Mark G. White,
Chemical Engineering,
Mississipi State
[October 22, 2007]
“Dr. White, we will lift up a timber for you on Sunday night.”
These were the words of my receptionist, Miss Sandra, on Friday evening as I was leaving the office. Sandra is a Christian woman who enjoys a personal relationship with Jesus.
I had many burdens on my mind: I was facing surgery the following week in Atlanta to remove a cancerous kidney. Would the surgeons be able to remove all of the cancer? Had it been discovered “in time?” Where would we stay in Atlanta during my convalescence? How long would it take for my recovery?
Her Congregation Had Adopted Us
I kept remembering this final statement from Sandra and trying to figure out exactly what she meant. I knew that this comment was related to prayer for a speedy and secure recovery but I couldn’t understand the reference to a piece of timber. Nevertheless, it was with a sense of calm that I reflected on these words and how her congregation had adopted my wife and me for our prayer needs.
The members of my own church were also praying for my health as well as members of the MSU Christian Faculty Forum, and members of the Georgia Tech Christian Faculty Forum where I had been a faculty member for almost 30 years. Colleagues as far away as Poland were keeping us in prayer for a speedy recovery since this surgery had caused me to cancel trips to Poland in March and May.
Everywhere I turned, people were in prayer for my health and recovery. Members of our cell groups in Atlanta were lifting us up in fervent prayer. One family in Atlanta let us use the basement of their home during my recovery period before we returned to Mississippi.
Quick And Complete
The surgeons were skilled and were able to remove all of the cancerous tissue. The pathological report was encouraging for a complete recovery. My recovery was quick and complete, which surprised my surgeon who thought that it would take much longer for me to regain my strength. We were able to leave Atlanta in just 12 days after the operation. Many of the problems facing us were resolved before we returned home.
Upon our return to Mississippi, families brought food to help us return to our feet. Some of you may not be familiar with life in the South, but it is a custom here for people to bring food to those who have suffered loss, surgery, or any other burden.
After we were back at home, it then occurred to me the meaning of Sandra’s comment: “Lifting up a timber.” The timber represents heavy burdens, and the members of her congregation were offering prayer to lift my burdens. In fact, all of our Christian friends were offering prayer to lift our burdens. We were blessed by the thoughts and prayers of Christians here and in Europe.
With this thought in mind, I ask you: Have you “Lifted up a timber” today?
© 2007 Mark White Used by permission of Faculty Commons