Healing Through Faith

 
I would be remiss in the chronicling of this journey if I didn't include the importance of faith in the healing process.  It has been a central theme for me.

Many who have followed me through this process have surmised that I am a believer, and that is true.  I am a Christian, but as a journalist for the secular media, I am very careful not to allow my beliefs to color my coverage.  I go to great lengths to maintain impartiality on any subject that I cover (except for sports, where I unabashedly root for the home team).  It's been interesting covering my own cancer journey.  I've tried to keep a bit of a distance from it, for my own sanity's sake, but it's impossible to be impartial.

I pray every day for the health and safety of my family and friends.  Since my diagnosis, I have been praying daily for my own healing from cancer. 

Early in my cancer treatment, I was out to lunch with a friend, discussing my situation.  The busboy overheard our conversation and mentioned that his pastor was battling cancer.  He said he attended the City Church in Kirkland.  I grew up just down the street from that church, and have been there for services several times.  I was familiar with Pastor Wendell Smith, who had grown the City Church into one of the largest in the region.  I was not aware at the time that Pastor Wendell had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma.  But after learning that, I realized that he would be the perfect subject to discuss the subject of faith for someone diagnosed with cancer.  In fact, I learned that he's writing a book on the subject.       
   
In sitting down with Pastor Wendell and his family, I was stunned by their wisdom.  They had obviously done a lot of soul-searching and a lot of research on the topic.  They basically gave me a manual on how to deal with a life-threatening disease. 

Believe.  Pray.  Fight.  Gather Family and Friends close.  Demand answers.  Pray.  Use divine wisdom to make crucial medical decisions.  Be strong.  Keep believing.  Keep praying.  Keep fighting.
Posted by Bill Wixey at 9/10/2009 2:45 PM
Categories: Judah Smith, Wendell Smith, City Church, cancer
Tags: Judah Smith Wendell Smith City Church cancer
 

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  • 9/10/2009 3:51 PM Cynthia Becker wrote:
    Wise King Solomon wrote that a "calm heart is the life of the fleshly organism." He further said "all the days of the afflicted one are bad, but the one that is good at heart has a feast constantly (Proverbs 15:15) - a real contrast between negative thinking and its effects with positive thinking and its effects. It's a known fact in hospital settings with doctors that a person who has strong faith has a better chance of pulling through a serious illness or surgery. It's a statistical fact of life! Spirituality is very important in dealing with recovery from illness, and the Cancer Treatment Centers of America include this in treating people. No wonder they have a 98% success rate! Nutrition is also vital. There is much to be said about strong faith.
    Cynthia
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  • 9/10/2009 5:45 PM MRS. SHARON MORGAN wrote:
    Bill - thank you for sharing your religious beliefs, I did wonder if you were a Christian and am so happy to learn that you are. I cannot imagine those going through cancer treatments and not having God to lean on. I am an 11 1/2 year cancer survivor and the ONLY way I made it this far is because I put my entire trust in Him. God bless you as you walk forward! Our family is praying for you!
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  • 9/10/2009 6:49 PM Ashley wrote:
    Bill, I am so glad to hear that you have Christ to rely on! He provided me with strength and perseverance while I was battling Hodgkin Lymphoma. He gave me peace. I never experienced fear that I was going to die from cancer. I continue to firmly believe that God has cured me of all cancer for the rest of my life. I continue to read your updates and pray for you to be healed.
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  • 9/10/2009 7:13 PM Ellie Gates wrote:
    Bill,

    Love the way you have brought God in this conversation while still retaining your journalistic perspective.

    I was just thinking the other day how much I admire what God is doing through this in you. I think about and pray for you Catherine and the kids daily. While I would never wish this journey on you, I can't help but praising God for how He is using it to touch so many lives and how he is enriching yours.

    Big hugs from us here in Utah. We LOVE you all and miss you very much. May God restore like he did to Job, 7 fold all you have lost along the way.

    Great post! Fight on and know that your friends are praying for you too.
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  • 9/11/2009 8:46 AM Jen Guarino wrote:
    Bill - I am so happy to know that you have the mighty healer to rely on during your struggles. My your faith help you and your family through this time and use your willingness to be public with it bring others to have faith in our God. He is mighty!
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  • 9/23/2009 7:34 AM Joe wrote:
    Bill-

    I just wanted to drop you a line and let you know that my entire family and I are pulling for you. I recently had a lymphoma scare (chronically swollen lymph nodes), and you were definitely motivation to keep it in check. It will be great to see you back on the air regularly.

    I also wanted to let you know that you should never have to feel guilty for your beliefs. You are going through a life-changing event, and it's important for anyone going through that to have faith in something. I am not a Christian. In fact, I am very non-religious. However, I encourage all around me to cultivate their beliefs, especially in a time of crisis. I've never once thought your reporting was on a religious or political bias. I'm glad to hear that you are on the road to recovery.
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    1. 10/9/2009 5:11 PM Bill Wixey wrote:

      Hi Joe:

      It was an interesting conundrum for me tackling the issue of Faith and Healing. Numerous studies have shown that faith plays an important role in healing, but truly, faith encompasses more than just religious belief. Any belief in a higher power, or even a belief in total healing will go a long way toward making that come to fruition.

      Truly, I don't consider myself a "religious" person either. I have a belief in a higher power that I call God. Others refer to that belief in many other ways. I think Pastor Wendell put it pretty well. Having faith that you will be healed is the bottom line. 

      Bill


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  • 11/11/2009 7:55 AM Pearl wrote:
    Hi Bill,
    we just left Children Hospital a few days ago with my 7 years old (she has children arthritis )and I know what a joy to be at HOME! So Welcome Back at your desk and hope you will be staying there for a long time!!!And ofcorse with your Family and friends!!!
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