Inside the Arms that Catch Us

A few updates, some recent reflections, and – mostly! – a heart overflowing with thanks.

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Hello! Hello! Friends: it's been a while since I've reached out, but I'm glad to be stepping back into this lane. I’m here with a few updates, some recent reflections, and – mostly! – a heart overflowing with thanks.

Almost one year ago, my friend and colleague, Jenna, hopped in and wrote a post on my behalf. It was entitled “The Arms that Catch Us.” Nearly immediately after this, I jumped into those arms and all but disappeared – at least here. 

I had asked you – after sharing news of my cancer diagnosis – to join me in reimagining the journey. Stealing language from Kate Bowler, I suggested we shoot for a Beautiful Group Project. “Let’s change the headlines,” I said.

I could have never imagined the creativity, generosity, and perseverance you would bring to this little project. (It’s still beautifully in-motion!)

I am nine rounds into a final chemo series of fourteen – with treatments scheduled every three weeks through the end of August. Though at times the journey has felt too long – chemo side effects too intense – far and away, my most significant experience has been an awareness of your loving attention upon me. 

Again and again – and then again! – you have seen me. This has happened alongside lots of supports and various activities…

Tackling lawn care. Giving money. Fetching meds. Delivering meals. Flying in for visits. Sharing Jokes. Tagging along to chemo.

Always, in all the ways that mattered most, you saw.

In his book, The Life We’re Looking For, Andy Crouch reflects on the goodness of belonging to a “household” – which he defines more broadly than those who live inside of your physical home. Along with many other things, Andy says:

• “You are part of a household if there is someone who knows where you are today and has at least some sense of how it feels to be where you are.”

• “You are part of a household if there is someone who moves more quietly when they know you are asleep…”

• “You are part of a household if people know things about you that you do not know about yourself, including things that if you did know you would seek to hide.”

Because so many of you have stepped into loving sacrifice alongside me, I’ve experienced every one of these. At points it's been uncomfortable, but always it’s made me more human.

In a world that is – ironically – awash in both connection and loneliness, I’m here today with a simple word of encouragement: messy + loving + transformative households are possible still! 

But maybe the best/worst news is this: it's our place of need that sets the table for “beautiful” and “group” and “project” in ways we have scarcely imagined.