#PrayingForMark

Dear Readers,

Today, I am asking you to join me in prayer. Whether or not you are a religious person, I am asking that you lift positive thoughts to whatever you believe in for an amazing man I've never actually met. Mark Hall.

Mark is the lead singer of the Contemporary Christian band, Casting Crowns. Recently, he posted on the Casting Crowns social media sites:

"Hey Casting Crowns Family,

I would appreciate your prayers.

Doctors found a solid mass in my right kidney about a week ago. They are 90% sure it’s cancer and they are going to remove the entire kidney next Wednesday, March 11th. They believe the cancer is contained in the kidney, which is also a great hope. They will know more once it is out and Pathology can see it.

I’ll be in recovery for a month or a little longer because of the surgery. Please pray for healing and for God’s peace for my family.

Praising Him in This Storm

Mark Hall"

When I read the posting on the great book of Faces, my heart sank. I immediately was transported back in time, to March 20, 2014. I attended a Casting Crowns concert in Hershey, Pennsylvania. I had never been to a concert of contemporary Christian music before, so I had no real idea what I was in for. I had enjoyed the music of Third Day and MercyMe, and I had heard of Casting Crowns (and heard they were amazing to see live), so when the opportunity presented itself for me to attend the concert, it was a no-brainer. Mark Hall was larger than life for me. He stood in front of thousands of people, professing his faith, admitting his shortcomings, and asking everyone in attendance to allow our faith to guide us. It was life altering. I couldn't even talk about the concert for days, without getting teary eyed

At that point in my life, I had struggled with my faith. I believe I was driven to attend the concert by a higher force. I chose to listen and to believe the voice of truth that night and I was forever changed.

As someone who battled kidney issues very young in life, my prayers were immediately lifted for this man who helped awaken my soul, revive my faith, and made me instantly feel like a friend of his, even though we had never met.

If I could ever repay Mark Hall for what he - and the Casting Crowns - have done for me, it would be through this blog, encouraging others to keep #PrayingForMark, keeping he and his family in your thoughts now, on March 11, 2015, and in the coming months. The voice of truth says "Do not be afraid." I don't believe Mark Hall is fearful. I believe he is accepting this and I believe he will fight with every ounce of his power. I believe in the power of prayer (and I believe cancer SUCKS).

Until next time, my friends......please keep #PrayingForMark


Think Thankfully!