Amanda BethSharing the Truths Behind the TRUTH

Apr 16th Monday’s Blog: “Every Time a Bell Rings, an Angel….” By Bryan Ridenour

I want to welcome this week’s guest blogger, Bryan Ridenour, as he shares this wonderful message:

“Every Time a Bell Rings, an Angel…..”

By Bryan Ridenour

(I posted this entry two weeks before Christmas, but feel it’s appropriate to share this blog as my son approaches the one year point since his diagnosis of T-Cell Lymphoma.  Since sharing this in December, my son joined the ranks of those in remission!  However, he still faces another year of maintenance treatment and chemotherapy.  We’d appreciate your prayers.)

Zuzu Bailey: “Look, Daddy. Teacher says, every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings.”
George Bailey: “That’s right, that’s right. Attaboy, Clarence.”

I hear this dialogue every year as I watch my favorite Christmas movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Yesterday, my family heard a bell ringing in the pediatric oncology clinic followed by wild and raucous applause and cheering. My wife and Noah looked at each other, curious about the happenings behind closed doors. I happened to know the reason for the celebration. Every time a pediatric patient completes his or her prescribed course of treatment, the cancer survivor rings the bell and general hoopla erupts!

As the party winded down, a child-life specialist walked through the waiting room and looked at Noah. “That’s going to be you in a few months.” She smiled. I secretly wished for a time machine….

After a few minutes, a nurse pulled Noah’s chart and called his name. Noah, my wife and I walked through the doorway into the corridor leading to the examination rooms.  There, beside the bell, stood the girl celebrating. The medical staff swarmed around her, family members flanking her on both sides. The girl pulled the rope and rang the bell once more. Everyone cheered again for good measure.

That bell signified a milestone.

That bell announced the finish line.

That bell celebrated life.

In some ways, that young lady sprouted wings yesterday. I do not know her religious affiliation or background, but I do know this, if she knows Christ, a certain passage from the Bible speaks relevantly to her situation: “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:30-31)

Yesterday a bell rang, and a young lady strapped on her wings.

Today, she soars….

Bryan’s a Child of God, Husband, Father to four fantastic children, serves as a youth and children’s pastor and loves to write.  He hopes to one day publish a series of children’s stories.  He hopes you’ll come visit him at brvan.com often.  (And yes, it’s a “v” and not a “y”.)

You can also follow Bryan on Twitter @youthpastorbry

*Thank you, Bryan, for sharing this beautiful message! We rejoice with you and pray for your son’s continued healing!