During my battle against cancer, I was privileged to meet a boy named Jerome. He was three years old. Like me,  he was battling the same disease. The nurse was having a difficultly administering his chemotherapy shot. She asked me to speak to him. I didn't know what to say. How could I tell him to take the shot? At the same time I didn't want to take my own. How could I tell him to be brave? I was trembling inside. Silently I said a quiet prayer to God. I asked him for the right words to say. Sighing a deep breath, I opened the door to his room. There in a hospital bed laid a cute toddler. Cautiously I went to his bed side. Truthfully we talked about this and that. Simple words about playtime and favorite toys. The type of things that toddlers enjoy talking about. The door opened; there stood the nurse with the shot. I fearfully awaited Jerome's reaction. As the nurse approached Jerome, he leaned back threw his arms away from his chest. He said "Go ahead and make my day". He didn't wince as the nurse inserted the needle in his skin. Later the nurse told me that in previous times it took four people to hold Jerome down for his shots. From that day forth the nurse didn't have any trouble with him. He took his shots with no struggling.

I didn't give Jerome the courage to face his trial. God gave him courage. I was the vessel that allowed his spirit to flow thru. My physical body, mind, and spirit were exhausted but God wasn't tired. His comforting spirit can be felt thru simple words of kindness. God can use anybody that has an open heart. Out there in this world there are Jerome's waiting for God's spirit to give them courage, peace, and healing. Will you be his vessel?

by JW