On the Journey With
Jace Yawnick
This past week a friend sent me a link to an interview between Dr. Hyman and Jace (see link below for the entire interview). As I listened, I was struck by Jace’s openness about the difficulty and complexity of his own journey. But what I found most impressive was his commitment to encouraging and serving others in the midst of his own challenges. That is what I know many of us want to be about. I think you’ll be inspired by the ways Jace has approaching his healing journey.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-hyman-show/id1382804627?i=1000678200294
Jace first noticed the persistence of his cough in August of 2023. He would start coughing every time he laughed – and it kept getting worse. A month later, during a work trip to New York City, Jace struggled to run from his hotel to Central Park. He had to stop numerous times to catch his breath, which was unusual for him – he was young (25) and fit.
Around the same time, he started experiencing sustained fatigue and back pain, which led him to seek medical advice from multiple doctors and specialists. Initially, he was prescribed medication for acid reflux. After being dismissed by his primary doctor and others for several months, Yawnick also saw a chiropractor who suggested the possibility of a hernia in his chest.
On Jan. 18, Jace finally got a chest X-ray.
It took six months of persistent asking to get the x-ray, and what they discovered was an unsettling shadow in his chest the size of a small volleyball. A subsequent CT scan confirmed the worst, he received a diagnosis of Non-Hodgins Lymphoma.
Feeling the need for support he turned to social media, where he shared the diagnosis and asked for support. He was overwhelmed by the response. He received a flood of love and comfort from friends, family and fellow cancer warriors.
Jace shares that this outpouring of love bolstered his confidence and courage and because this encouragement meant so much to him, he decided to go public with his journey. He started posting videos of his experiences, which were initially intended for those closest to him. But others kept inquiring about his status and requested updates, and so he felt prompted to expand his social media footprint. Much to his surprise his posts resonated with people far beyond his close inner circle.
It wasn’t long before millions of people were viewing and commenting on my shared experiences. I was touching lives in ways I never imagined AND was being touched by the stories of others as well. While battling my own cancer I found a new purpose that took me beyond my own struggle. And with fresh resolve, I determined to use my growing platform for the greater good. I ended up starting a non-profit “Jace Beats Cancer.” I had the good fortune of good insurance and a good medical team, but I wanted to use my non-profit to support those less fortunate.
There are two lessons I draw from Jace’s story. First, we must advocate for our own care. Had Jace not been persistent in continuing to ask the hard questions, he might not have discovered what was really going on with his body – until it was too late. Second, I am convinced that God redeems our suffering by giving us a chance to help others who are in a similar situation. His story is another affirmation of that familiar passage from II Corinthians 1:4,
He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others…
Soul Care with
Pastor Jenn
To Pastor (verb): to shepherd, advise, and guide into a place of deeper spiritual understanding
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
Ephesians 6:12
I heard somewhere recently that it’s important to know where the fight is. That thought has been stuck in my head the last few days. We are living in turbulent times. I’ve seen so much vitriol and unkindness spewed in so many different places. Of course, when we hear of those kinds of things, most of us think of the political climate in America. But sadly, it isn’t confined to that arena. And it isn’t confined just to the world. It’s pretty easy even for those of us who call ourselves Christians to get caught up in the opinions and tides of conversations and before we know it, we’ve picked a side, chosen a weapon and are charging ahead into the battle.
I often wonder what Jesus would do or say were he here on earth today. But the truth is, he also lived in a very turbulent time in history when politics and religion were pushing their way into every aspect of the lives of the people. Somehow, I find that comforting to know that he experienced all this too. And still he maintained a level head through it all. Now, we could argue his steadiness was because he was God incarnate, and his God-ness kept him from stooping to our human level. But I think it was because he understood where the fight was. His battle was not against the people of his time, whether they were the political leaders, the religious leaders or any one of the many other groups of people vying for authority. He knew his battle was with principalities and powers of which most people of that time were never even aware. Because of that, he was at peace with his fellow man. It’s truly remarkable, if you think about it.
So, here we are in 2024 seeking peace wherever it may be found. It may sound funny to say, but I encourage you to remember where the fight is. Win the battle on your knees, fighting in prayer against your true enemy. Show love to all those around you. Allow that to bring peace to your life in every area. It’s a tried and true formula that’s worth repeating.
Caregivers Corner with
Lori Smith
To Support (noun): to provide assistance that enables one to function or act.
I’m a lover of music.
I believe music may even be one of my love languages. There is a song for just about every emotion we can feel! In fact, the love story between me and my husband began in the UT School of Music with our shared love of song. Before he got sick, music played almost continually in our home – either music he was making or music we were playing in the background. When he was sick, we both spent a good amount of time listening to praise and worship music to strengthen our souls, as well as begging God for healing through song. I felt and continue to feel the with-ness of Jesus more tangibly through praise and worship.
The Bible is filled with references to making music and singing to the Lord.
Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. (Psalm 95:1-2)
Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. (Psalm 96:1-3)
In short, I believe God loves music too. But it’s not just songs of praise that He encourages us to sing. Songs of lament are littered throughout scripture as well.
Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. (Psalm 63:7-8)
“Sing, O barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband,” says the Lord. (Isaiah 54:1)
Could it be that spiritual breakthrough is in our praise?
Can His peace be tucked into our hearts within our harsh circumstances if we turn to Him through songs of worship? When we can’t find the words to pray, we can sing. Like Hannah in 1 Samuel 2:1-10 and Mary in Luke 1:46-55, we can sing our songs of praise to God even when our lives are upside down. I encourage you to try it this week. Turn on the music and really let loose! God doesn’t care if you have a beautiful singing voice or not. He just wants to bless you through the cry of your heart and the songs of your mouth.
Worship Moment with
Joel Salabarria
To Inspire (verb): to fill someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.
Song: My Response (Spotify, YouTube and Apple Music)
Band: Phil Thompson
From: Jubilee Worship (2019)
The main message of this song is simple:
You have rescued my life
My response is
Hallelujah
You’re my redeemer
Hallelujah
You rescued my life
And I’m never going back
So straight forward but so necessary, the song points out that my only reasonable response to Jesus (being my Lord and Savior) is worship, gratitude and praise! Therefore, my heart posture will remain one of adoration to the Lord! Hallelujah!
Poetic Encouragement with
Julie Clarke
To Encourage (noun): to give support and hope to someone so that they will do or continue to do something.
A Space Beyond
My great desire in this great life
Is To… create something for You!
A lasting word a point of view
That’s totally different, but not at all new
A space of peace when the noise roars
And a space where every right will soar
To unexpected heights
Beyond the sleepless nights and fights
This Hope, my mind can’t comprehend
But I’m certain exists until the end
Without a question, without denying
In this, is where I spend relying
On the presence of the Lord
To fill this space, beyond reward
For beauty awaits the persevering
And all who choose are ever nearing
Closer and better still in You…
To this sacred space beyond the blue.
Nutrition Nuggets with
Suzanna Hake
To Nourish (verb): the act or process of being nourished.
OK, let’s talk fiber.
Fiber is ESSENTIAL to optimal health. We might even call it comfort food for your colon! It helps to move your food through your digestive tract, and it feeds that all-important microflora (bacteria) in your gut to keep your body in tip-top condition!
There are plenty of ways you can get fiber into your life!!
– Beans – kidney beans, cannellini beans, black beans
– Broccoli (organic)
– Avocado (organic)
– Berries (cherries, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
– Apples
– Nuts (everything but the peanut, it’s not really a nut!)
– Seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, sesame, flax)
All the above can be added to your morning whole food smoothie! Or you could add some of these to soups, salads, and dinners.
Piet's Ponderings
To Ponder (verb): to think about something carefully, especially before making a decision or reaching a conclusion.
Trust ain’t easy… maybe especially when it comes to matters of faith.
But when we think of all the ways that we exercise trust in the smaller matters of life – sitting in a chair, flying on a plane, putting my credit card info on an internet purchase – I realize that the reason trusting God is harder is because I have an opinion on how my life should go, and I’m afraid God will mess with my plan, which he invariably does!
However, his plan is always for the good, and every piece (even the weird shaped ones) have a place and a redemptive purpose.
So Lord lead on…. I am learning to trust you!
Prayer of the Week
adapted from David Jeremiah’s Warrior Prayer
To Pray (verb): Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer ad petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God )Philippians 4:6)
May you be well.
May you be cleansed and purified of all that isn’t health.
May every cell in your body wake up and fight.
May the powerful light of healing move into every part of you.
May you return to being purely you.
May you be well.
Holiday Special!
Still have holiday shopping to do?
We are offering this special through the month of December. Four Pocket Prayer devotionals for the price of three ($25/each – $75 for 4) AND free shipping! Makes for a great stocking-stuffer.
All proceeds support our work with cancer patients and their families!
Interested in knowing more, just reply to this note, and we will give you the details on how to get them shipped to your front door before Christmas.
Interested in supporting this new initative?
The Van Waarde Foundation underwrites and supports a variety of projects and team members committed to supporting, educating, and encouraging fellow cancer warriors and their families. As we look to the future, we are excited about creating a variety of new resources that will provide pastoral support to those battling cancer. This initiative will include this newsletter AND a host of other resources including a new podcast providing helpful information on health and fitness, fresh pocket prayers delivered daily to fellow cancer warriors, a new page on the website “heal” Heal – Piet Van Waarde with weekly reflections on navigating the “dailyness” of the journey, plus a soon-coming book Keep on Healing that will address the top 50 questions people face when confronted by a cancer diagnosis. We want to make these resources available at little/no cost to those who need them, and your support through the Foundation (https://www.patreon.com/pietvanwaarde) makes that possible.
Thank you in advance for your prayerful consideration.
