Faith in the Face of Heartache

Two days ago, I held a dear friend in my arms and let her cry out her heartache.
This pain is not going to disappear with a few tears. I know the days ahead will hold many more opportunities for Renee to shed tears.
Her 12-year-old son has cancer.
Within the past 48 hours, Renee and her husband faced the diagnosis and prognosis and the beginning of chemotherapy. Their son has endured a bone marrow biopsy. He now has a port in his body, through which he has already received his first round of chemo. Our prayer is that he responds well to treatment.
At one point, my friend whispered, "I don't know how to comfort him."
I knew that was her fear--that she would not be able to comfort her son.
But I also knew that fear was unfounded.
"You'll know what to say, Renee," I whispered in her ear. "You'll be with your son every step of the way. God will help you be what your son needs right now."
Both Renee and her husband have been knocked off their feet by their son's illness. And yet, their faith is the firm ground they are standing on. They are not backing down. They are rallying around their son.
It's what moms and dads do. When the unimaginable happens, we face it because we must--for our children.
My friend and her family are not alone in this. They are surrounded by friends and family--and prayers upon prayers.
May God be mighty on their son's behalf.