The million dollar question. So much has passed since I’ve posted, but I really haven’t had the will or energy to post. I had honestly been in such a deep dark place, between 11 days in the hospital and honestly just allowing the devil to shake my faith. Here is a little gallery of the fun and excitement over that time frame:
Make sure you click on one of the photo’s so you can get the whole scope! I wasn’t sure how to insert text but I’ll break it down for you-
Arm: Since my port scabbed up and was potentially infected, they’ve only been able to use my left arm. Why, you may be wondering… Well that goes back to the great blood clot fiasco in my right arm.
Mouth Sores: So the green you see on my lips are the infection, the red you see is my mouth raw. If I could have opened any wider than that you would have saw my entire mouth inflamed- Also knowing that goes all the way down to my stomach…
The rest are pretty self explanatory- but if you have any questions you know I’m more than happy to answer!
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it twice- cancer is hard. Your options are so limited and life can be limiting. I’ve received so much encouragement, that sometimes has fallen on a deaf ear, but other times sticks with me in a very special way. One of the most encouraging things was listening to Seahawks safety, Earl Thomas’, mother and her cancer survivor story- which you can find here: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/college/texas-longhorns-cornerback-earl-thomas-iii-a-testament-mother-faith-article-1.460179. I was so impressed by her faith and belief in God that was impossible to not be inspired. God truly facilitated this meeting- and I’m still stoked!
We all struggle as humans with our own humanity. The thing that makes us flesh and blood, and ultimately the mud God shaped us in. I hate being miserable, I hate being sick, but there was no clause after diagnosis that these things wouldn’t happen. In fact, even reading the word can be disheartening sometimes because it says moments like that will happen, lol. Good days, bad days… Shaken faith, full of faith… I’m so in love with the idea of God’s return it literally makes me giddy. I know many of us share different faiths, but I can’t be afraid to tell you about one of the very few things that keeps me going. Any given day my body feels free, but many more days feels like a prison. The person inside of me wants to break free of the body I have. However, I have to remind myself- that’s not my current call. I want to project great things about the future, but it’s easy to sink in the miserable now. This however made me realize, the backdoor the devil tries to capitalize on is that “miserable now.” How do we circumvent that attack? By allowing faith to be an action word, to be active participants in what and Who we put our faith into. If I put faith into action “the word” says I can move mountains- with that being the case, why can’t my cancer be cured? Why cant I project great things about the future? We’ll see what God has to say about it, He’s the only one who can make the decision. In the mean time, my playbook leads me to one play- HAVE FAITH!!!
W/Love-
JW
Jared
Your courage inspires me. I have read every blog you have posted even though this is my first comment. Keep holding on to your faith. Your life and sharing your transparent faith are blessing so many.
With love
Pastor Hinds
Good pastor, thanks so much for reading- and thanks for reaching out. I truly appreciate it, and send all my love back to you, your family, and your ministry. *Jarret, lol.
JW
I am registering as we speak to become a match to anyone who it helps. Somethings we never stop to think about on how we could save a life in the process of living.Thank you for sharing once again and I will be making it aware to others the importance of giving blood, registering to be a bone marrow match and so on, if it’s anything to this cause I can provide with the life God has given me to Him be all the glory. Much love and for when you can’t hold your own head up know that God has a resting place in His hands.
That is awesome. By registering and donating you will save someone’s life! Help heal a family, so much good can be done by these little procedures. Thanks for your thoughts, care, love, and encouragement. God bless you sis!
JW
Keeping the faith with u, babyboy. Love u lots!
Smooches,
Auntie Chic
Thanks auntie! I appreciate you.
JW
Hi Jarret,
Rob and I were talking about you yesterday. I was glad to see your update. I was sorry to see you have such bad sores. I am glad you are out of the dark days. I have a good friend that had breast cancer surgery about 5 weeks ago. She is in the dark days as well. She has had a lot of pain and you know that makes you want to stay in a dark cave.
Do follow your playbook and “HAVE FAITH”.
Have a Merry Christmas!
Joan (Rob’s Aunt)
You all are such an awesome family. I appreciate you keeping up with me, and thanks for checking on my updates. Is she in remission? Does it look like she’ll be in the clear? I’ll definitely be praying for her and those dark days. Sinking into yourself can really rattle your heart and soul and pain doesn’t help by any means. Anyhow, you all have a great holiday, I’m hoping my mouth will be in the clear around Christmas so I can enjoy mom’s meal! Good to hear from you Ms. Joan.
JW
Our friend should be free of cancer. It is mainly the implants that are a painful process. You know how it is those first few weeks when the word cancer keeps going through your mind. She will be fine once all the PT is over and the implant is completed. She knows what she is going through is not near as bad as what Rob has gone through. She has two new breasts and Rob has 1 leg. His attitude is still amazing. I hope you have seen his recent posts. Both of you are men of Faith and of Courage! We will keep praying. I do hope you can enjoy your mom’s cooking.
Merry Christmas!
Joan
Jarret! I can’t imagine what it feels like to go through such painful effects of your condition but I’m with you in that I continue to have Faith! God can still do great things!
Praying for you always!
God does great things no matter the outcomes, even enduring painful side effects. I thank you so much for your faith, and your prayers. Those things keep me lifted up and it’s so awesome to know those thoughts and prayers are coming from your corner of the globe! That’s such a tremendous feeling. Thanks for keeping me in mind sis.
JW
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I’m believing that your blog’s name is prophetic to your life’s story! Jehovah Rafa (God our healer). Lifting you up as high as my arms can reach. Love, love, love!
RDW
*Jehovah Rapha
Hey Hey Ms. Rachel D. I’m claiming it too, the more the merrier! Thanks so much for your thoughts/prayers/love. It’s so awesome to have people like you in my corner. Many Thanks.
JW
Wade,
I have been keeping you in my prayers
You are strong!
Te quiero
- Lorena Tule
JW It’s me again…Showing you some LOVE and keeping the Faith.
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7) ( Dear Heavenly Father I’m “asking” in the name of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, that you surround Jarret with your healing power. I’m “seeking” ever lasting strength for Jarret during this time of hardship, and tribulation. I’m “knocking” at the door of the devil himself, to rebuke him, in the name of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, that he shall not shake the faith of this young man, Faith that I know shall lead to everlasting peace and happiness. Thank you Heavenly Father for this blessing Jarret is about to receive. Amen )
Jarret… you’re never going to read this now, but… I miss you, man. May heaven come soon, because the world seems a little darker since you left.
Rest in Peace, my brother.
Can you give me the details for his funeral please! I’m his friend and I would like to go please! Thanks. 469.531.9219
I love you Jarret!
Lorena Tule