2 years and 6 months ago I was given 2 years to live.
2 years ago almost to the day I came home from my last round of treatment.
2 weeks ago I had some discomfort and thought my uneducated hands felt a mass in my abdomen.
2 days ago I had bloodwork done and a CT scan.
This afternoon I visited with my doctor. And learned that even my uneducated hands can sometimes be right. The cancer is back.
What else is there to say right now? Nothing. Except to reassure you all that I am really at peace. I know what I want to do and that is to FIGHT. I will fight until there’s no reason to believe that I have a chance of winning. And then I will lose on my own terms and eagerly run to the feet of my Lord. But for now. For now there’s a calm before the storm, and I’m ready to face that storm head on.
A few years ago I went to a Gospel Coalition conference. As a whole the experience was phenomenal and I highly recommend it. One of the speakers said something there that stuck in my mind and I think of it often, particularly in times like this. My note from that days reads “the battle that matters has already been fought, all my other problems are fleabites in comparison and I need to learn to see them that way.” Praise the Lord! My cancer is a fleabite the grand scheme of creation. Not because I don’t matter, but because the part of me that matters has already been rescued! How can it get any better than that?
Pray for Erin 
Oh, Erin, of course we will pray for you and also your family. You are so right; the best part of you is only housed in the shell of your body. God has the best of you in His loving hands.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Smartphone
We’re praying, we’re available. “Not because I don’t matter, but because the part of me that matters has already been rescued! ” In agreement with you.
Erin, this is hard news but I’m encouraged to hear of your fighting spirit. You can be sure you will be lifted to the throne of God by all who love you and trust in God’s unfailing grace. He is good all of the time.
Erin, I work with your Aunt Joy at the church. We’ve been praying and will continue to pray in agreement with you.
Erin praying for you and your family. Sincerely, Carol Wilcox
Erin you are amazing, so brave and trusting in the Lord. Keep up the faith, you are right the biggest battle has already been fought. Love you tons and thinking of you.
Praying for you Erin. While your fighting everyone you know will be fighting along with you.
Xoxo
Erin,
You are truly an inspiration!!! I had the pleasure of meeting your mom recently at the Post Office and my thoughts have been with you. Keep your head up and take it one day at a time! Sincerely, Courtney Salapek Ruhlman
Sweet, beautiful Erin. What a bold and shining light you are. I love you, I’m here for whatever you need, I’m inspired by your passion and wisdom, I’m praying for your strength in this new battle. Thinking of you…
Erin,
Thank you for sharing, allowing each of us to walk this road with you and lift you in prayer. Remember who you are ~ a child of the King, filled with His strength, His grace and His beauty! You are in my thoughts and prayers….
Praying for you this morning Erin…. Once again your words have comforted all who have prayed and walked this journey with you. May God comfort you and give you the strength you need to fight!
I love you, Erin.
On Wed, Mar 5, 2014 at 7:49 PM, Pray for Er
You are such an example of how much our Lord loves us. Even though it has returned, you have hope. Hope in our Lord that He will take you through it and heal you or bring the perfect healing and take you home to be with Him. God bless you for giving others hope with your love for our Lord and trusting Him. You are blessed!! we are praying!!
I am so sorry to hear that the cancer is back. What can be said? I am with you in prayer.
Erin, Praying for you and thankful for the beautiful, courageous faith God has given you. Thank you for sharing your heart and God’s love.
Erin, Your courage, confidence and trust in our Lord is moving and inspirational. We bless you. We love you. We surround you. Dan & Mary
We will be praying for you.
Oh Erin, I am so sad to hear the news. But so encouraged by your response. Amen to that! I am going to be on a panel today for women in business, and I’m going to print your words, and pray for an appropriate time to read them to everyone present. I also remember your claiming of the verse, “they will drink poison and pick up venomous snakes and not be hurt.” That is also true, since the part of you that matters can never be snatched out of His hand!
My heart fell when I read your words. I will be praying for you.
I will pray and I Praise God for your deep understanding of God’s Grace in you life. May that be a testimony to many of our Great God and the eternal working of His Son on our behalf. Love you Aunt Alice
Aww, Erin, our hearts and hugs go out to you, along with tears & prayers. BUT well said – like a true daughter of the King, and of the Briggs! Was that the TGC in Chicago? I remember enjoying a meal & some of the conference with you & Anna. Move forward under the Mercy.
Erin, I’m so sorry that you have to go through this battle. You are such a strong person and what you wrote is so up lifting. We pray for your courage to fight and that you will overcome this once again and forever. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers!
Erin- Praying for you!! It breaks my heart to read news like this…but am standing in agreement with you that the part that matters has already been given!!
You are such an inspiration to so many people Erin with the strength and courage you have and what a witness you are for the Lord going through one of the most difficult times of your life. You are in our thoughts and prayers and we know the Lord can do a miracle and we are praying for you to be one of those miracles.
Praying for you ♥♥♥
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Though I don’t know you, i will pray for you, Erin. You have inspired so many, including me. God bless you abundently.
Hi Erin. I read about you on Stacy Westfall’s facebook. I am praying for you! Keep loving on those horses every chance you get. They are good for the soul
Erin..Faith brings Strength ! You have the Great Heeler on your side !