-Joe Fornear
A freeing thought today for my friends and their caretakers who are fighting cancer: Go easy on yourself! 
The beatdown of treatments and cancer not only weakens the body, but also the spirit and soul. During an incredibly intense battle, our physical immunities decrease over time, and so do our emotional and spiritual defenses. We may feel overwhelmed by fears, depression, and self-pity, forming a gray cloud which seems to follow us around.
Yet do not fear or be frustrated with your inability to cope, this is where the Lord is holding on to you! He taught me this truth during my Stage IV cancer battle when they gave me just days to live in 2003. He has a strong hold on us! This is why we named our ministry, Stronghold Ministry.
Remember what He tells us through David in Psalm 23:6:
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life!
Think above and beyond that gray cloud for a moment. Hovering far above are two huge billowing clouds of pure love – His Goodness and His Mercy. Just as His Presence followed the Israelites in the wilderness in the form of a cloud, these clouds are His Presence with and for us! He follows us to watch over and bless us. So let Him carry you – float you. This is truly a difficult battle, so don’t be hard on yourself, He’s not. Rest easy in His grip, my friends.
