Health Update

My latest labs came in last night and once again, the most sensitive markers of Multiple Myeloma were absent. This represents 22 months of stringent remission, for which I am profoundly grateful. I am also grateful to those friends who are still here after this five year batte. I still deal with a plethora of side effects of my chemo program and the symptoms from kidney failure and other consequences of previously uncontrolled Multiple Myeloma, but with MM subdued new damage is averted. My friends with worst cancer than me are always on my mind. I pray for them all day long.

Ramblings Revisited

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had two more personal “confrontations” from people who attend the large church I’m affiliated with; however, these went something like this, “Mike, I miss your writing. Don’t let people stop you by their hateful words. You’re a good man, you just need a thicker skin.” Those words, unlike previous confrontations, were well received. God bless them.

Before I close this rambling, I want to make some points clear, in case I do start writing again. I do not have certainty in the things I write, that’s why I call them “ramblings.” It is me thinking out loud. My MO for wanting to write is not to shake my fist and scream “the sky is falling.” I don’t believe that and I have a lot of optimism about the future, including this post Christian future. I have never been motivated to criticize someone’s personal belief system or the institutions of Christianity. I deeply respect those who find solace within those institutions, while having sympathy for those who do not. I write for those disillusioned. I am standing at the back door of the church saying, “Before you leave, have you considered this?” Based on polls, it is now a huge crowd pressing for that back door and there appears to be nowhere within the Church were they can address their deepest concerns and honest questions. I’ve never wanted to fight with people. My life is too short. Let’s put it this way, if I ever look directly into your eyes and attack your character or spirituality, then you have the right to do the same to me, but until then, please don’t.

Lastly, I reviewed the readership of my blog posts over the past five years and those controversial ramblings had the most readers. I’m not sure why, but if is for honest enlightenment, then it motivates me to write again.

So, don’t be surprised if I ramble again, someone must.

Mike