Shawn, Jurgen, and Annie
Have you ever been in a situation where you needed to keep a good number of family and friends updated about an important event, such as a health issue, but were struggling with the time and logistics of doing so effectively and without the associated time required? Well, we were facing that same dilemma and sought a solution that would allow us to inform everyone who cared to get updates. This is how this site came into existence.
It has grown far beyond the initial attempt to keep everyone in the loop. It has become a place of encouragement, not only for us, but also for others who are reading about Shawn’s health journey of breast cancer and how God in His faithful ways has been guiding us all along.
In October/November of 2009 Shawn was diagnosed with type I breast cancer. The word “cancer” can strike fear in anyone’s heart and hearing the initial report leaves you somewhat confused and wondering what the future holds. Questions like “How far has it progressed?” and others have a tendency to paralyze you. Then there are stages of various emotions that wash over you, such as anger, mourning, insecurity, and so much more that are typically not part of your everyday life.
What ensued is an amazing journey of trusting in God’s perfect love, a journey that is far from complete, yet filled with encouragement along the way. God has amazing methods of granting us the peace and security we need in order to make it through life’s tragedies. Shawn’s journey is a great example of His provisions and providence.
If you would like to rewind and start from the beginning, Shawn wrote an initial blog post that should get you up to speed. We will at times post a current status update so you can jump in at any point without loosing out on too many of the details.
Most of all, we pray that you are encouraged reading through Shawn’s journey, especially if you have been affected by tragedy, whether it be the same (breast cancer) or of a different kind. The peace and comfort we speak of comes from a deep rooted relationship with a loving God. If you are not sure whether you have such a relationship, we want to tell you that you are missing out on one of the greatest blessings we can experience during our lifetime. Not only will this relationship infuse contentment into your every day, but it will become the lifeline you so very much long for especially when you encounter hardships such as what Shawn is experiencing.
“Carried By Grace” is not only the title of this blog, but a real experience of God’s grace that supplies daily what we need to endure and carry on. May it be your experience as well!
Blessings,
Jurgen, Shawn, and Arianna (Annie)
