the man I love

About six years ago I was introduced to a man I already knew very well. I knew he was kind. I knew he loved Jesus very much and was smart and cared about others. I knew he truly understood what it meant to be a minister and I knew he had experienced heartache. What I have now come to know, throughout the past six years, is that Jimmy Dunn is truly a man of God. He walks so closely to Him that you can't help but feel the presence of Lord when you talk with Jimmy. I've also learned that he loves NASCAR, supports the Tennessee Vols first and fore most followed strongly by the SEC in general. He loves to read and always stays very informed on current events. He has strong convictions and is an amazing writer. Jimmy is a smart business man and always puts others before himself.

Most importantly I've learned what an amazing father Jimmy is. Not just to his own two boys but to me as well. Having my fair share of dads and father figures throughout the years I am so very grateful to have this man in my life, not only as a friend and mentor, but as a dad. The way he has welcomed me into his life has been like nothing else I've ever experienced. He carries an amazing strength within him that I believe only comes from the Lord. His faith and wisdom continue to inspire me to be a better person and his encouragement helps get me through whatever battles I may be encountering. It is such a blessing and honor to know him, love him, and learn from him.

Four years ago Jimmy was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. MM is a form of cancer of the blood plasma. It is regarded as an incurable cancer but can be put into remission with a variation of drug and treatment options. For the past year and half Jimmy has been in partial remission and was able to stop chemo treatments and cut back on doctor visits. It was a nice break while it lasted. Jimmy had to start back on chemo, steroids, and another anti-cancer drug today. He will continue with weekly treatments until the numbers go back down.

I hate cancer. What was once a common prayer concern for many others I knew all of a sudden became a daily battle for my family. You would think after 4 years of it I would be used to it...like violence on television or scandals in politics...but it doesn't seem to work that way. There seems to a be a nervousness in me that is quite constant and a call to prayer that seems quite daunting. I ask you to join with me in prayer for Jimmy and so many others who face this daily battle.