Update from Denise Spencer, posted by Chaplain Mike.
There has been another change in Michael’s situation, and I would like readers to know so you can better pray for us.
At the encouragement of our oncologist, we have opted to discontinue treatment. He said the chemotherapy was not working, and it would actually be doing a disservice to Michael to continue. We are now receiving help from our local hospice. We know we are in good hands with them, and we are at peace that we have made the best decision under the circumstances.
Several people have already suggested various alternative treatments. While we appreciate their concern and helpfulness, we have discussed this possibility and Michael does not want to try anything else. Please pray for strength and acceptance, for trust in God, for minimal pain and for a peaceful passing.
“Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” (Philippians 3:20-21)
Thank you, one and all, for your continued prayers.
Denise
The Internet Monk Archives 
Thank you Denise, for this update. It’s almost Resurrection morning here, and I want to thank your husband for keeping my eyes on Jesus, when they were too discouraged to look on their own.
May our Lord and Savior wrap you in his arms and give you peace and strength for this road you must travel, and may you travel it knowing how well you are loved.
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Denise,
I’m quite heartbroken to hear the news, and will continue to pray. I know a bajillion people have already commented, but I hope you just how large of an impact Michael had on my life. He was truly a light shining in the evangelical wilderness for me, and gave me much hope for the church. I will pray for your family, and just wanted to let you know that he’s been such a blessing for so many. With much love,
~Beth
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I am fairly new to michael’s blog. I found it just a few months before he first announced his cancer. But this blog has ministered to many over and over. I came here as I began to feel the need for a move from my evanglical, charasmatic, seeker church. I have not always agreed with everything posted, but it has definitely challenged me, and made me grow in new ways. I am currently attending a Confessinal Lutheran church, and am eating more meat than ever before. Imonk is such a blessing, and I am deeply saddened by Michael and Debi’s news. In my prayers,
christina
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Michael, my friend. We have never met although I feel as if we are old friends. Your heart and humor has encouraged and challenged my walk with the King. The past year or two has been an amazing journey that I have walked with your voice and words by my side. I was a huge and dedicated fan of your podcast and will miss it sorely. My heart aches for your family. See you at His feet, my good friend.
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I have been reading Michael’s writings for most of the time I have had internet access. From about 1997, I think.
I have appreciated Michael’s love for Christ, distaste for humbug, his honesty and his great writing skill.
Thank you so much Michael for your contribution to the lives of so many.
May God continue to bless you in this difficult season in your life. May you continue to know God’s presence and peace and the love of your family and many friends.
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I feel like every other reader sad and shocked. I have been reading Michael’s writing for so many years, I have been reading his struggles and feel close to him. It’s so painful to think of what he and his family are going through. God love you Michael, He knows what He is doing and He is Good. We will miss you..
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To say that Michael’s blog (actually his life, his opennes, his insights, his honesty) has been instrumental in keeping me on the straight and narrow seems almost trite. I cannot express sufficiently how his (and Denise’s) journey have been a liferaft to me. I try and explain this to others who have not spent time at internetmonk and they often just don’t understand. I suppose thats OK because I do know and thank God for Michael.
I don’t know how Michael’s journey will unfold. Times like these remind me just how thin is the veil between this reality and true reality. Still Jesus speaks to me through Michael’s life even during this crazy painful time.
Still feeling numb but experiencing the life of Christ that has flown out of internetmonk continuing to flow.
All my love and prayers
Adrian
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May your hospice team serve Michael and your family as God in Christ serves us. Our prayers are that you may know the assurance of God-with-us every step, every moment, of this journey.
Thank you for your ministry and faithfulness to our Lord in this valley shadowed with death – the Lord is with you.
Grace & peace to you through Jesus Christ,
Ann (a hospice chaplain)
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I pray that your generous spirit will be caught and passed on. A steadying presence in the ether of the Internet, I envy those who were fortunate enough to interact with you face-to-face. I also envy you as you will soon meet with the One who gave you that generous spirit- face-to-face.
My sincere regrets to your family and friends.
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May your reception be sweet! Love, from a fellow traveler.
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My prayers are with you.
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Words cannot express my emotions. Overload had almost made me numb. Michael and his blog were an inspiration and encouragement to so many. To have this “all over by the age of 53” is just un-imaginable.
And shock and depression. Such a voice should not be silenced. And without any warning. I mean the man has a “gaul bladder problem” in December and ends up in hospice in March. It makes me depressed again at the fragility of life.
And just when Michael had his hand on the brass ring of all blogger: a book published. It gets me angry at God’s timing. It borders on evil and malicious.
Sorry, but \I don’t have the grace of the Spencer family. I am probably going to be angry with God over this for quite some time. Too few good men in the world already.
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I have never met Michael, but he has impacted my life immeasurably. I’m so grateful for his thoughts, his challenges, his openness, and I forever will be. Thank you, Michael Spencer.
I’m so terribly sorry. More than I can say.
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This pretty much echos my thoughts. I have been reading this wonderful site for sometime now. I feel this is a place where our mutual journey is heard.
I am happy that Michael will finally get the answers to his many intriguing and thought provoking questions.
I will continue in prayer for Denise and the children.
Mary from Washington state
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I am numb right now. Almost as depressed as when my dad died. Maybe even more so as this is so sudden. I mean the guy has an apparent gaul bladder problem in December and faces death now. So unfair. Michael and his blog have inspired me beyond measure. I think I shall be mad a God for quite a little while.
my sorros and tears for your entire family.
shock a. All I can say.
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I rejoice in the communion of Michael with his Lord, finally, and I am also personally heartbroken for the loss of his intellectually honest writing in this cluttered space. In many ways, his was a “lone voice in the wilderness” and we were so tremendously blessed that he made the most of this medium to share and dialogue with so many–and of so many different convictions. That is how it is with truth. We are drawn to it. That is how it is with grace. We are humbled by it, and find we cannot live and love without it. Thank you, Michael.
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Hospice rocks. You are in good hands. They’re there for Michael, and for the family.
I am sad that it appears we will lose Michael. He has been a huge encouragement in my spiritual journey, but I am excited for what lies ahead for him. You have my utmost sympathy as you walk through these days. My mom went Home this week after living with Alzheimer Disease for many years, so I understand to a degree what you’re going through.
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Michael,
I have been reading your writings since 2003. More than any other individual, you have shown me how to focus on Jesus and His grace–not the circus that is contemporary evangelicalism. Thank you for introducing me to Merton, Capon and others. Thank you for being a “voice of sanity in search of a Jesus-shaped Christianity, sending dispatches from a post-evangelical wilderness” to those of us on the same journey. I thank God upon my every remembrance of you and continue to pray for you and Denise and your family.
“Almighty God, look on Michael your servant, lying in great
weakness, and comfort him with the promise of life
everlasting, given in the resurrection of your Son Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.”
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My prayers are with you, Spencer family. Michael’s writings have been amazing and challenging and a blessing to many.
Peace of the Lord.
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It’s always been about Jesus for the iMonk. It’s still all about Jesus. Thanks for the incredible witness, iMonk. We’ll never forget it, and we’ll never forget you.
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I’m a guy. It’s not easy for me to cry. But I’m crying after reading Denise’s post. I don’t feel I have any words right now but I want to try a few more. I pray that God makes Michael’s last days as peaceful and painless as possible. I’ve pre-ordered his book and it will be a bittersweet read. All else that comes to mind right now is from Revelation, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes”, and “Behold, I make all things new.”
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It has all been said already but I just had to add my own thanks to you. I can’t even express how much your writing has meant to me in my spiritual journey. I am sad right now and part of that sadness is for myself and how much I will miss the honesty and encouragement of your writing. Blessings to you and your family on this journey together.
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I just recently found this site – my deepest condolences.
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Michael and Denise-
In the midst of this trial you are an encouragement to the rest of us.
Praying for you.
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Dear Spencer Family,
I am who and what I am now, in part, because of Michael’s extraordinary words. I know this may be of small comfort to you, but I want you to know that he’s made a difference in my life, spiritually and theologically. If I am one day called to preach and pastor a congregation, my sermons and my care will bear his mark.
Thank you, Michael, and thank you Spencer family, for sharing your lives with us. God bless all of you.
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Michael,
You must know that have been used by Our Lord to reach so many people. Your gift of writing and teaching have been used beautifully, and only in Heaven will you be able to see how your faithfulness, your honesty, and your struggles were used to impact the lives of thousands that you never met. You have been instrumental in helping this Catholic grow spiritually, and I just want you to know that you are in my daily prayers.
God’s grace, mercy, and peace to you both, and to your children.
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Speechless. No, not quite. I love you both.
mkr
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Dear Michael,
We ran the race together for awhile there at OBI, you being the coach/mentor and I being the milk drinker. Thank you for introducing me to the meat of the Bible. You are finishing the race well, an inspiration for those of us still running. Enjoy the peace and comfort of our Lord, delight in His presence.
Praying for all of you.
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Like all previous commenters, I’m deeply sad for the grim news, but full of Hope (with a capital H, since it’s Christian Hope!) for the future.
Ann Voskamp’s story closely resembles mine, so I co-subscribe to her post. I’d like to add that I often go back to previous blog posts to check what Michael had to say about this or that subject, and I’m always refreshed and enlightened by his honest perspective on things.
This is one of the wonders of the Internet: to give someone from a little-known, rural town in Kentucky a platform from where he can be heard and influence lives all over the world, all the way to Southern Brazil.
Thanks, Michael, for always pointing us to Jesus. Thanks, Denise, for giving Michael’s virtual and anonymous friends a glimpse of his final battles so we can be alongside him in prayer. Thanks, Chaplain Mike, for deftly keeping the blog alive during these difficult times. May the peace of Christ be with you all (and now I’m crying, so I’ll submit this now.)
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Love you Michael and Denise. I believe that you have been one of God’s chosen instruments in my life. May He grant you both peace. Our prayers are with you.
Ben
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Thank you Michael.
Thank you Denise.
Peace and respite to you now.
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Thank you, Michael, for all of your moments of truth, clarity, humor, sanity, sarcasm, and your overall unwavering faith. God has used you in so many people’s lives, mine included. I’m looking forward to the upcoming book. My prayers have been poured out for you and your family. I pray God’s mercy on all of you. God bless you for everything you’ve done. I know He’s pleased with your work.
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Prayers and love to Michael and Denise. Words fail me, but you are loved.
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Thank You Michael Spencer!
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Some of these posts are so beautifully written and say so well what I feel that I won’t add anything further, other than May God bless you both with His amazing and awesome love, grace, mercy, peace and comfort during this time.
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My prayers are with Michael and his family.
I found Michael from his posts on Parchment & Pen (TTP). He was one of the first theological blogs I discovered. iMonk always made my head hurt by forcing me to explore, study and think beyond the misconceptions that I grew up with or developed over the decades. Denise, thanks for sharing Michael with us for these years, as I am sure he spent a great deal of time at his keyboard. Thank the Good Lord for Micheal’s courage and faithfulness in these trying days as he continues to serve as an example of Christlikeness for those who have come to know him either in person or via these web pages.
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Michael,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Since we don’t know each other, I feel like I’m intruding in a sacred place, but I just wanted to share some lyrics I wrote recently to new song (last verse and chorus actually). I can think of no one else that better exemplifies the “follower” of Jesus I wanted to express than you. Grace and peace as you follow him home. Thank you for your faithfulness.
I don’t know what lies ahead
May be joy, may be dread
I just know that where you are
Is where I want to be
Until this journey’s end
That’s where it all begins
You’ll open wide the door and
I will follow you home
I will follow where you go
Mountain high, valley low
I don’t care what others say
I know you know the way
To the sound of a distant call
To a place beyond the fall
Whatever road you lead me on
I will follow you home
Clay Clarkson
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So saddened to read this. I have been incredibly blessed by Michael Spencer, whether or not I always agreed with him. Be strong in Christ, my friend, my prayers are with you.
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Hey Mike,
I’ve only been reading your blog for the last year or so; but your posts have been thoughtful, relevant, and inspiring. You’ve reminded me a few times that our faith in Christ is still relevant, vibrant, and has real hope for our world.
-Chris
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Ann, you have apparently spoken for many of us, thank you. Michael and Denise, in every way, you are in our prayers.
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I can honestly say that I would not be as mature in my faith as I am had I never discovered this blog. Michael, you have provided me wisdom and the resources that have led me to make much better decisions as a member of the board of my church. You also helped me realize that we are all sick and in need of Christ whether we feel needy or not. I thank you and I pray for peace for you.
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Add me to the long list of people who have been blessed here. As a long time lurker, please know my prayers are with you and your family during as you endure the final battle here.
With gratitude, a heavy heart and prayer.
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may grace and peace be with you all during this end of life experience.
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Thank you for this ministry, for a life poured out.
God has multiplied the few fishes into a feast — and Michael’s work ripples on into eternity.
Perfect.
Greg R
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Michael and Denise, we have never met. Like so many of your dear “friends” here, I have been challenged to think and grow in my faith through your words. God has allowed you to be a mentor of sorts to me – to MANY. I am grieving this with you, even though we are not face-to-face friends. But our hearts are connected. God is good. I pray for peace and comfort for you and your family. I pray God will heal you – He has that power. And if He chooses to take you home, I am excited for that day when we can meet face to face. Truly – from the depths of me – thank you and God bless you.
-joshua
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I echo the sadness and prayers expressed here today and in recent weeks. Among his many attributes, Michael achieved rare excellence in creating the best site yet for constructive conversation among Catholics and Protestants. He knew just how long to permit a tense discussion to go forward; when to open a door to let in the relief of cold air and, exactly when the room needed to be sealed from further entry. As a convert from evangelicalism to Catholicism, I thank Michael for exercising his great gifts as a moderator among us.
From a prayer to St. Raphael, the Angel of health, happy meetings and travelers, we pray:
“Lonely and tired, crushed by the separations and sorrows of earth, we feel the need of calling to you and pleading for the protection of your wings, so that we may not be as strangers in the Province of Joy. . . .Remember the weak, you who are strong –- you whose home lies beyond the region of thunder, in a land that is always peaceful, always serene, and bright with the resplendent glory of God. Amen.â€
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I’ve only read a few articles over my whole time of knowing of imonk. Yet the first article I ever read helped me out more than one could know. It helped change my life. Goes to show that God has used Michael tremendously in so many ways. Thank you Michael for what you have done, even as little as it may seem to me. I shall surely pray for you, Michael and Denise and family.
-Nate
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Michael,
I’m praying for you, it’s not over yet; we serve a God of miracles who is all powerful, I’ll still be praying for your healing, and in the mean time the LORD’s continued comfort and mercy on you, Denise and family!
In the love of Christ,
Bobby
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Thank you for everything you’ve written Michael. Soon the veil will be lifted for you and you will see Him face to face. We continue in prayer for you, Denise and your family, and we look forward to meeting you in person in the Kingdom. Your work has meant more to us than we can say.
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Thank you for saying so well what so many feel, Ann.
Denise and Michael, thank you for sharing your lives so openly with us. Know that you are being held up to our Father during this time of transition — for Michael into the next phase of his journey with Jesus, and for you as you, well, into the next phase of your journey with Jesus.
How we lay down our lives can be just as important as how we live them. Here’s to a life well lived, Michael…and to finishing well.
May you both feel the presence of your Savior and his Bride–you are dearly loved.
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Michael has brought tears to my eyes several times in the past 5 years I’ve been reading him. He’s doing it again.
Peace to Michael and the Spencer family.
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Michael-there aren’t words. Thank you-your love for Jesus changed my life. Thank you.
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Michael,
You have been invaluable in my spiritual growth. I do not know what else to say, except that you will be deeply missed by everyone, even those you have never met in real life. This world could use more men who write with your honesty, humility, and care.
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Thank you Michael for your putting this site up for all the sojourners of the faith. May God give you the peace and blessed glory that awaits all those who have run the race well.
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Thank you, Michael, for helping me to see that I am not alone in my questioning. I grieve that you are leaving us, but rejoice that you will soon be in the presence of our Lord. My prayer is your passing will be peaceful, and that it will be as pain-free as possible.
Thank you, Denise, for sharing Michael with us. As you well know, he has been an encouragement to many. I pray that the Lord will strengthen and comfort you in this trying time, and that you will continue to receive the support of both your physical and your electronic brothers and sisters, both now, and in the months and years to come.
My final prayer is that Michael’s upcoming book will reach far more in death than Michael ever reached in his life. May Mere Churchianity be a lasting legacy that will glorify our Lord and lead many into a deeper relationship with our Lord. May it also help guide the church through the coming evangelical collapse.
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To Michael, Denise, and family: may all of God’s peace and love be on all of you. As the Holy Spirit descended like a dove on Jesus, I pray that He would now descend on you and hold you all in His arms.
To death: God damn you. You think you’ve won, but you’ve won nothing. Jesus has won everything. Your time is almost up; Jesus is coming.
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Peace and prayers for Michael, Denise, and their family.
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Thank you for your courage. These decisions are difficult. I have been there with my parents and their parents. God bless you, and keep you. And in the old Jewish prayer, Peace to your Spirit and guidance for your souls. We continue to pray, as always for the return of our Savior to cancel these sorrows.
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Vital spark of heav’nly flame!
Quit, O quit this mortal frame:
Trembling, hoping, ling’ring, flying,
O the pain, the bliss of dying!
Cease, fond Nature, cease thy strife,
And let me languish into life.
Hark! they whisper; angels say,
Sister Spirit, come away!
What is this absorbs me quite?
Steals my senses, shuts my sight,
Drowns my spirit, draws my breath?
Tell me, my soul, can this be death?
The world recedes; it disappears!
Heav’n opens my eyes! my ears
With sounds seraphic ring!
Lend, lend your wings! I mount! I fly!
O Grave! where is thy victory?
O Death! where is thy sting?
-“The Dying Christian to His Soul” by Alexander Pope
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Thank you, Lord, for the ministry of Michael Spencer. Have mercy upon the soul of your servant Michael, and comfort and sustain Denise and their family during this affliction.
Michael: May your rest be in peace, and your dwelling-place in the Paradise of God. Thank you, more than words could ever express.
Denise: Thank you for “loaning” Michael to his internet flock these past years. Your sacrifice is greatly appreciated.
Bill
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Jesus said “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
Father, thank you for Michael and his ministry. Increase his faith, sustain him with your grace, and give him peace. Bless his family with courage and hope. Fill the days they have together with heavenly joy. Supply their needs. We rejoice that for all who love Christ, death has been defeated and we have life through him. For us, to live is Christ and die is gain. We give you thanks for this mercy. Amen.
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Yes Ann….well said, and I could say no more.
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I cannot add to this comment. Perfectly said Ann.
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Dear Michael, Denise and family,
Our prayers are with your during this difficult time.
Pax Christi,
Allan Schwarb
Chesterfield MO
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We love you guys and we’ll be praying.
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Michael, this has been really sad for me as you were a huge encouragement to me during a really hard time of doubt. While a pastor, I woke up one morning and was convinced that I was just in denial, that I really wasn’t a Christian and that I needed to quit. That was about 2 years ago and I’m still in ministry. You spoke really well to some of the main issues that were messing me up and it was exactly what I needed to hear. Reading your stuff still encourages me that I am not alone and that there is hope for the future for those of us who want to be Jesus-shaped Christians after the pattern you promote and with which we resonate. This is a huge gift you have given the church. Bless you in Christ Jesus.
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My husband and I have been praying for Michael, especially that he is free from pain.
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Michael, you will be truly missed. You and your family have my prayers.
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I am a longtime lurker and shocked and saddened by the speed and severity of this illness. I am also surprised that the school had no disability policy/insurance to cover them. But thanks for thought provoking and faith enhancing work, and I am sending my prayers for Michael, and to Denise and the family with great respect and empathy for what they all face.
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Grace and peace, Michael. Praying for you brother.
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This is so sad…my prayers are with the Spencer family.
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With Newman I pray, “May God give [you] safe lodging, And a holy rest, And peace at the last. Amen.”
May the Lord protect us all the day long,
Till the shades lengthen and evening comes
And the busy world is hushed
And the evening of life is over
And the day is done.
Then in his goodness, may God give us safe lodging,
and a holy rest,
and peace at the last. Amen.
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For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. (2Tim4,6-8)
Peace, Brother.
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Michael, thank you for so many words fitly spoken, for being a voice crying in the wilderness, for being the kind of person who would draw an amazing world-wide digital church and eloquently point us all to a Jesus-shaped life. I will miss you, but I pray Godspeed for you and comfort for your family.
God, thank you for Michael.
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This expresses nearly exactly my experience in finding God’s grace flowing through Michael. I echo what you have written, Ann. Thank you, Michael. May you rest in the arms of our Savior.
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{heavy heart}
Father of all mercy — your hand of blessing & peace upon the Spencer family.
Sorry to get all Catholic but:
O St. JOSEPH, foster father of the Child Jesus and true spouse
of the Blessed Virgin Mary, pray for us and for the dying of this
day (or this night). Amen.
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Michael, Denise and family,
I hope you feel every ounce of love poured out in these prayers. May you be filled with peace, comfort, joy. All of you are loved.
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Thank you, Michael for giving so much of yourself to so many of us. You have indeed been a strong voice and a guide through the wilderness. May you and yours be sustained and comforted by your faith and the knowledge of a job well done. You are, as always, in my prayers.
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Michael,
You have been a voice of sanity for me these last few years. Thank you for your faithfulness and your willingness to share all the variety of your Christian journey. From one more praying among the many.
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EvanF ( my husband and fellow iMonk follower) and I pray every day for your family, Michael and Denise. We are so sorry, and though we’ve never met we love you always.
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Michael,
None of us wants to say goodbye to a brother. Already we grieve, if indeed God calls you home. If not, all the more glory to Jesus Christ. If so, glory still is God’s. If it is your time, thank you for your work. I never met you, but I will. I pray, selfishly, that your time is not yet. However, if it is your time, I rejoice that you go home to the Father. Untold joy, love, peace, and happiness awaits you. Soon, I will meet you. Soon.
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Michael,
God’s peace and grace be with you. I think you’ve made the right decision here. Chemo, if it’s not working, just makes your life more miserable, and that’s not worth it. Prayers from this corner of Manitoba are with you and your family.
Looking forward to the “resurrection of the body and the life everlasting”!
-long time lurker, first time poster, Alex from Manitoba
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Ann of Holy Experience expressed it well. I’m a long time reader – but have never commented. Ann’s beautiful entry mirrors in many ways what I have experienced in reading Michael’s writings for many years. Praying for comfort for him and his family.
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Godspeed, my brother. May the tide go out gently, and I’ll see you on the other side.
Love & prayers to Denise and your children.
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Pax.
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Peace be with you. My words are so small and ineffective at times like this. And I lift each of you up to my Father. To Michael, thank you so much for your humanity through the years. You’ve made me understand myself in many ways and strengthen my walk in the Way. And I find the older I get, the more questions I have, and that’s part of what the journey is all about. I love you brother.
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Sin sucks.
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I have quietly read here, and fed here, for years.
This may be only my second comment. I read this last night… grieved… quietly slipped away… and awoke again with Michael on my mind and heart…. and came back to just whisper here….
Michael has long been a companion on The Way for me. During a very dark time in my evangelical journey, when I didn’t know where I fit with God, when the ground under my feet began to shift — Michael’s words here let me know that it was okay to ask questions — that God still held. That Truth still held. That we didn’t all have to be cookie-cutter Christians, practicing church all the same way — we simply had to keep company with Jesus, simply had to fall in love with Jesus, simply had to fix the gaze on Christ. That fixed everything.
Michael taught me about unity… that you could still fellowship and stay and love even when there were differences… God used Michael to cause me to stay in conservative evangelicalism — while my heart grew more ecumenical. His humility, his honesty, his bravery, his Jesus-heart — they brushed up against so many lives and forever changed us.
Thank you for this ministry, for a life poured out.
God has multiplied the few fishes into a feast — and Michael’s work ripples on into eternity.
Humbly and with overflowing gratitude and continued prayers….
All’s grace,
Ann
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God’s peace…prayers.
I’ve loved reading iMonk.
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Still praying for your healing; its what I want. Nevertheless, God’s will be done. May God watch over you, your family, and give you peace.
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Your family are in my prayers. May He minister to you and overwhelm you with His grace.
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My heart is aching for Michael and his loved ones. May God’s peace and comfort embrace you all.
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My prayers are with you,Michael, Denise and Family. Internet Monk has been a great blessing and inspiration to me, and I am deeply thankful.
May the Lord’s peace and strength sustain you and comfort you.
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It’s unfortunately not a very exclusive club that you have found yourselves joining — I made this journey with my beloved wife several years ago.
The acceptance that treament is not working and there is little more to be done is one of the most difficult moments in the journey with a loved one though the curse we call cancer.
I pray that the presence of our Lord may be very real in your lives as you make this next part of the journey and that whatever its conclusion, you may find His peace at its end.
— Ishmael
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praying. 😦
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praying the God’s will be done, and that His peace and comfort wrap you like a blanket. God bless,
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I agree with a post from Jenn above that one of the most powerful things that Michael has said is “God is Jesus.” For anyone who says, “I don’t understand God,” just look at Jesus. Jesus is who Michael has constantly looked toward for understanding, strength, peace, forgiveness. I pray that we all can be so faithful as Michael in our walk in this world. I pray for Michael and Denise to have the peace of God throughout this trying time. I love you both and thank you both for your service to your students, friends, family and the many of us throughout the world inspired by Michael’s writings throughout the years.
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I am selfishly so very heartbroken to hear this news, though its not really a surprise. Add my voice to the many prayers, and the thank you’s to Michael for everything he has been and done for us all.
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Speechless. And sad.
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I am very saddened by this bleak news, but encouraged at least to see that Michael is accepting what is happening, and seems to be at peace spiritually and emotionally. Be assured that our prayers will be with both of you at this heartbreaking time. I haven’t been a regular here, but the occasions where I did interact with Michael were edifying, and I greatly appreciated his kindness.
God is with you, even now; especially now. He loves you, and there is a purpose in this, no matter how inexplicable it may seem to most of us. I don’t want to sound trite, believe me (I have lost a father and brother to cancer, as well), but I think it is important to always keep this in mind, in faith, lest we lose hope.
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Michael,
Reading your blog has changed so much about the way I view God. You have helped me to have faith in Jesus even though I doubt the church so much. On days when I have so many questions that are unanswerable and I am ready to leave God, I am unable to leave Jesus. When God is scary and unknowable to me, Jesus is accessible and accepting. I will never forget the phrase “God is Jesus” and I am so grateful for that. I am not saying “you have changed my life,” but you are a voice of honesty that has contrasted starkly with the double-speak and deceptive semantics of evangelicalism. Thank you for showing us that we can be intelligent, curious, and doubtful without committing heresy.
I just wanted you to know how much you mean to me!
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Praying for God’s will, peace, and comfort.
~Squirrel
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My heart cries for you, Denise. May you feel the love from all those around you. And may God give you strength for your children. I know that He will sustain you, and pray for comfort for Michael in this part of his journey home.
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God be with your family and fill you with peace as you anticipate a joyful welcome into His rest.
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Michael and Denise,
May you experience an acute sense of the nearness of Jesus and the trustworthiness of all His promises that He has secured for your satisfaction and rest in Him. I, my family, and church family are praying for you. Grace and peace.
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We love you. We are praying for you as a family.
Grace you to, and peace.
Steve McCoy for the McCoy’s
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I am saddened to hear this. The iMonk has been an integral part of my life the last 3 years, and I cannot thank Mr. Spencer enough. My wife and I are praying for you and your family.
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“From the beginning, it was not so.”
No words here, only prayers.
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Praying.
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My prayers four Michael and family. My heart is heavy. We are losing a great warrior for the faith. Heaven will rejoice and we join with the angels. But I will still miss him and his wisdom.
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Praying for you all.
Hoping and praying that when my time comes I will be able follow Michael’s example to gracefully let go rather than desparately clinging to this world.
Wolf
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When my dad was dying of cancer we had a similar experience. There were lots of well-meaning folks offering various alternative treatments they’d heard about, mostly second- or third-hand. Unfortunately this became something of a burden. We didn’t want to deny these people the opportunity to help, but it really wasn’t a help. And quality of life did improve considerably once the chemo stopped.
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Michael and Denise, you are in my heart and prayers. Thanks for sharing the heart of Christ with my family and I. May the peace and comfort of our loving Father be with you both.
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To read of this brings very mixed feelings ;
– I am so saddened and yet so joyful that by the very grace fo God He has granted you faith Michael, in the One True God. That you will go to be with Him……….
I pray that you, Denise, would lean hard upon the LORD for strength.
My prayers are with you in this difficult difficult time.
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The imonk community is digital but it is real.
Holy God, I lift up Michael and Denise to you. Please fill them with your Spirit, your strength and healing. Surround them with the knowledge of your presence.
Jesus, help.
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this effing sucks
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Grace, mercy and peace to the Spencer family at this time. And always.
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Dear Heavenly Father, Hold Michael in your arms and let him be at peace and pain free. Give him comfort. And when he is ready he will give you his spirit. Bless Denise. Guide her and hold her up. We love them very much. Bless us all as we will miss Michael. There will be a big hole in our hearts for him. Thank You for everlasting life. We thank You and praise You. This is the Lenten time. Easter is just around the corner.
LORD, have mercy.
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Praying for all of you…
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I am just speechless, numb. I think Ed Stetzer said it best, “Lord have mercy.”
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Please God, no. Yet if it must be, let Michael have love, joy, and strength. Still, Lord, please heal.
Michael, love and blessing to you. I love Jesus more because of your words and friendship.
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Dear Michael and Denise-
I pray that the peace of God, which transcends all our limited understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
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God be with you all.
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We are all praying for you. Michael has been an inspiration for so many of us in searching for Jesus shaped spirituality.
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Praying
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Many prayers for you all. May the Lord continue to bless your time together, and give your family strength in this painful time.
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Jesus, be merciful to our friend. Amen.
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Grace and Peace to you dear brother and sister in Our Lord~
I have enjoyed the beauiful, witty and chellenging blog. Thank you for touching my life in a positive way. I will keep you all in my prayers. Aside from being a hobbyist theologian-blogger, I am also a hospice nurse and the editor of this blog: http://www.hospiceaffirmations.com.
BLESSINGS.
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Praying for you.
May the peace of Christ be yours.
Doug
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Dammit all.
I’m sorry. I’m just upset. And sad. And still praying for a miracle, but also that if that’s not what He chooses to do, for comfort, peace and a strong, strong sense of His presence for Michael, Denise and the kids.
Lord, hear our prayer for Michael.
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Lord, have mercy.
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We are praying God’s mercy for you all.
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My prayers are with you all.
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Praying for God’s will to be done.
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God be with you both, Denise.
Just so you both know, Michael has meant so much to me on my own journey with Jesus.
I resonate with so much of what he’s written. He let me, and many others, know we were not alone, whether it’s dealing with the lunacy of the evangelical world or wrestling with questions about God and life we all ask to one degree or another.
To see a ministry, a life, make such an impact and for the journey to end much sooner than you expected…it’s hard. It’s hard when it’s your coworker or neighbor…harder when it’s your friend…even harder when it’s your parent, or relative.
You adjust, but life is never, ever the same.
And you are faced with the choice of trusting God, that His ways are not your ways, and that He is working in all of this for His glory and that His plan is best..or with making another choice.
God is good, and is in control. Life is full of frustrations, and heartaches, and pain.
Jesus’s resurrection reminds us that death has lost its sting, and that there is a world where those in Christ who move on there from this world will be free from earth’s frustrations and heartaches.
Jesus is Lord, in good and in bad times, and He will never leave you nor forsake you.
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Praying.
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We are praying.
tom
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Prayers for peace for Michael and comfort for all those who love him.
Thank you Michael for all you’ve given!
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God, if it be your will please miraculously heal Brother Michael. Please don’t deprive the SBC of one of its few voices of sanity and a role model to me. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Prayers. May God have mercy.
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