. At that point she left me speechless. How do you answer that call from her or what are the words you say back?
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; Colossians 3:12
Much Is Required
Luke 12:48 “ to whom much is given much is required”
This thought has permeated my mind for quite a few days in relation to our situation with Jenna. At first sight most would think about monetary items such as cars, houses, etc. but this is not speaking of the monetary. Like the rest of the Bible it speaks of spiritual matters. The heart, the actions, the love we are to show, when you read commentaries about this verse each one speaks to knowledge of God’s direction and living it out. God allows us to travel through trials gaining experience and wisdom. Experience adds to our study and this is what we are to live out together. Exalting our savior for all to see. It seems counterintuitive but so is everything else about God in relation to this world. His ways are higher:
8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9
The trials God allows in our life are to draw us closer to Him. In so doing they draw us closer to the glory He holds on our behalf. Traversing this trial allows us to see good in people and the true loving faithfulness of God. We serve a God that feels our hurt and pain. Our walk with God should be growing exponentially through all of this so the key verse “much is required”.
Eternity In Christ
Cancer seems to be the focus but is only a side note to what eternity in Christ sees this journey as being. As a family we are hurting, but as Christians, we are full of hope. One day Jenna will get to Heaven and our prayer is people run up to her (not sure if this is what Heaven is like but bear with me) and say because of the faith you displayed in your times of hurt, I saw who God truly is, and now will spend an eternity loving God.
For Becky and I this trial will require much namely Jenna (our little meme). But in this requirement how many will see glory? God gave His Son willingly not by cancer but by love. This thought gives me comfort that He understands very well where I am. He feels our pain and looks on us with tears in His eyes. As I heard someone else say “God allows what He hates to redeem what He loves”. How much will God accomplish through this I am not sure. My desire is more than my flesh can imagine and that He will continue to sustain us. We want to thank everyone that has been praying and caring for our family and allowing God to use you for our comfort. Continue to pray God gets glory and He is magnified and discussed in homes more than ever. Because eternity is nearby for all of us.