Questions

It seems like I've had a lot more questions about what it means to follow Jesus lately. I think there are many who would say that you shouldn't have questions about certain doctrines and traditions that have been around a while. After all, I sign a piece of paper every year stating that I agree to 16 fundamental truths and that I have done my best to preach them. To some, there is an end to believing and once you get there, there should be no more questions.

For example, I learned that the origin of the word virgin in Matthew actually comes from the book of Isaiah. In the Hebrew language at that time, the word virgin could mean several things. In the first century, being "born of a virgin" also referred to a child whose mother became pregnant the first time she had intercourse.

You see what I mean? These questions aren't "show stoppers" to my faith. They are just questions that help me morph into a more devoted follower of Christ.

A Good Sign

I'm excited about Chi Alpha tonight. It will be led by students. The worship, the teaching, everything. The only part that won't be is communion - I'll do that. We have some really great students in Chi Alpha that have amazing potential. I'm honored to be a part of their development.

It got me thinking once again about what my purpose is a campus pastor - "to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" (Eph. 4:12-13).

I think many leaders want to do it all themseleves. That don't trust their people to do ministry. I used to be like this. I wanted it done right and to make sure it was done right, I had to do it. That's not what students need from me.

John Maxwell helped me understand that students need me to be at my B.E.S.T. They need me to...
Believe in them
Encourage them
Share with them
Trust them

A little nurturing goes a long way.

What it Feels Like to Have Cancer

I have cancer. Melanoma. Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. It begins in skin cells called melanocytes.

Melanocytes are the cells that make melanin, which gives skin its color. Melanin also protects the deeper layers of the skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

When people spend time in the sunlight, the melanocytes make more melanin and cause the skin to tan. This also happens when skin is exposed to other forms of ultraviolet light (such as in a tanning booth). If the skin receives too much ultraviolet light, the melanocytes may begin to grow abnormally and become cancerous. This condition is called melanoma.

The spot on my leg is melanoma "in situ." In situ is malignant melanoma cells found only in the outer layer of skin cells (epidermis) and have not invaded to deeper layers.

So, I go on March 27 to get it cut out.

I'm not sure how I feel about it all. I'm not worried. I am thankful that it's not more than in situ. My paradigm has once again shifted. My life is not my own.