Views from the valley of the shadow of cancer reveal the things that really matter most in life. What matters most in life is the gift of friendship and the relationships that develop over a lifetime. These are the gifts and treasures that should be held tight, nurtured and valued above all else in life. The Apostle Paul is an example of a man rich in relationship who has deep friendships. Philippians 2:19-21 says, “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon,that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20 I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.” Paul and Tim were tight, and Paul knew that Timothy had his back! What a gift loyal friends are who stand with us when times are tough. God gives us such profound wisdom in Proverbs 17:17 about the role of friendship in our lives saying, “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” As I have walked through the valley of the shadow of death, it is the love of friends that has sustained me. I have tangibly felt the love and presence of God in the hugs, calls, texts, and emails of friends.
I have been moved to tears more times than I can count by those who have reached out to me with words of encouragement and prayers of faith. My high school classmates from Madison Ridgeland Academy have touched my soul so deeply with their words of love and hope. It has been a long time since I have been in high school but so many have been so kind, so loving, so giving, so faith filled. I wasn’t the most popular person in high school, but the cool kids have blessed me more than they’ll ever know as I walk through this valley. Noel and Amy you will forever be special heart friends that I cherish. Billy Young I was so moved by your tangible expression of care and concern for me.
There are those who let me know almost daily that they are praying for me. Friends like Kirk Schiefelbein are a gift from the very hand of God. Men of God like Jackie Rome, Lane Grigsby and Wayne Austin are men that can be counted on! Petey and Bob you are men who stand with me and daily lighten my burden. Willie would never want to be singled out, but he is a man worthy of great honor who shows me Jesus in the way he loves and lives on a daily basis. Dennis you deserve a shout out because you have laid down your life in so many ways and shown me the love of Christ.
There is an inner circle of friends from Wellington, Florida that I have been blessed to do life together with for over 25 years. No matter the storm you have always been there for me. You fill my life with deep joy, love and laughter. You each are treasured gifts from God to me that I thank God for on a daily basis.
One of the highlights of my life was the bucket list dream of getting my doctorate. My life has been forever changed by the kindness and wisdom and scholarship of Dr. Scot McKnight. The friendships formed over the four years of studies with my doctoral cohort are so special to me. I truly love, admire and respect: Julie, Jeremy, Ivan, Dave, Pete, Dan, Josh, Jeff, Brandon and the Big “E”- Ernest.
If I have not mentioned you by name let me blame it on brain surgery and Glioblastoma. Please know that I have prayed for and thanked God for each person who has given financially to help me and my family during this season. I have wept with each gift knowing the love and sacrifice expressed. I honor and value all of you who are standing with me in the valley. To my Awakening family and church family, I love and miss you all. Britnie Bellamy thanks for holding the fort down and always taking things to next level greatness. Michael and Drenna Heiser it is one of the honors of my life to serve Jesus together with you.
More than any other person on planet earth, I am thankful for Baby Luv. She is my rock!! My kids affectionately known as Team Phelps are my reason for being and fighting. I am the proudest dad on planet earth and a blessed man to have you in my world. I’m so thankful for a dad who loves Jesus and is a man of the Word who lives by faith and prayer who constantly points me to Jesus. Big hugs and honor to all who read this blog. You matter to me more than you’ll ever know.