“It is a fair warning.”
When a bump showed up on our forehead a decade-plus ago, the secretary of one of our organizations advised us to get it checked.
Contrary to our typical disposition, we followed directions, and looking back it was good advice that fortunately was followed. However, diagnosis from the examination was far from desirable, and we actually first realized our skin was very susceptible to the sun.
Invasive growth disappeared after agitating shock treatments, but dangerous specs on our face have to be frozen regularly. Then, the little hangie-down-part of our left ear was removed, followed by successful reconstruction.
Again oddly, doctor’s orders were followed, and we started always wearing a long sleeved shirt, gloves, suntan lotion and sun glasses for protection from the hazardous rays. Cap had always been our working head cover, using fright for our excuse, as we continued wearing it, rather than the recommended hat, now our demise, or possibility thereof.
Hats provide considerable more face protection than caps, but can also easily blow off. We didn’t ever want that when we were riding an outlaw colt. From here forward, we will always wear a hat, and tie it on, so it’ll stay in place.
Damage has already been done though. We’re placing the blame on no hat, but others contend it’s our big mouth, and the inappropriate words sometimes liberally flowing, that are the cause.
Regardless, after three months of appointments, and several weeks of ineffective prescribed therapies, operation removed one half of our lower lip. While unconscious for two hours, renovation required 100 stitches, followed by excessive swelling, still apparent.
Everyone has queried the obvious grotesqueness. Unlike the way Dad would have responded: “My wife bit me,” very self-consciously, we’ve quickly shrugged off the procedure with optimism: “It’s supposed to fix the problem.”
Importantly, we vouch to do everything we can to protect our self, and always be aware and act, if anything seems out of the ordinary.
Too many, it seems, who recover from health setbacks make no lifestyle revisions to help prevent reoccurrence.
Reminds us of Mark 13:23: “Watch out. I’ve given you fair warning.” So, Romans 12:1: “Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you continue without thinking.” Then Jeremiah 35:14: “Changeyour life, make a clean break with your evil past, and do what is right.”
+++ALLELUIA+++
VIII–49–12-7-14